Pace Count
Orienteering Measurements
Determining both Distance and Azimuth required in orienteering
Measure the distance from Point A to Point B with piece of paper.
Use Scale on Map Legend to measure distance, ideally in meters.
Scales on Compass or Protractor can be used on standard scale maps.
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