Orienteering maps are specially prepared topographic maps showing the terrain and detail encountered in the forest. Competitors on each course are started individually at two-minute intervals and navigate a series of checkpoints to the Finish line. The winner is determined by shortest time elapsed. There are different courses scaled in length and difficulty and each day's courses are unique.
Meets are open to all.
The meet organizers place checkpoints called controls at designated land or man-made features. The locations of these features are marked on the orienteering map as numbered circles. The controls are three-sided orange and white nylon markers. Each marker has a unique code and an accompanying distinctive punch. Since there are many of these control markers in the forest at each meet, the competitors are given the marker codes for each control on their course.