What are the different types of orienteering?

All forms of orienteering use maps specially developed for the sport of orienteering.  The orienteering map will show a course comprising checkpoints marked by purple circles.  Participants either navigate the checkpoints (or controls) in a set order or randomly in a set time.

Types of orienteering we hold at our events

Foot Orienteering:  This is the longest established form of orienteering and the type for which the most events are held.  Top orienteers run as fast as they can navigate.  Participants can also choose to walk, or walk and run in combination, depending on their skill level, fitness level, and competitiveness.

Mountain Bike Orienteering:  Using a special mountain bike orienteering (MTBO) map, the orienteer uses the track information to find the best way to get from control to control on their bike.  All control points are on tracks.

Night Orienteering:  Competitors use a head torch to navigate in the dark. Reflective markers often are used on control point flags.

Novelty Events:  A creatively themed or structured variation of traditional orienteering, designed to add excitement, challenge, or a unique twist to the navigation-based sport. Past examples include 'Orienfearing', 'Scrabble-O' or 'Leg-O'. 

Formats

Within foot orienteering, MTB orienteering and night orienteering, events may use either line (point-to-point), or competitor determined (score) courses.

Line (Point-to-Point) Orienteering: These are the most common orienteering events.  An orienteering course involves visiting a number of checkpoints (controls) in order.  These are pre-marked on a map with numbered circles.  You are supplied with a map and a list of the unique number and description of each control.  You must navigate around this pre-set course, finding the controls in the correct order.  When you get to the control you see an orange and white flag (see picture), which has the unique number on it.  To prove you have been there you use insert an electronic key (e-stick) into the electronic SPORTIdent box on the control.  At the finish the elapsed time is recorded either from a clock, or from the e-stick which is downloaded to produce a record of overall time, plus split times between controls points.  All checkpoints must be visited and, if it is a competition, the fastest person wins.

Score Orienteering: Participants navigate through the checkpoints in the order they choose, attempting to visit as many in the designated time.  Often the checkpoints are given different points values so that if it is a competition, the orienteer with the most points wins (otherwise the winner is the person with the most checkpoints visited in the shortest time).  In this case it is not just about navigation and route choice, but also selecting which controls to visit and the order in which to visit them.  There is no penalty for not visiting all checkpoints, but time penalties are incurred if the orienteer takes longer than the designated time.