Orienteering Measurements

Determining both Distance and Azimuth required in orienteering

Pace Count

Allows you to track distance without a tape measure.

• Everyone’s pace count is different

• A normal stride is around 0.75m (30 inches)

• There are about 67 double steps per 100m

Pace count is affected by:

• Leg length

• Load (weight carried)

• Traveling speed

• Terrain (vegetation, rocks, ice, etc.)

• Elevation change (uphill vs downhill)

Pace Count Course

Set up a 100m Course in terrain you plan to traverse

• Measure pace out 100m and back 100m

• Determine average pace count of 100m

• Scouts should perform this annually since their legs tend to lengthen over time

Pace can be measured several ways

• Single steps (over 100)

• Double steps (every time right foot hits ground)

• Time

Measure pace count for:

• Walking

• Running

• Uphill

• Downhill

• Night 

When using pace count, keep track of each 100m you travel

• Fingers might work up to about 500m

• Mark tick marks on paper

• Use “Ranger Beads”

• Avoid depending on keeping track of long distances in your head