What Is Orienteering?

Orienteering is a sport involving navigation of a pre-set course with the use of map and compass.  It consists of a timed race in which participants are given a topographical map and a compass.  The competitors must navigate a usually wooded terrain.  There are checkpoints along the course that are indicated on the map.  The participants must use their navigational skills to reach each checkpoint.  The winner of the competition is determined by the shortest time needed to complete the course.  You can learn more through the International Orienteering Federation.

Orienteering is originally a military exercise. It has originated from Scandinavia in the late 19t century. There was only one particular organization that is associated with this sport. It was the Swedish National Orienteering Society founded in 1938. This sport form in the form of a competition began in Norway.  

In the year 1897, the first competition was held in Norway. The competition was sponsored by famous Tjalve Sports Club and was held near Oslo. The course of the sport was quite long. It was about 19.5 km. there were only three controls placed on the entire pathway of 19.5 km. the first Orienteering meet on a large scale was organized by Major Ernst Killander in 1918. He was called as the Father of Orienteering in Scandinavia.