Finding source maps

Good routing needs good base data. Start here.

Where to look

• Your club's archive — by far the highest quality source. Most clubs have OCAD files of every training and event map ever produced.
• National federation libraries — many federations maintain searchable map databases for members.
• OpenStreetMap exports — useful for urban sprint terrain when no orienteering map exists.
• Public GIS portals — LIDAR data and topographic base maps for areas you want to draft from scratch.

The "Perfect Upload" checklist

• OCAD file available? Use it. Always.
• Otherwise: TIFF, PNG, or PDF at the highest resolution you have.
• Source is sharp — no JPEG compression artefacts on lines and dots.
• Colours are clean and faithful to the original map (no faded scans, no heavy recolouring).
• You have permission to share the map.