maps before events?

[EddieH]

I totally agree. I have always thought that at major events, the most recent used version of the map ought to be on display in the assembly area.

[roadrunner]

I agree with the idea, but mightn't there be copyright issues with putting the map on a web site if it's based on the OS?

As for displaying the most recent map at major events, I thought this was in the guidelines somewhere (though I haven't got time to look it up at the moment).

[marcus_weatherburn]

At some events you can buy maps for the major events. Take the BOC for example, there were updated maps available to buy at the JK. these maps were the exact ones used for the individual day of the BOC.

ok its not all event which do this but if you search the internet enough im sure you wil find some sort of maps to look at.

something which event organisers could do, is at the event, you could have the chance to buy a black map b4 your run. this way you can look at the area first. shame is, some people can work out their control sites which is a bad thing.

[greywolf]

... mightn't there be copyright issues with putting the map on a web site if it's based on the OS? ...

can't see how it would be different, copyright-wise, from putting it up after as part of routegadget.

i'm in favour of organisers putting blank maps up on website if an area has been used before - if possession of the map gives an advantage, then it should be available to all, and if like me you can't navigate even with a map, then it won't matter anyway....

[Ed]

... mightn't there be copyright issues with putting the map on a web site if it's based on the OS? ...

can't see how it would be different, copyright-wise, from putting it up after as part of routegadget.

the OS licensing works per website. All maps published on Routegadget UK are therefore covered by a single licence. If clubs or events wanted to put maps up on their own websites they would need their own license (which is only GBP56 p.a., so shouldn't really be a big issue for clubs of for major events). I'm sure a bit of lateral thinking could allow clubs to put advance maps up on a central website (BOF, Routegadget UK, Nopesport, ...).

[Rich R]

shame is, some people can work out their control sites which is a bad thing.

Easy, only have control descriptions in the start lanes; how I think it should be for events.

[marcus_weatherburn]

Yer but how much chaos would that cause, imagine at large events having thousands of people queueing for control descriptions. its a posibility but would it work well?

[Nails]

What are you talking about? - they manage it at the largest events in the world -obviously you've not been to the o-ringen!

[marcus_weatherburn]

no lol

[Ed]

it works well enough for major events in other countries: rows of control descriptions in a -5 (or whatever) start box together with a bit of table space and sellotape for attaching them to yourself for those without a holder. A couple of minutes to sort yourself out and then the usual -3 and so on.

I guess for events with a remote start it would be more of a pain as for inclement weather a covered area is better, but for most events it wouldn't be a problem.

[greywolf]

...the OS licensing works per website. All maps published on Routegadget UK are therefore covered by a single licence...

thanks, i'd guess then that as most maps end up on routegadget, the easiest thing would be for them to be put up before the event (assuming that there's no technical routegadgetty problem with putting the map up on its own...)

if you search the internet enough im sure you wil find some sort of maps to look at...

OS 1:10,000 maps of the whole country [EDIT: Scotland, not sure about England / Wales] are available on-line, not that they're up to much, usually


Control descriptions might be an advantage if i understood half of them. Looking at the descriptions for SOL 4, it appears that course 4 (JM4, JW4, Light Green) has a control on the north side of Batman, which i take to be part of a BOF initiative to increase participation amongst the youth...

[Knee Deep Mud!]

I'm going to have to differ with everyone who's posted so far, as I don't think you should see the map before the event. Next you'll be wanting to see the course before the event too, so that you can plan your route etc. If that's what you want then I suggest that cross country or road running may be more your scene. Orienteering is about being able to read the map and make those route choice and navigation decisions at speed, on the run, not whilst you are sitting in the assembly area before you start.

The only exceptions to this I would suggest are at beginners events where you are specificaly targetting runners and want to introduce them to the sport gently.

Previous knowledge of an area will often help to a degree (though occasionally is counter productive), but using this as the excuse for dumbing down the sport is not acceptable in my opinion. I also consider actively going out and looking for old maps of an area before you run an event there is almost in the realms of cheating... It certainly takes some of the challenge out of an event, though judging by some of the comments on the "Making "orienteering" more accesible" thread, that seems to be what a lot of people want?

[EddieH]

The symbol means narrow passage.

[RS]

Agree with Ed. The idea of table, sellotape etc is great but I think when I posted about it on here a while ago, it met with only negative comments. We can learn a lot from our foreign colleagues