Anytime Orienteering courses are ones where you can take part anytime when it is convenient for yourself.
Some make use of the MapRun App which can be downloaded for either Android or iOS and there are no physical controls on the ground. Others are Permanent Orienteering courses in local parks which make use of fixed posts with orienteering markers attached, whilst some others are just based upon a paper map.
There will be different ways that you can participate in “Virtual Orienteering” — in some instances each course will be available in different formats. The events will use a variety of different map styles ranging from conventional orienteering maps, OpenOrienteeringMap maps or OS maps.
Permanent Orienteering Courses
Details of PFO’s Permanent Orienteering Courses (POCs) can be found here.
A Permanent Orienteering Course is a set of plaques often on posts or other features in an area which represent a series of checkpoints to visit. There are pre-made orienteering courses varying in length and difficulty ready for you to try in these locations: Gawthorpe Hall, Peel Park, Wycoller, Witton Park, Towneley Park and Roddlesworth (Tockholes).
Virtual Orienteering Events (VOC)
A Virtual (GPS) Orienteering Course (VOC) is a set of checkpoints spread around an area created for you to complete and capture with your smartphone or Garmin GPS watch. Together with a map showing where they all are, and using a free app such as Maprun, your device will instantly become a map and a timer all in one. PFO have many scattered across East Lancashire.
MapRun
These events make use of the MapRun App on a mobile phone. Your phone will beep and vibrate when you get to the control site.
These, and other PFO, Maprun events can be found in the UK/Lancashire folder on the MapRun server.
You can either navigate using the map on your mobile phone or print off a paper map.
Once you have completed your run, your results will get automatically uploaded to a server and you can download your GPS track to then upload into the corresponding RouteGadget event.