Embracing Digital Tools for Orienteering

On Saturday, 29th March,2025 a surveying workshop was held at Ballinakill National School,

Co. Laois. Organised by Regional Development Officer Déirdre Ní Challanáin, the event

focused on the importance of mapping quality and accuracy in orienteering, as well as

introducing attendees to new digital tools. The workshop was well attended, including

several members of SEVO, two of whom delivered presentations during the day.

The first presentation of the morning explored the use of LiDAR data in developing new

orienteering courses. Renowned cartographer Pat Healy discussed the quality and

Pat Healy at Heywood gardens

availability of such data, with a brief overview of recent technical advancements in LiDAR

collection. Traditional mapping techniques often rely on lower-resolution aerial

photography, used to generate stereoscopic images from which terrain features and

contours can be digitally extracted. In contrast, LiDAR technology involves airborne laser

scanning to determine object distances with high precision. Although more costly, LiDAR

provides higher resolution and more up-to-date data. Pat showcased both printed and

digital examples and demonstrated how this data can be imported into OCAD for map

creation.

After a short coffee break, SEVO’s Andrew Cox introduced the mobile mapping application

Avenza Maps. While there are many comparable tools, Avenza stands out due to its

availability on both major phone platforms, its mature development, and a strong user

base—critical factors for reliability. Notably, Avenza is currently free to use, with a limit of

three active maps, making it an appealing option for planners seeking cost-effective digital

tools.

Andrew Cox at Heywood

Avenza offers two mapping modes. By default, it provides a base map using

OpenStreetMap data, which requires an internet connection. Alternatively, users can

upload their own maps—created in software such as OCAD or Open Orienteering Mapper

(OOM)—directly into the app for offline use.

To provide hands-on experience, Andrew supplied a digital base map of the school

grounds, intentionally embedded with “glaring inaccuracies” to challenge attendees.

Despite the chilly weather, participants ventured outside to use the app, identify mapping

errors, and familiarise themselves with Avenza’s practical capabilities. With GPS support,

the app enables users to see their location on the map, drop pins to record observations,

add labels and photos, and track distance and duration. These features make Avenza

well-suited for site surveys and map reviews. Recorded data can be exported as KML files

for use in platforms like OCAD or Google Earth.

After lunch, Jack Hanafin presented on OCAD Sketch, a free companion app to the OCAD

software suite. OCAD Sketch supports in-field mapping for both creating new maps and

revising existing ones. It offers a user-friendly interface, allowing users to draw with either

a stylus or their finger, using a full colour palette, variable stroke widths, and an intuitive

undo function. Jack shared insights from his personal workflow and compared the use of

tablets versus smartphones for mobile mapping. While OCAD Sketch does not require an

OCAD licence for use or for importing OCAD files, exporting data for full use in OCAD

does require a licensed version. Files can be emailed or uploaded to OCAD’s cloud server

for convenient sharing with club planners.

Later in the afternoon, the group took to the nearby Hayward Estate in Ballinakill, equipped

with base maps loaded into OCAD Sketch. Here, they visited permanent orienteering

controls and updated map features, including vegetation changes, in real time—putting theory into practice.

Ocad map of Heywwod

Back in the classroom, Andrew Cox concluded the day with a review of current maps

available in MapRun, a virtual orienteering application. He encouraged the group to revisit

existing maps, focusing on consistent club logo placement and the review of sponsor

branding, which may become outdated during a map’s lifespan.

The day was a great success. Participants developed practical mapping skills and

explored new digital tools—resources that are highly encouraged for wider use.

Using Ocad to check accuracy of map

SEVO extends its sincere thanks to Déirdre Ní Challanáin, Orienteering Ireland for organising the event and to everyone who attended or contributed to a productive and enjoyable day of training.

Steve Silby

April 2025