This skill involves orienting (lining up) the map with the terrain by lining up one or more major linear features (bike paths or other major trails, fences, large streams, edge of a road, etc.) on the map with the feature(s) in the terrain.
Note that athletes do not need to know or understand the term linear features to be able to do this. In fact, it is recommended that you do not say anything about linear features with kids until the Learn to Train stage.
Tip for coaches: Beware of the common trap of mis-orienting the map by 180 degrees. The linear features are still lined up but are backwards to each other.
Description of an orientering exercise whereby dice are used to deterine which controls to find from a central control. On Orienteering.ca.
Description of / instructions for a map orientation exercise in partners at Orienteering.ca.
Description of / instructions for a star relay exercise at Orienteering.ca where teams have to find one control at a time and hand their SI stick or punch card to their partner between controls.
"Course on a circular contour-only map without north-lines. As the map is without north-lines, the runners can not use the compass to adjust the map to north, and thus it is necessary to concentrate more on reading the contours."
"Course on a circular contour-only map without north-lines. As the map is without north-lines, the runners can not use the compass to adjust the map to north, and thus it is necessary to concentrate more on the map reading."
"Orienteering race indoors, typically in a gym. Good exercise if it is not possible to run outside - also a good exercise for beginners."