Discussion: Legend

Since you're better off with AOC, could you suggest adding a legend for any non-standard symbols used on the maps? I still am not sure what some of the features were supposed to be on the Chalk Ridge Falls map.

Well that would take the fun out of it. A "feature" of orienteering in TX is inventing new symbols and vegetation types. It keeps the for-ners guessing and a little more bloody when they don't realize that the cross-hatched dark green area means a forest of mesquite trees with 3 in spears on each branch. Eyeball removing cedar forests are another favorite; leave those as white so the yankees try running through at high speed.

Hahaha. If I speak up I'll be shot. See what you missed Tom! You should've popped down.

I'll mention it to Radu when I hit him up with a few questions.

Tom! Nice to hear from you again. If you need any basemaps prepped for your areas, let me know!

Radu will understand but what then? Nancy is really their only mapper and I see you've touch on that issue in Jordon's log. Is going to be a touchy issue for him too. It's always worth a try but my suggestion is to be realistic and learn to enjoy the orienteering that is available in spite of the idiosyncrasies.

Most of NTOA's maps are ok and reasonably close to standard, other than vegetation which gets out of date faster than anyone here is inclined to redo it. James Ray Scout Camp (90min north of Dallas), has the most whackiness with symbols, particularly vegetation. However, since I know it and am used to it, it is actually helpful to me and I'm not inclined to help out for-ners, even if they are only coming from south Texas. ;-)

I've have already touched upon the issue you speak of with Kenneth. It's funny you picked up on it straightaway. We'll chat at the Clements meet more Tom.

Yep, I know I won't be able to change the map itself. Maybe just make it a little better for people trying to get involved. And this is one of the problems with orienteering in the US. Mappers cost a lot and local ones that often get paid don't know what they're doing. It's like there is a set of specifications to ensure uniformity of maps across the globe.

Anyways, on to using them as training maps!

At least Houston's maps will make sense with symbols and legend!

Let me know when you want to start a conversation about the course setting idiosyncrasies to be experience in the country of Texas. We can have fun with that too.

My philosophy is to run fast when I can but just slow down and not worry about time when things get weird. Sometimes you might be able to see the bag and then need to run around a bit to find the secret tunnel the setter used to get there without getting mauled; I'm tired of getting mauled so I just take the time. Most importantly, you have to practice asking yourself the following question, "If someone was going to put the bag in the wrong place, where would it be?" This is more sophisticated than it might sound. I sometimes study the map thinking about what error could be made so that I can locate the bag. This is much more difficult because there are more options. Accept this challenge as a unique feature or risk going crazy with rage.