Discussion: map scale for M21E long

So I want to sign up for M21 in the NAOC long but had a miserable time trying to read the 1: 15000 scale maps in the longs at the COC and WCOC recently. Just wondering whether I should expect 1:15K again at NAOC?

Hi Mark,

The M21E course will be at 1:15 000 as per IOF rules. There is also an M21A option - I'm not sure what scale it will be at but can check and get back to you if you like.

There's always the option of a magnifier on a thumb compass, or trying out a contact lens in one eye for reading the map (or, if you're nearsighted, a contact for distance in one eye and the other eye bare for reading the map).

That's how many of us over-40s manage...

or, the orienteering style, half moon glasses. A big nuisance if it's raining but they make a HUGE difference when the weather is decent and for the most part, I don't even know I'm wearing them.

Focal training.

It should not be a problem to read a 15000 scale map. The problem is, that those maps are often mapped in 1:5000 or 1:7500 and used in 1:10000 and than for the 1:15000 maps are scaled down by the factor 0,66. In my opinion the result is a scaled 1:10000 map and not a 1:15000 map.

No, don't restart this yet again. Just 'search' for 'old chestnut' or 'been there, done that'.

I can understand that M20, F20, M21, F21 are on 1:15,000. But, please, do not put M35 and/or F35 on 1:15,000 unless there is some very important reason to do so (e.g., the course length/design would require the map be printed on a 5 foot x 8 foot sheet of paper). I'm not sure there are any of us old recreational-type orienteers who prefer 1:15,000 if given the choice of 1:10,000.

+1 bmay

I think it is a question of volunteer time. Since W35 and M35 run on the same courses as W20 and M20 it would require that those courses be printed at two different scales. not impossible, but it is extra work and management, with increased chance of something to go wrong.

Maybe another approach would be to move that the course allocations be changed? Which I think they probably could do with a "looking over" in any case

Agreed with AZ that printing at different scale could take a little more time.

But, depending what program and process you use, it really is only a couple extra steps. Although there are a few things you need to double check like the size of control circles and if you are cutting any control circles. With the method I most frequently use (exporting from condes, importing into the ocad map, then printing direct from ocad), details like circle size, etc are pretty simple.

If you are already printing some courses at 1:10 and others at 1:15, then it shouldn't be much extra work to put M35/W35 on 1:10 while M20/W20 are on 1:15. Say, comparable to offering different courses for M80 and M85 :-). I haven't actually run M35 in a case like this (I'm usually a sucker and pick M21 :-), but I've thought it poor that the scale selection for M35/F35 is sometimes dictated by M20/F20, rather than being based on what is best for the athletes themselves.