The third step is picking and planning your route.

Once you can navigate using the map, it’s time to plan your route.

There’s no right or wrong way when it comes to picking your route choice but it’s essential to pick one that best suits your abilities. The course planner’s task is to think of several possible route choices. Usually, there are shorter route choices with more difficult orienteering, and longer route choices with easier orienteering.

On courses with a low level of difficulty, you can often follow so-called line features, such as roads and trails. Use these to simplify the navigation. When no line features are visible en route to the control, use your compass to navigate by locating objects that are clearly visible in the terrain.

Skill tip: If it's far to the next control, divide the route into smaller steps and be on the lookout for specific features that you should be passing along the way.