Maps are printed usually by the Course setter or Event Director for each event.
Use Condes to Create PDF files of every course
- Make sure your maps include the control descriptions, the BAOC Logo, an indication of North, the scale and contour interval shown at a minimum. Ideally legend boxes are also included on the map especially for White, Yellow and Orange maps.
- Export all desired course files as pdfs.
- Include a master file with all controls shown.
- If possible print a test map at home without printer adjustment and check that it looks correct.
Export a PDF file with all of the Control Descriptions.
- These are used to create loose control description for pickup at the start.
- Consider creating a full page of descriptions for each page to ease printing and cutting.
Figure out how many maps to print
- Look at previous events in the park.
- Consider likely weather
- order enough white and yellow courses - groups often take more maps than can be seen from the results
- ask your regional coordinator or previous event director for advice
- confirm your numbers with the registrar who may be aware of any large groups planning to attend
- order 5 or more mastermaps to be used for control pickup
Send Map and control description to your local printer
For local events, commercial print shops in the Bay Area are able to print high quality orienteering maps for relatively low cost. Convenience for pickup of maps is important: if you would like help finding a print shop in your area contact president@baoc.org
Current recommended print shops (2025):
CopyFactory (3929 El Camino Real Palo Alto, CA 94306 print@copyfactory.com (650) 856 2020
East Bay Blue Print & Supply Co. 1745 14th Ave , Oakland CA 510-261-2990 ebbp@eastbayblueprint.com
Both of the above are very helpful printshops who print many of our maps. You can email them in the week or 2 before your events with your files. They will take a few business days. About 35c for letter size.
Size - map size matters, legal size will cost about double.
Waterproof paper - currently there are no good options for waterproof paper in the U.S. There is a plastic version available but the cost is at least 5x and so the current standard is to use paper maps with cases as needed.
Loose Control Descriptions
- you can get a quote for the print shop to do these.
- You can also have them print the sheets and use the free guillotine at the print shop to cut them yourself - it does not take long.