Clear linear landmarks
Linear landmarks are features that are easy to follow in an area and easy to spot on a map. Trails, streams, and roads are often good (clear) linear landmarks. They are continuous, so you can move along the linear landmarks the entire way, often at a high speed.
Here are some examples of linear landmarks. Click on the map icons:
These are also linear guides, but following them can be a bit more challenging:
Learn to Use Linear Guides
You should frequently look for linear landmarks on the map and follow them in the field. Linear landmarks indicate a safe path to the checkpoint.
Which linear landmark is the clearest on this map?
The picture has a clear linear landmark. Can you see it?
Find a clear linear landmark on this map!
Linear landmarks in the area
This is a fragment of an orienteering map. By dragging the slider, you will see which linear landmarks are used.
1. Start from the inner corner of the building.
2. First, walk along the wall to the fence (1).
3. Walk along the fence to its end and cross over to the path (2).
4. Walk the path until it ends at the road (3).
5. Walk north on the road and turn right at the intersection (4).
6. Finally, walk the path along the stream that leads to KP.
1. Start from the car park near the special landmark.
2. Walk along the edge of the car park to the path (1).
3. Take the path to the road (2).
4. Go south on the road until you reach the intersection (3).
5. Turn left on the road until you reach the next intersection (4).
6. Turn right and you will see the checkpoint on a small building.
1. Start from the corner of the field.
2. Walk along the fence until it crosses the stream (1).
3. Walk along the stream to the path (2).
4. Walk along the stream to the fence (3).
5. Walk along the fence to the main path (4).
6. Walk south along the path to the intersection with KP.
TIP
Moving from one linear landmark to another, keep the map oriented so you can continue following the linear landmarks.