Mappers Beware

[ianandmonika]

Agree with Pete Owens. Almost every event has its own purpose drawn map these days - gone are the days of printing a pile of maps and using them up at several events. It makes much more sense to register by event than by map. Also helps where an area is being gradually mapped for a series of events (we have urban areas in Sheffield like that) - easier to put event number on map.

PL Insurance for amateur mappers seems to have been covered by BOF now Map Registration number not applied for.

Maps should be assessed for Level A events (and maybe B) for consistency etc. Map Group has a key role in this and in ensuring mapping standards are adhered to by all mappers - such as correct ISSOM/ISOM symbols and colour charts, magnetic north revisions, credits, copyright wordings etc. That doesn't prevent mappers exhibiting their creative skills, but does set a consistent spec we should all be working to.

[rocky]

Maps should be assessed for Level A events (and maybe B) for consistency etc. Map Group has a key role in this and in ensuring mapping standards are adhered to by all mappers - such as correct ISSOM/ISOM symbols and colour charts, magnetic north revisions, credits, copyright wordings etc. That doesn't prevent mappers exhibiting their creative skills, but does set a consistent spec we should all be working to.

Does that actually work in practice? And what is the point of doing it retrospectively? This years JK sprint map was barely fit for purpose - a system which caught that before the event rather than after would surely be better...

[King Penguin]

All that can be assessed by remote armchair reviewers is the quality of the cartography and adherance to colour standards. Only those on the ground can determine the accuracy of how the map represents the features, which to me is the most important aspect. I say leave it to the mapper / planner / controller for all but the highest grade events. This sounds like a Big Brother diktat to me - the George Orwell version, not the TV programme.

[Clive Coles]

BOF have today posted an partial explanation as to how the Map registration process should now work, (see link below). We no longer need to submit maps and MR1 forms to National Office . They have yet to determine how the Map group will assess maps in the future.

http://www.britishorienteering.org.uk/index.php?pg=1&action=news&id=MjI4MA==&rtn=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5icml0aXNob3JpZW50ZWVyaW5nLm9yZy51ay8=

To retrieve the new Map report you don't actually need to log on as suggested and search for the report on the Event report menu

You can just click on the following URL http://www.britishorienteering.org.uk/page/events_maps_report . You don't in fact need to remember (and input) a password

[AndyO]

a system which caught that before the event rather than after would surely be better...

Certainly. If Mapping Group wants to QA a map for a forthcoming race, then they should give long notice of that to the mapper and event officials so that their (Mapping Group's) check can be done without affecting preparation for the race. They should do it by "spot checking" a random series of races each year - that they can actually cope with, rather than squirrelling away lots of maps that will never see the light of day.

I can see the point about sticking to Level A (or B) events but if the intention is to raise standards they should check maps for all levels of event.

Of course if they are as good at checking maps as they are at responding to the numerous requests on this forum to explain just what it is they plan to do, and how, then we are entitled to ask quis custodiet ipsos custodes?

[graeme]

This years JK sprint map was barely fit for purpose - a system which caught that before the event rather than after would surely be better...

They're using an amateur mapper for this year's JK; someone who doesn't even understand why last years map wasn't fit for purpose! So quality control is more important than ever. So far the map has been iterated for cartography and legibility between the mapper, Dave Peel, and the Map Group advisor.
According to the regulations the map advisor should visit the area to verify correctness, but this has yet to happen.

[Oldman]

Of course if they are as good at checking maps as they are at responding to the numerous requests on this forum to explain just what it is they plan to do

Are they answerable to Nopesport, then?

[Big Jon]

Who is "Glynn Lydiate"? He certainly seems to get around a bit - and map areas that the club and previous mappers don't know about!

[Mrs H]

That is indeed a mystery given that he is down as mapper of my Great Malvern Urban Race on March 10th which is actually currently being mapped by Mike Hampton.

[Clive Coles]

Your Fixtures secretary should be able to correct this Mrd H. Probably a bad data problem that has been copied across on to the new registration system.


Has anyone else noticed? They seem to have forgotten to include

1)the name/venue of the map being used for the event on the new map report.
2)activities ~ they use maps as well which presumably also need to be registered!

http://www.britishorienteering.org.uk/page/events_maps_report

I have asked BOF for this to be rectified

[Red Adder]

In my experience the fact that the JK mapper is amateur is neither here not there - I've run on some excellent maps from both amateurs and professionals and had to "recover" a set of school maps produced by a professional that included one with north 20 degrees out, another 110 (yes 110) degrees out, one where the scale was 1:700 on one axis and 1:900 on the other and most with a key that was a poor match to the symbols used on the map.

[ianandmonika]

If Map Group isn't going to do it, then clubs themselves (with higher level input for Level A - and B?) should make sure their maps, from all their map producers, are up to standard and meet the ISSOM/ISOM specs. Definitely a role for a Club Map Coordinator these days.

[Big Jon]

If Map Group isn't going to do it, then clubs themselves (with higher level input for Level A - and B?) should make sure their maps, from all their map producers, are up to standard and meet the ISSOM/ISOM specs. Definitely a role for a Club Map Coordinator these days.

Having map group attempt to do this for all maps is a recipe for a shambles - as the existing scheme has been (in my opinion). How can 8-10 people, mostly from mid-England even pretend to be able to control the quality of hundreds of maps a year across the whole of UK? The whole system has needed changing for years and I am glad is has been changed... I just hope the new system works more efficiently and doesn't become another grandiose overstretch vision.

[AndyO]

Of course if they are as good at checking maps as they are at responding to the numerous requests on this forum to explain just what it is they plan to do

Are they answerable to Nopesport, then?

I don't know that they are answerable to anyone, Oldman, whence my comment. If they are members of the orienteering community they will - or ought - to be aware of relevant discussions here. Nopers are asking relevant and genuine questions about a declared intent of this group, and it seems to me not unreasonable that someone makes some kind of explanation or defence of the position.

There are a few GOM and GOW on here, but they represent a lot of experience of the sport and just occasionally their contributions would be worth listening to - even some of your own

[DeerTick]

They're using an amateur mapper for this year's JK; someone who doesn't even understand why last years map wasn't fit for purpose!

Nice one Graeme. I hope the mapper doesn't sue you.

AP