Welcome to the world of orienteering! This guide will help you understand the basics of the sport and how to succeed in the simulator.
Orienteering is a sport where participants use an accurate, detailed map and a compass to find their way through various terrains. In a race, you must visit a series of control points in the correct order as quickly as possible.
Maps are drawn with North at the top. The blue or black vertical lines on the map indicate Magnetic North. Always keep your map oriented with the terrain.
Control points are represented by circles on the map. The center of the circle is the exact location of the control. The start is a triangle, and the finish is a double circle.
Your compass needle always points to Magnetic North (represented by the red end of the needle in the simulator). Use it to orient your map so that North on the map matches North on the ground.
Don't just run blindly! Take a moment at each control point to plan your route to the next one. Look for features in the terrain like buildings, paths, or clearings that can guide you.
Head back to the main menu and select a difficulty level. Start with "Easy" to get a feel for the map and controls.