In orienteering, what should you do with the map before deciding which way to go?

Point the top of the map in the direction you want to run

Hold it so the writing on the map is the right way up to read

Turn it so north on the map points the same way as the compass needle

You are in the middle of unfamiliar woods. What is the best way to check where you are on the map?

Keep running until you spot the next control flag

Find a landmark such as a boulder, stream or path and match it to the map

Count how many steps you have taken since the start

Why doesn't the fastest runner always win an orienteering race?

Choosing a smart route matters just as much as running fast

Runners have to stop and rest at every control point

Control points can be visited in any order, so luck decides

Finding your way in orienteering

Age 13 · Sports

Open to everyone until Friday, October 30

To keep it, print it while it is open.

In orienteering you use a map and a compass to find your way through unknown terrain and reach checkpoints in a set order. The fastest runner isn’t always the winner, because choosing a smart route matters just as much.

In the picture

The compass: the red needle points north so you can turn the map to match the ground
A circle on the map: the exact spot of the next control point
The boulder: a landmark that is also drawn on the map and confirms where you are
The control marker: the orange-and-white flag you must reach and punch to prove you were there

Examples

Finding your way to a friend’s house in a new neighbourhood by following a paper map
Using a trail map and signposts to reach a lake during a family hike

Key takeaways

Turn the map so north on the map points the same way as the compass needle
Check landmarks such as boulders, streams and paths to confirm where you are on the map

Quiz: Finding your way in orienteering (Age 13)

1
In orienteering, what should you do with the map before deciding which way to go?
- Point the top of the map in the direction you want to run
- Hold it so the writing on the map is the right way up to read
- Turn it so north on the map points the same way as the compass needle
2
You are in the middle of unfamiliar woods. What is the best way to check where you are on the map?
- Keep running until you spot the next control flag
- Find a landmark such as a boulder, stream or path and match it to the map
- Count how many steps you have taken since the start
3
Why doesn’t the fastest runner always win an orienteering race?
- Choosing a smart route matters just as much as running fast
- Runners have to stop and rest at every control point
- Control points can be visited in any order, so luck decides

The answers, each with its explanation, are in the app. This quiz is free there while the lesson is in the free week.

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Sports, Age 13