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 Primarily military; some use for search & rescue, hiking
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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