Orienteering Symbols
What do brown contour lines on a map show?
The shape and elevation of the land.
What country is orienteering originally from?
Sweden
What's the first thing you should do if you realize you're lost?
Stop, stay calm, and try to relocate using your map and surroundings
What is the goal of an orienteering course?
To find all the control points in order, as fast as possible.
What is a bearing?
The angle between north and your direction of travel.
What does the color yellow usually represent?
Open land or fields.
In Scouts BSA, what merit badge teaches an orienteering course?
The Orienteering Merit Badge
What's an important safety item to carry on a course?
A whistle.
TRICK QUESTION: What's it called when using visible features to find your position?
Terrain Association.
Which direction is at 90 degrees on a compass?
East
What do blue symbols stand for?
Water features like rivers, lakes, or ponds.
What's the line connecting controls on a course map called?
The Course Route
Why should you tell someone your route before doing orienteering?
In case you don't return on time and need help.
Why might taking a trial around obstacles be faster than going straight through?
What do you call the process of aligning your map with the north?
Orienting the map.
What does dark green on a map mean compared to light green?
Dark green means thick vegetation that's hard to move through, light green means easier vegetation.
What's one key benefit of orienteering as a scout activity?
It builds navigation skills, confidence, and outdoor awareness.
If your compass breaks, what can help you find north?
The sun rises in the east and sets in the west.
What should you do before starting the course?
Orient your map and plan your route.
Why should a compass be held flat and level?
So the needle can move freely and accurately.
What does the triangle symbol mark on an orienteering map?
How do you set up a Scouting Orienteering Course?
1. Set up a 100-foot course by your meeting place
2. Have scouts walk the course
3. Calculate the pace
4. Place the directions on an index card or a item to indicate what direction your going on
Why should you always stay hydrated and wear proper shoes?
To avoid injury and exhaustion while moving on rough terrain.
TRICK QUESTION: Which tool do oreinteers use to mark that they've reached each control?
A control card or electronic punch.
What does the red end of the compass needle point toward?