3.1 Scale

The scale for an orienteering map is 1:15 000. Terrain that cannot be fieldworked at a scale of 1:7500 and legibly presented at a scale of 1:15 000, is not suitable for international foot-orienteering.
Maps at 1:10 000 may be produced for relay and short distance competitions. The scale 1:10 000 is recommended for older age groups (45 and above) where reading fine lines and small symbols may cause problems or for younger age groups (age classes 16 and below) where the capacity of reading complex maps is not fully developed.
Maps at 1:10 000 must be drawn with lines, line screens and symbol dimensions 50% greater than those used for 1:15 000 maps.
Where practical the same dot screens as used at 1:15 000 will give the most legible map and are therefore to be preferred.
In education there is usually a progression of scales from 1:2 500 to 1:5 000 to 1:10 000. Maps at very large scales such as 1:2 500 will clearly contain additional detail such as playground equipment. Line dimensions for these maps should also be enlarged by 50%.
Other scales may be produced for other forms of orienteering.
For practical reasons a map should not be larger than is necessary for the orienteering competition. Maps larger than A3 should be avoided.

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