Legends on maps

[PhilJ]

What are your thoughts on having legends printed on maps, are they still needed, does anyone actually ever look at them while they are on their run? "I am running down a path...better check whether it is a path, an indistinct path or a track just in case by checking the legend" - I think not....I only raise this as for an event I am planning the legend takes up more than a 1/3 of the map and as as such I can either print the control descriptions over the legend - (so what's the point in it being there), or will have to print the control descriptions on the back of the map (have the maps printed then push them back through a photocopier).

Legends on maps are ok for newcomers, at activity events (come and try it's etc) to explain what the map symbols denote etc but after that what purpose do they pose? Then again you could use (with permission) Simon E's excellent legend documents at activity events.

[Mrs H]

Well it rather depends on the level of the event really as you say. On saturday I did an event and got a bit lost I did actually check the legend to make sure where I was (standing next to a trig point) although I'd probably have remembered eventually Sometimes you see a selective legend of lesser known or non-standard symbols which is very useful.

[alanbrett]

Yes - always, if there is a chance that a newcomer could participate.

[denbydale]

Yes - always, if there is a chance that a newcomer could participate.

[AndyC]

I suggest loose legends in the start lane - (like CD's) and newcomers/ unsure people encouraged to pick them up. They then have them as a reference after the event as well

[Wayward-O]

There are a number of special symbols which require explanation on the map (ISOM:2000 symbols 118, 314, 418 - 420, 539, 540). Also, it can be useful if undergrowth screens are explained (i.e. brashings, bracken, etc.). Unfortunately, when there is a full legend on the map, planners tend to put the CD's over the legend and can obscure the explanations of the special features.

My personal preference now is for a limited legend covering the special symbols (if used) plus any other more obscure symbols that have been used.

The worst thing to include in a legend is a symbol that isn't even on the map, which can occur when a standard legend is copied on to a map.

[SeanC]

Yes, legends on maps.

But planners/organisers often paste over them at local events, which shouldn't happen but does all the time, and people running orange/light green etc with <10 events experience will likely need them.

Do any clubs provide a "welcome pack" for new members? If so then a hard copy of typical O symbols would be a good idea, ideally laminated so they can take them to all events. Simon Errington's website http://www.maprunner.co.uk/ has a good A4 legend that can be printed off.

[HarryO]

Yes, I definitely like a legend on the map.
I sometimes have a senior (or junior?) moment when I need to remind myself of the less common symbols.
And my kids are still not totally confident. As they move up through the TD's they encounter new features as then move further away from those linear features.

[PhilJ]

Thanks for all the replies, you have convinced me, plus the event I am planning is a Level D. Maps have gone to BML for printing and I'll push them back through a photocopier to print the control descriptions on the back of the map, plus have loose ones available as norm.

[Adrian]

It's quite normal to print over the legend but I avoid doing it for white/yellow/orange. Still, loose legends are available and clubs should keep some in stock to give to beginners. I tend to agree with those who suggest that in future, to save space and possibly expense, legends should not be included on competition maps, except for special symbols relevant to the particular area.

[ianandmonika]

I would always try if possible to put a legend on the map. Reasons:-
- newcomers/beginners/youngsters to sport
- putting legend on map prompts you to think a bit more about the symbols you will use
- I think it also prompts you to ensure symbol specs are correct, which is not always the case
- it 'completes' the map
- if space needed for CDs legend can always be printed over, but generally for shorter courses that tends not to be so much of an issue

If space an issue, I'd still put on special/unusual symbols as a partial legend.
As most maps these days are unique to each event, and its really easy to put on a legend or not (and change scale), you can almost make that decision by course by event ie just put full legend on youngsters courses.

[andypat]

I've always been an advocate of legends on the map for the reasdons given by Mrs H. If newcomers dont get a legend, the map simply doesnt work for them. (note: look of surprise when you tell anyone new that white = woods).

BUT as an organiser, mapping coordinator, planner, I appreciate that putting legends on maps sometimes increases cost (A4 becomes A3), sometimes is awkward, and sometimes the control description needs to go there anyway. The only recent time I remember using a legend was to compare if the green on my ISSOM map was thicket or NOT to be crossed black/green -0 but that was down to poor print quality as much as anything.

I like Andy C idea of having them in the start lane for newcomers, and definitely giving them out to beginnners/new members.

[EddieH]

When I went to my first event someone conveniently explained the white/ green conundrum.

The only time I looked at the legend was when I was getting fed up with the brambles so I looked to see what some symbol meant - "Windblow". Great I thought a few sand dunes will be a relief from the brambles. (Why I thought a brambly inland forest would have a sandy are I cannot imagine ) I navigated perfectly out of my way for this section and ended up crawling through windblown thorn bushes - I learned that day that "windblow" is to be avoided, but how many beginners would have a clue what windblow means?

P.S. Surprisingly after this taste of O I was hooked - I just assumed that all orienteers spent the fortnight after all events picking thorns out of themselves.

[AndyC]

Don't we?

[roadrunner]

When I went to my first event someone conveniently explained the white/ green conundrum.

The only time I looked at the legend was when I was getting fed up with the brambles so I looked to see what some symbol meant - "Windblow". Great I thought a few sand dunes will be a relief from the brambles. (Why I thought a brambly inland forest would have a sandy are I cannot imagine ) I navigated perfectly out of my way for this section and ended up crawling through windblown thorn bushes - I learned that day that "windblow" is to be avoided, but how many beginners would have a clue what windblow means?

P.S. Surprisingly after this taste of O I was hooked - I just assumed that all orienteers spent the fortnight after all events picking thorns out of themselves.

The one that caught me out in my early days was "platform" - I was expecting some sort of raised wooden structure rather than a flattened bit of ground on a hillside.