Discussion: Mtbo map size

What's the optimal dimension of map and scale for MTBO given the trail system isn't overly complex? Is it common to have multiple maps so folding isn't necessary?

Middle Distance has typically been 1:10,000. A3 paper size
Long Distance - 1:15,000 A3 - A2 size
Sprint Distance - 1:5,000 or 1:7,500 - A4-A3 size

The map folding is part of the challenge that comes with MTBO, making sure you don't fold off route options.

And of course there's nothing wrong with multiple maps if it makes planning easier.

Erik, the 1:10000 11x17 map you did last spring happens to be right here on my desk (ok, partway down in one of the piles, but the corner was identifiable). It is very legible! It was a really fun event, and one of the major reasons for that was that I could read the map while on the move. You're right the trail system isn't highly complex, but please don't shrink it to a smaller scale just to get it onto a smaller paper size. I would rather have to stop and re-fold somewhere on course (which I did) than spend the whole time stopping to read the map.

And THANK YOU for hosting MTBO. These are really a blast.

In my opinion, having multiple maps is more of a pain than having to refold because you don't get to choose where the edge of your viewing area is.

Also A2??? Sue, what protocols have you been following :-) IOF mentions that the map should try to be no bigger than A3 (okay so Portugal cheated last year by having an A3 map with a double map flip and I reckon that worked rather than having a ginormous piece of paper).

Typically you should use whatever scale makes the map legible. If this makes the paper size bigger, so be it.

Oh. From the heading I thought we were going to get some light on 26 vs 29 vs 27.5

I settled that debate earlier today already.

Thank you. It sounds like folding isn't a huge issue, and 1:10 is best for this event. Hope you can make it again, fossil!

While we are on the subject, does anyone have any suggestions for best cheap and/or DIY way to carry the map on the ride?

I will be promoted this mtb-o event to my local mtb club I'm active in and not owning a mapboard really seems to be the only barrier to compete optimally.

You should see the looks I get when I bring my mapboard to group rides...

The cheapest solution is safety pins and a mapcase bag pinned to your jersey. The best solution might be to get a pile of those mapholders OUSA is selling to benefit the MTBO team and have them available for rent/sale at the event.

So far I've used my ski-O mapholder because I have one and it works well enough. But I really like the design of the detachable Nordenmark MTBO mapholder and am planning to get one soon.

tRicky:
I settled that debate earlier today already.
And the verdict is?

(I'm guessing I should really move up to 29 but have so far stuck with 26 to maintain spare tube compatibility with the rest of the family. But now that my 15-y/o son is taller than me I should probably be shopping 29 for both of us.)

The 29er is presently winning.

Erik, I've been using a DIY mapboard made from GoPro mounts. These are really cheap on Amazon and you can probably build mapboards for less than $20 this way. For the actual map board, you can use a plastic clipboard slipped inside a plastic map bag from an orienteering event. Or, get a 3-ring binder that has a clear slip cover, and cut the front and back off, giving you two boards.

On the center of the back of the map board, put an adhesive GoPro quick-release plate. In to this goes a GoPro quick-release ROTATING mount which allows you to rotate the map board to one of about 20 different "clicks".

On the handlebars, put a GoPro bar mount, facing up.

You now have two GoPro mounts (one on bike, one on map board) terminating in the 3-prong piece with the captive bolt that you would normally screw the camera into. You can just press-fit them together, or for a permanent connection, super-glue them or break off one of the captive bolt tabs and attach with a GoPro bolt.

Binder clips zip-tied to the handlebars.

Ricky, my bad. I was trying to remember past maps and picture how big they are. Please don't hate me. This sizing isn't very popular in the states at all. Tried to print an A something size recently and the business didn't know what I was talking about.

Similar American paper sizes to A sizes:

A4: 8.5x11 (letter)
A3: 11x17
A2: 17x22

So... in the US you would have scales of 1:15840, etc?

A4: 8.5x11 (letter)
A3: 11x17
A2: 17x22

Is that in feet or yards?

26 and 29 - mm or cm?

I think mine is furlongs. Its a giant.

If I remember right the Imperal Specification for Orienteering Maps (ISOM) states the only allowed scale is inch:furlong

Mapsize and the need of folding is really an important issue. Especially in an mtbo-team-marathon-event. 3-5 h score, we have some of this kind in Eastern Germany. Most of the participants use a miry mapholder (from Czech). Not the cheapest, but they offer different sizes of the board, which you can mount onto the holder.

26 and 29 - mm or cm?

I already stated it is in er.