Orienteering and Related Activities

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To help those wondering how orienteering compares to adventure racing and land navigation, here's a quick summary in table format:

Aspect Orienteering Adventure Racing Land Navigation
Purpose Recreational and competitive navigational sport blending physical and mental activity Multisport endurance race navigating via checkpoints Practical use for hiking, military, search and rescue
Maps Detailed maps (1:4000 to 1:15,000 scale); oriented to magnetic north so declination adjustment is not needed Topographic or race-specific maps (1:20,000 - 1:50,000 scale); usually oriented to true/geographic north Topographic maps; oriented to true/geographic north
Compasses Thumb or baseplate compasses Baseplate compasses Lensatic, prismatic, mirror or baseplate compasses
Skills Emphasized Understanding and using the map, with some compass use Teamwork & multi-discipline (run, bike, boat, climb) Using a compass, with some basic map work
Who Does It Individuals or groups; outdoor enthusiasts, families, hikers, youth groups, adventure racers; all ages and all skill levels Teams; adventure racers, outdoor enthusiasts, athletes; adults aged 25 - 50 Individuals; military personnel, adventure racers, outdoor enthusiasts
Where Are Events Parks, forests, and cities Remoter areas with rougher terrain Forests, mountains, wilderness areas, military bases
How Long Are Events Classic events: 0.5 - 3 hours; Sprint events: under 1 hour Generally 8 - 24 hour or multi-day Varies
Cost $5 to $20 per person Varies; often $50 to $200 per person Varies; classes start around $85
Sources/Calendars QOC, OUSA, Attackpoint, REI EX2, USARA, REI, Attackpoint REI

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