What detail can be left off the map?

[Freefall]

I know that power lines are frequently left off orienteering maps (not sure where in the IOF Mapping Spec it says this) but is it permissible to delete a very large and obvious met mast that has been erected for a future windfarm on the site? The mast makes navigation a bit too easy in places and I would prefer that orienteers use the contours instead. Taking things to a logical conclusion the future wind turbines would also be omitted.

[Wayward-O]

I've no problem with the omission of such features from the map as long as this is clearly identified to competitors through an obvious statement on the map (not buried in other unimportant information), any final details and possibly in the start lane. Just a thought, but could the mast be removed for the Light Green course and above but left on for White to Orange?

I'm sure that when the wind farm is constructed, the turbine sites will be obvious from the supporting service road network.

[dch]

You don't mention if there are any other towers/masts on the map.

If so, then I think care would be needed to ensure that there is no risk of confusion between the unmapped tower and any which are mapped. Would a competitor, unfamiliar with the area, who can see one tower be able to determine whether or not it was the unmapped tower?

[Freefall]

There is only one tower so assume it is OK to remove. Where in the rules (IOF or otherwise) is this eventuality covered?

[seabird]

A similar issue arises on moorland areas where there is just the occasional isolated tree.

I have tended to leave these off 1:10000 and 1:15000 maps as they are such a a navigational giveaway.

However I have recently started adding them in the less technically demanding areas, where the moorland does not dominate the whole map - with some misgivings. I know I am partially influenced by the detail on sprint and urban maps, and partially by a growing expectation by planners.

Is this a trend to be resisted?

[Red Adder]

In open heathland I often map individual trees from the aerial photo to my base map (I've one with nearly 300) as they are very handy in mapping other features but then use the hide features (PF4) on the ocad symbol palette otherwise they seriously clutter the map.

Whilst I (and most other mappers it would seem) don't bother with powerlines I would map a large individual mast. My reasoning would be that when running I often don't really pick up on the presence of lines (they are 30' up, poles look like pine trees) but a mast is almost always going to attract my attention.

[These comments apply to 1:10k, 1;15k maps]

[NFKleanne]

I think masts, etc should be put on orange and below maps, I got completely lost at my first event, but located a power line, but was still wandering for over an hours as it wasn't on the map, and I assumed we'd got more lost than we actually were!

[graeme]

I don't really see why you should leave anything off: the map is meant to help people find their way, not hinder them. Maybe powerlines if there are only wires invisible above the trees. Maybe fences if they're always changing (rare in UK). But all you achieve in leaving off a tower is a division between people who know where the tower is, and those who don't.

[NeilC]

What sort of event are we talking about? I've run on maps with paths left off before at the old CC/district level and once I think at regional/badge.

For a high profile event (level A or B) there is no justification for leaving off a significant feature in order to make navigation more difficult. Leaving off features in order to make the map clearer without significantly affecting navigation is altogether another thing.

[seabird]

Edit: The pyramid has been exported to another map.

[Spookster]

I think I would always map a pyramid.

[NFKleanne]

I think I would always map a pyramid.

There is a pyramid at Blickling ( I think) in Norfolk , its mapped!!! Its a mausoleum really but looks just like one

[Miner]

This arbitrary omission of features might come as a shock to those who have been introduced to the map as a representation of an aerial view of the area - common advice for juniors and novices

If I passed a distinctive feature which wasn't mapped I'd start to worry I was in the wrong place and consider whether I'd made a parallel error or overshot. But obviously a superior orienteer wouldn't be bothered - they would know precisely where they were and deduce the mapper had decided to omit certain features

[Red Adder]

In Epping , on route to my first control, I came across a 30m diameter pond that wasn't on the map. Unfortunately neither was I !!

[Ernie_Wise]

I think that if you're going to omit such a significant feature, it is important to inform the competitors every time the map is used.