Orienteering: Planned Route vs Real GPS Track

Before setting off, each pair draws the route they plan to take between six controls on the map, and their phone records a GPS track during the run. Back at base they overlay the planned and actual routes to analyze their route-choice and navigation mistakes.

How to play

1. Hand out maps of the school grounds with six controls; each pair pencils in their route and estimates the total distance (6 min).
2. Each pair starts a GPS tracking app on one phone and puts it in a zippered pocket (2 min).
3. Run the course in order, marking each control on the worksheet, with a 15-minute time limit (15 min).
4. Back at base, compare the track with the drawn route on screen and point out where you went off course and how far out of your way you went (7 min).
5. Each pair explains one mistake and what they'd do differently: attack from a clear feature, go around on a path or follow a handrail (5 min).

Rules

• Always stay with your partner and inside the boundaries marked on the map.
• When time runs out, the signal sounds and everyone returns.
• Navigate with the paper map only; the phone stays in your pocket.
• If the course leaves school grounds, use pedestrian areas only and cross at crosswalks.

Variations

Adaptations

• Wheelchair user: map with accessible routes and controls on firm paths.
• Visual impairment: runs with a guide and is in charge of route planning and analysis.
• Anxiety or autism: a short course with every control visible from a central point.

Learning goals

• Plan a route on the map by choosing useful features.
• Navigate independently with a map in a familiar setting.
• Analyze your own navigation decisions using real data.

Equipment for a class of 25

• maps: 14
• tablets or phones: 14
• control flags: 6
• worksheets: 14

Teacher tip

Check beforehand that GPS records without mobile data and that accuracy is around 5 meters (15 feet). Tracks are reviewed in class and not posted, since they show locations.

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