Control Descriptions Poll

[FATBB]

Loose control descriptions for a relay = Terrible idea

Just no.

Codes printed next to the number = Brilliant idea

More often than notyou can see what feature the control is on from the map alone and, whilst probably not the best habit to be in, the only reason to look at the control description is the code. Having this printed next to the number streamlines the whole process. Nice for an individual, invaluable for a relay where the faff unfolding the map is terrible.

[70plus]

The gaffling business has already been pretty well computerised. It's the increased risk of human error when stuffing your 700th brown envelope of the evening that is the issue.

I know. I have happy? memories of stuffing about 1500 paper bags for JK84.

But I was hoping that the stuffing etc. was all part of the computerisation ...

[awk]

If the printing of control codes next to the controls is in addition to loose descriptions at individual events and map printed descriptions at relays, then I'm all for them: any possible confusion is mitigated by maintaining the current alternatives (and I do agree, they could be a big plus in relays!). I'd be against them replacing current systems. I can't see any form of loose description system working at relays - certainly none of those so far described seem at all viable to me. If you want to go round tearing off bits of the map to create more bits of paper to carry,that's fine by me.

[mharky]

It's only for relays, and as an extra to descriptions on the map.

[sketchweppers]

More often than notyou can see what feature the control is on from the map alone and, whilst probably not the best habit to be in, the only reason to look at the control description is the code. Having this printed next to the number streamlines the whole process. Nice for an individual, invaluable for a relay where the faff unfolding the map is terrible.

Sorry I have to disagree - you also need to look at the control descriptions to check the exact location of the control on the feature - eg south side; western inside corner etc. This is even more important for urban and sprint races.

I don't want the control code written on the map next to the number - it may obscure map detail and yet more clutter on the map - no thanks. I accept that loose control descriptions are not practical for relays, but I guess I would rather cope with folding and unfolding the map as necessary.

[mharky]

We're not talking about urban and sprint races.

I'd like to know out of all the people commenting, who has actually run a relay that has had the codes printed on the map?

As far as I can tell, the people who have run in big Scandi relays think it is a good idea, and people who have NEVER used it think it's a bad idea. Standard.

[madmike]

I'd like to know out of all the people commenting, who has actually run a relay that has had the codes printed on the map?

me for one

[Street]

I'd like to know out of all the people commenting, who has actually run a relay that has had the codes printed on the map?

me for one

And are you for them?

Codes on the map are a great idea for relay races - but you still near control descriptions somewhere else so you can check them if you need to.

For individual races I don't think they are so important because you have loose ones to look at but I wouldn't be disappointed if they were put on.

[tbc]

I don't want the control code written on the map next to the number - it may obscure map detail and yet more clutter on the map - no thanks. I accept that loose control descriptions are not practical for relays, but I guess I would rather cope with folding and unfolding the map as necessary.

Like Mharky said have you actually experienced a relay with the codes on the map? Don't knock it before you've tried it.

The numbers are placed in sensible places close to the control but away from detail, or if this is not possible, placed in a position covering detail which you would not need to use. For example away from the approach and leaving direction of the control. See from last year's Jukola as a quick example.

It works very well in Scandi where many of the maps have a lot more detail than most UK maps. It does not clutter the map and everyone I have ever spoken to about it thinks it is a vast improvement than having the codes hidden away on the back or edge of the map.

The descriptions are also printed as normal on the map so if you like to know exactly where the control is you have the option to check.

For individual races stick with what we've got. Although it would be good to try an event with the codes on the map.

Let's try and move relay racing in the UK out of the dark ages, ShUOC made an excellent start last year putting on the Harvesters. This type of O discipline has been in the decline whereas in other countries it is still going strong (albeit in Scandi where the club ethos is stronger). It is one of the most intense, exciting, challenging, and sociable aspects of the sport (not to mention fun). So let's make it even better, yes?

[mappingmum]

Looks interesting. I'd be open to trying that.

[Scott]

For individual races I don't think they are so important because you have loose ones to look at but I wouldn't be disappointed if they were put on.

...although it does make sense for those one-man-relay style individual races where you don't have loose control descriptions because people are running multiple gaffled loops in different orders.

OKNuts2011.gif (49.89 KiB) Viewed 4028 times

I should add that I quite like the thing Condes does by default of printing the control code number slightly smaller than the control sequence number.

[mharky]

Yes, the smaller font for the code looks good.

[graeme]

It does not clutter the map

I liked it at jukola, and it doesn't clutter the map when the controls are far enough apart you can actually have a race. But if you have 27 controls in half a square km of forest and several dozen courses (c.f. BRC2011) you'll be struggling. Its been hard enough siting all the JK control numbers without clutter.

[FATBB]

But if you have 27 controls in half a square km of forest and several dozen courses (c.f. BRC2011) you'll be struggling.

Two minutes in purple pen suggests otherwise.

[awk]

Two minutes in purple pen suggests otherwise.

No it doesn't - there's plenty of detail obscured (and plenty of the numbers difficult to read, especially given the light conditions that existed in that particular area). If anything, this confirms my concerns. And, yes, Mharky, I've run relays and individuals in Scandinavia with control codes, and am not a fan. As I said, though, will put up with them if they're an extra, but they'd need a lot more care than that shown in this example.