Checkpoints

Obvious features on a line feature

A checkpoint is a place in the terrain that is easy to find on the map. The checkpoint can be on a line feature you follow, for example a path junction, where the path crosses a stream, or a stream junction. Unlike a line feature, checkpoints are not something you follow, only something you pass.

There is a clear checkpoint when you follow the line feature from control 1 to 2, click the buttons.

Path junction Path crosses stream Stream junction

Obvious features away from the line feature

Checkpoints can also be features that lie a short distance away from line features, such as a building, a boulder or a hill. You must always be able to see these checkpoints from the line feature.

Notice that the boulder on the hill, and the building are to the left of the line feature, and the marsh is to the right of the line feature. Such checkpoints can tell you how far you have come along the line feature, or that you should leave the line feature to find the control or a new line feature.

It is wise to include some reliable checkpoints along your route – even if it means taking a small detour. Every time you pass a checkpoint, you know exactly where you are.

If there aren't many good line features, a series of checkpoints can provide the same help as a line feature.

Practise checkpoints

Which clear checkpoints would you look for on the line feature between control 1 and 2?

ShowHide answer

First you cross the stream, then the path turns sharply right, and then you pass a path junction.

Which clear checkpoints would you look for on the line feature between control 1 and 2?

ShowHide answer

First the marsh to the left and then the building to the right.

Find the route with the clearest checkpoints

Which route should you take to pass good checkpoints along the way between the controls?

You are standing at the end of the marsh (1). The next control is at the stream end (2). Which route is best? To the left there are many small paths, but it is difficult to find reliable checkpoints and easy to confuse the paths. Straight ahead is shortest but demanding. But if you take a small detour to the right, you will find many good checkpoints.

Drag the slider to see which way you should go: Follow the marsh out to the path. The first checkpoint is the path junction. The next checkpoint is the marsh crossing the path, before you reach the second path fork. Then you reach the path junction and finally the stream bends left and leads you to the control.