Ten participants recently enjoyed a very practical and skill-intensive two days working with well known mapper Alex Tarr. Mark West, Luke West, Seb O'Halloran, Paul Pacque, Gary Carroll, Ian Rathbone, Peter Hoban, Roger Harlow, Simon Allen, and Greg Hawthorne took part in theory work on ISOM, OCAD, and preparation for fieldwork in the spacious and comfortable Trades Training Centre at St Helens. This was followed by extensive practical work in the field with map board, prepared basemap, compass and pencils, looking at the real mapping of tracks, rock features, vegetation and contours. Further reflective sessions in the Training Centre embedded what had been learned. Greg Hawthorne provided a useful update on the types and sources of basemaps for the intending mapper, while Paul Pacque and Mike Morffew assisted in training and contributed their own valuable insights on mapping.
Alex’s approach stresses the need to map for the ‘orienteer in action’ rather than in rigid adherence to conventions where these could impede competition. A major lesson from his work with us was that rock features should be interpreted in relation to the whole map and its rock, rather than
simply mapped according to strict size. 
It was a privilege to spend time in the field with Alex and OT is grateful for the time he gave us during his current task of mapping for Oceania 2015.
By Roger Harlow
OT Director Technical