Item description
In orienteering, the post description is a piece of paper with additional information on the control posts to be completed in the form of symbols . In addition to the map and the compass , it is the runner's third aid.
function
The control post contains more detailed information on the objects to be approached and the exact location of the control post at this object. It should help the runner with orientation in the immediate control room. This is particularly important if the exact location cannot be interpreted solely on the basis of the map. For example, ambiguity can arise from the fact that there are several objects within the control group on the map. The exact position of the post on the object can also be important, for example on a rock wall: In order to keep the chance factor low and ensure fair competitions, the runner should be able to plan whether he should hit the foot or the top of the rock. In addition, the object you are looking for is specified in more detail in the item description than is possible on the map (e.g. more precise size information), thus making planning easier.
Another important function of the post description is the addition of a code number with which the runner can identify the post as the correct one he is looking for. This is particularly important if there are several items from different lanes in a small space in larger competitions, as incorrect stamps will be punished with disqualification.
In contrast to the card, which the athlete only receives at the start, the control description is available in advance and is therefore the first source of information about the track to be run. In addition to the actual post description, it also contains information about the length of the track, vertical meters, number of posts, the length of any compulsory routes and any refreshment, spectator or medical posts and can thus contribute to initial tactical competition planning. In some high-level competitions such as world championships and world cups , the job description is only given shortly before the start, in other races earlier. In addition, the post description is usually printed on the route card.
Since the post description is usually not printed on waterproof paper, runners usually carry them with them in protective covers or cover them with self-adhesive film. In addition, special brackets are available with which the item description is attached to the arm, protected by foil.
Structure and symbols
In competitions, item descriptions are usually given in the form of internationally understandable symbols. These have been standardized by the International Orienteering Association since 1978 . Item descriptions are sometimes written in text form only on courses for beginners.
At the top of a standard post description there is a header that contains the running category, the length of the track and the altitude to be overcome on an assumed ideal route. Below that, starting with the description of the starting point, are the descriptions of the individual items in eight columns, although not all of them have to be used:
| column | meaning |
|---|---|
| A. | Number of the item in the sequence to be approached on the path |
| B. | Item identification code |
| C. | Specification of the object to be approached if there are several possible (e.g. "southern", "upper", ...) |
| D. | Type of control object (e.g. "stone", "building", "stream", ...) |
| E. | Additional information about the property (e.g. "flat", "deep", ...) |
| F. | Size of the object in meters, possibly an additional symbol for combinations |
| G | Position of the post on the object (e.g. "north side", "above", ...) |
| H | Further information (e.g. "beverage items") |
In the example on the right, the first post would be read as: The first post has the control number 40, it is located in the southeastern hollow in the upper section.
Any mandatory routes are also entered with their length in the control description. This mostly concerns the way from the last post to the destination, in the example opposite 180 meters.
Web links
- Ingo Horst: Use the post description. (PDF; 82 kB) German Institute for Sport-Related Cartography, accessed on December 8, 2010 .
- IOF symbols 2004 for control descriptions. (PDF; 48 kB) Accessed December 8, 2010 .
- Item description on ol-wiki.de
Individual evidence
- ↑ Ingo Horst: Use the post description. (PDF; 82 kB) German Institute for Sport-Related Cartography, accessed on December 8, 2010 .
- ↑ International Orienteering Federation (Ed.): Competition Rules for International Orienteering Federation (IOF) Foot Orienteering Events . 2016 ( orienteering.org [PDF; accessed on August 21, 2016]).
- ^ Ian Bratt: Orienteering. Training - technique - competition . 1st edition. Pietsch, Stuttgart 2004, ISBN 3-613-50447-2 , p. 15 (English: Orienteering. The essential guide to equipment and techniques . Translated by Hermann Leifeld).
- ^ The historic controls of the world. (No longer available online.) Center for Orienteering History, archived from the original on September 21, 2010 ; accessed on November 14, 2010 (English). Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
