In orienteering, having a reliable process is key. The right techniques can:
- Minimise the chance of navigation errors
- Help you recover quickly if you do make a mistake.
These strategies aren’t just for competitive courses—they’re valuable in any navigation scenario.
One essential skill is map folding and thumbing. This technique helps you stay connected to your location on the map and in the terrain.
Whether you are deep in forest or in an urban environment, it’s easy to lose track of your position—especially when something grabs your attention.
A kangaroo bounding past, a familiar face in the forest, or simply a moment of distraction can cause you to forget where you are on the map. That lapse can cost you time as you try to relocate your position—or worse, lead you to believe you’re somewhere else entirely, resulting in a longer detour once the mistake becomes clear.
A thumb marking your location on the map is a fast and secure way to help you refocus on where you are located on the map and where you are going.
Orienteering ACT explains this concept simply and effectively.
Quick Tips for Smarter Map Folding:
- Fold with purpose: Align the fold parallel to your direction of travel. This lets your thumb glide along your route corridor.
- Keep options visible: Avoid folding the map too tightly—you don’t want to block out potential route choices.
- Think ahead: Fold to reveal upcoming controls and reduce the need to refold mid-course.
- Use your compass: The tip of your compass can act as a “proxy” thumb, helping you stay oriented and quickly return your focus to the right spot on the map.
Event maps are generally printed on durable paper, so maps tearing or losing print quality when folded isn’t common. Runners can fold, refold and fold again throughout most orienteering courses without loss of map legibility.
The Into The Forest I Go YouTube video also offers a helpful visual walkthrough.
Orienteering Techniques: Staying Sharp and Saving Time
© Barbara Hill, November 2025
