Control Descriptions and Map Symbols Explained

Control Descriptions and Map Symbols Explained (2004)
(Samples further down this page)

Control Descriptions are the black on white pictograms that tell you where in the circle the control is located, and Map Symbols are the 5-color symbols used on orienteering maps.

Control Descriptions
Here is a site where you can learn about control descriptions.  All the symbols are listed, and you can find out about what each column is for and what information is given on the top and bottom rows.

    After you have an idea about how they work you can use the examples below to get some practice using them.

    Map Symbols
    If you are interested in Orienteering Map Symbols (These are what make up the map.  They are similar but not the same as the control descriptions because the map is in color and the control descriptions are only black on white.)

    Tree symbols used on BOK mapsTake a close look at your Umstead Park maps.  The trees that have been blown down in the storms are mostly mapped.  Here is a small guide to what the different tree symbols mean.

    Control Description Examples

    The following sheet shows the Control Description in the left column, followed by the Map Symbol , and then the English translation

    You can download these sheets formatted for printing in a .pdf file

    Practice Examples

    The following example panes are taken directly from the IOF Control Description Booklet pub.March 2004.  Here you can practice what you have learned and compare the Map, 3d Sketch, Control Description and the English Words for many examples.

    Map
    Example    		 Sketch Control
    Description    		 Words

    Created by Joseph

    13 Responses to “Control Descriptions and Map Symbols Explained”

    1. Aaron Henderson, on December 22nd, 2008 at 10:42 pm Said:

      I thought you might want to know.

      On this page =>

      http://backwoodsok.org/control-descriptions-and-map-symbols-explained

      This link does not work ==>

      The IOF booklet of symbols and printing instructions etc. etc. pdf version
      http://www.orienteering.org/publications/isom2000.pdf

      Great Web Site. I really like the layout. Good Job!

      Aaron

    2. Joseph, on December 23rd, 2008 at 9:52 am Said:

      Thanks, I found a new reference to the file.

    3. Yellow to orange class October 19, 2019 | Backwoods Orienteering Klub, on October 9th, 2019 at 5:40 pm Said:

      […] moving up to orange, the3 control descriptions are now pictorial rather than English words. See our Control Descriptions and Map Symbols Explained page which includes a link to a handy online […]

    4. Open event, Umstead North, 11 Sept | Backwoods Orienteering Klub, on September 1st, 2022 at 9:34 pm Said:

      […] descriptions.  If you’re not skilled in interpreting these symbols, you can study them here.  Event personnel will also be able to interpret them for […]

    5. Umstead North Open Event, Saturday, October 8th | Backwoods Orienteering Klub, on October 3rd, 2022 at 11:23 pm Said:

      […] control descriptions.  If you’re not skilled in interpreting these symbols, you can study them here.  Event personnel will also be able to interpret them for […]

    6. Open event at Eno River, January 08, 2023 | Backwoods Orienteering Klub, on December 30th, 2022 at 11:20 am Said:

      […] The control descriptions for the beginner and intermediate courses will be in English. Advanced and expert-level courses will use symbolic control descriptions. If you need to brush up on what these symbols mean, you can do so here. […]

    7. What Is Orienteering? And Why It's So Good for You - World HD Videos, on May 10th, 2023 at 8:06 am Said:

      […] sport involves navigating through unfamiliar terrain, often in a forest, to locations circled on a detailed topographic map. (These spots are typically marked by a flag, and […]

    8. What to Know About Orienteering, the 'Thinking Sport' - Daily Briefs, on May 10th, 2023 at 8:10 am Said:

      […] sport involves navigating through unfamiliar terrain, often in a forest, to locations circled on a detailed topographic map. (These spots are typically marked by a flag, and […]

    9. What Is Orienteering? And Why It’s So Good for You – CEO Weekly, on May 10th, 2023 at 8:11 am Said:

      […] sport involves navigating through unfamiliar terrain, often in a forest, to locations circled on a detailed topographic map. (These spots are typically marked by a flag, and […]

    10. What to Know About Orienteering, the 'Thinking Sport' - Globe Echo, on May 10th, 2023 at 8:16 am Said:

      […] sport involves navigating through unfamiliar terrain, often in a forest, to locations circled on a detailed topographic map. (These spots are typically marked by a flag, and […]

    11. What Is Orienteering? And Why It's So Good for You - 24 Prediction Today, on May 10th, 2023 at 8:16 am Said:

      […] sport involves navigating through unfamiliar terrain, often in a forest, to locations circled on a detailed topographic map. (These spots are typically marked by a flag, and […]

    12. What Is Orienteering? And Why It’s So Good for You – XIO HEALTH, on May 10th, 2023 at 8:17 am Said:

      […] game entails navigating via unfamiliar terrain, usually in a forest, to locations circled on an in depth topographic map. (These spots are usually marked by a flag, and contributors […]

    13. Carl Briscoe, on February 8th, 2024 at 8:44 am Said:

      The link to learn clue descriptions quiz is no longer valid

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