1. INTRODUCTION

Orienteering is now a worldwide sport. A common approach to the interpretation and drawing of orienteering maps is essential for fair competition and for the future expansion of the sport. It is the aim of the International Specification for Orienteering Maps to provide a map specification which can accommodate the widely varying situations in different countries. These specifications should be read in conjunction with the basic rules for orienteering competitions. Deviations are permissable only with the sanction of the national map committee. For international events and World Cup races such sanction must be given by the IOF after consultation with the IOF Map Committee. There is a separate specification for ski-orienteering maps.