This is a guide for clubs and school leaders to setting up permanent course. There are a number of ways to do this successfully and we’ve compiled a list to get you started.
Permanent plates, no codes
This is set up once and is very easy to use on the day. Without any way to prove a checkpoint visit, you are relying on the honestly of the participants.
Permanent plates, basic codes
This is set up once, and there are variations to consider depending on the amount of work the operator is prepared to do on the day.
No recording, no checking
Codes on the checkpoints are not just a way to enforce fairness, the codes are also useful for orienteers to verify that the checkpoint they have arrived at is in fact the checkpoint they intended to arrive at. This is most helpful in scenarios with many checkpoints close together, where the navigation is more demanding, or when the participants are beginners. If the checkpoints are well spread across a spacious park, the chance of orienteers arriving at the wrong checkpoint is low.
It is not unreasonable to therefore have codes on the checkpoints and also indicated on the map, while having no way to the participant to record their visit, let alone the intention to check or enforce fair play.
Written codes, no checking
If you wish for the participants to prove their visit, you will need clip cards or punch boxes printed on the maps. This can be low-tech as long as participants know that they need a pen or pens are provided. A simple 2-letter code on the checkpoint marker is sufficient. It is best to use letters, as number are used for the sequence in orienteering.
It is not necessary to check the codes in most contexts as the emphasis is often on having a positive experience and learning some basic navigation skills.
Written codes, checking
If you do wish to enforce fair play, checking the codes is an option. In this case we would recommend providing very bold pens or permanent markers as the main point of friction will be reading the codes at the finish. Also be careful of wax paper clip cards as these are hard to write on with ballpoint pens and pencils.
In a school where students regularly see the checkpoint markers, you may wish to use longer codes that are hard to memorise, otherwise some students may be able to fill out corrects codes without visiting the checkpoint. Written codes are also easy for participants to exchange with each other and so this isn’t the best way to enforce fair play where an orienteering course loops back on itself or in a rogaine.
But remember, that for young ages the emphasis should be on fun, and so checking for correctness should only be applied where necessary.
Punch codes, no checking
Punch codes are a fairly robust method for proving a visit to a checkpoint as they cannot be shared between participants or memorised. This means their is very little temptation for participants to cheat, which can make the operators life easier.
The downside is that there is more hardware to set up and maintain. Punches tend to break after years exposed to the elements and if you are dependent on them you may wish to check they are still functioning before each use.
If you chose to use print boxes on the map, this will damage an plastic bags used to seal the maps, so could be problematic in wet whether.
Punch codes, checking
If enforcing fair play is really important, this is an option, but it is not recommended because checking punch codes is very time consuming for the organisers. Punch codes are best left to encourage fair play, rather than to enforce it, but this approach is workable with small groups or fewer checkpoints.
QR codes or GPS with app
These more high-tech solutions solve many of the problems with other methods, but depends on participants having a mobile device and a particular app installed.
Other bonuses include instant access to leader boards at the finish.
iOrienteering
iOrienteering is one such app that uses QR codes at the checkpoint to prove the visit. This system works well, but there is no guarantee of the longevity of the service.
It is available from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
MapRun
MapRun is similar in that is uses the device’s GPS location to prove the checkpoint visit. The app can also display the map. This is more suited to self-service scenarios where map printing is not available and/or there are no permanent markers in the terrain. ONZ believes that paper maps and physical checkpoints are beneficial to learning orienteering and so do not recommend MapRun as a way to willingly avoid paper maps and physical checkpoints. Also, the digital map will have to be accurately georeferenced and the mobile devices will need accurate GPS to ensure the app recognises your checkpoint visit.
It is available from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
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