Every mapper has struggled with a map that for some reason doesn't align properly. Your different layers of base data aren't anywhere close to each other or you've shown up to do your fieldwork but your gps is several km from where it should be. This 2.5 hr course has been specifically designed to give you the knowledge to avoid these issues or troubleshoot them when they do arise. In the course you will learn all about coordinate reference systems, the earths magnetic field, declination, grid convergence, and grivation, and 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 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 dates:
Tuesday, January 20, 2026 | Zoom
Thursday, January 22, 2026 | Zoom

This 3 hour class teaches participants how to use OCAD's DEM Import Wizard to turn lidar data into useable base map layers and contours. Participants will learn how to set up the various outputs along with the various information you can get from them:

• hill shade
• slope gradient
• contours
• feature map
• vegetation height map
• vegetation base map

Upcoming dates:
Thursday, March 5, 2026 | Zoom