what is orienteering?

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Orienteering is an outdoor sport that combines navigation and physical activity, using a map and a compass to navigate through a course with various checkpoints, known as controls. The objective is to visit all the checkpoints in the correct order in the shortest amount of time. The course is usually set in a natural environment like forests, parks, or open terrain, and the participants must find their way from one point to another without any external guidance.

Key aspects of orienteering include:

1. Map Reading: Use a specially designed orienteering map that shows the terrain, vegetation, and key landmarks.

2. Compass Use: A compass is used to help navigate the course, particularly when the terrain is challenging or when visibility is limited.

3. Physical Endurance: Orienteering requires physical fitness, as participants often have to run, climb, or cross difficult terrain.

4. Strategy: Deciding the best route between checkpoints is a crucial part of the sport. Efficient navigation and route choices can significantly affect performance.