This 2.5 hour online course is part 1 of Navigation Sports' Introduction to Orienteering Mapping course. In it, you will learn what you need to know to set up your first mapping project to modern mapping standards.

This module is mix of learning about foundational topics and tutorial-style practice. You will learn about a variety of topics that will make your first project (and all future projects) better, easier, and more rewarding while assembling your first project! Topics include:

• Basic mapping concepts: Working with data, drawing maps, fieldwork, base map layers / templates, etc.
• Common orienteering mapping software; OCAD or Open Orienteering Mapper (OOM)*
• Georeferencing
• Declination
• Sourceing and using Open Data
• How to get aerial photos using SAS Planet

* Instances of this course will focus either on OCAD or OOM.

The Using Open Orienteering Mapper or Using OCAD, Introduction to Fieldwork, and Laying out Your Map modules will allow you to take the project you start in this course to completion. See our course catalogue for more.

Upcoming classes: There are no scheduled classes. If you would like to request a class, email jeff@navigationsports.ca

This 2.5 hour online course is part 2 of Navigation Sports' Introduction to Orienteering Mapping course. In it, you will learn how to use OCAD's drawing tools. Participants will spend the majority of the class practicing using the software.

In this module you will practice the following:

• Using basic drawing tools
• Using shape manipulation tools
• Tracing base material

Upcoming classes: There are no scheduled classes. If you would like to request a class, email jeff@navigationsports.ca

This 6 hour module builds on Introduction to Fieldwork 1 and introduces additional concepts for fieldwork in more natural environments. This module has both classroom and field components. The field component of this class takes place in forested/wilderness environment and focuses on interpreting base material and terrain and making decisions about what goes on the map and how best to represent it.

In this module you will practice the following:

• Working with multiple base material layers including different lidar layers
• Drawing techniques
• Making decisions in the field:
  • Interpreting contours and vegetation
  • Classification of features
  • Creating a consistent map
• Post-fieldwork drawing

By the end of this class you will have a solid foundation for working on your first forest orienteeirng map.

Upcoming dates:
Sunday, November 1, 2026 | Kingston, ON (exact location tbc)