What is Orienteering?

Orienteering is an outdoor sport in natural or urban terrain, is a timed sport and with no set route between controls. Participants must navigate through control points marked on a map in the shortest possible time, using a special orienteering map and a compass. Good map reading helps you judge distances, understand climb and descent, and recognize key features on the ground.

Orienteering uses specific maps with international-standard symbols and cartographic details.

This sport can be enjoyed at any level and age, allowing for individual, family, or group participation.

For more information, visit Catalan Orienteering Federation (Federació de Curses d’Orientació de Catalunya).

A great way to start is with permanent orienteering courses, which can be done individually or in groups.

Permanent Orienteering Courses

Permanent courses are designed to give beginners a first taste of the sport, help people learn basic skills, and offer training for more experienced orienteers.

Each participant can choose:

• Difficulty level
• Pace of the course

Permanent courses test:

• Physical endurance
• Concentration
• Navigation skills
• Decision-making

If done in groups, courses also promote teamwork.

Course requirements:

• A specific orienteering map of the area
• Controls (markers) placed on the terrain
• Each marker is on the map and has a system to verify your visit

Installed by:
The UES Orienteering Section, with support from the Sabadell City Council, has created a permanent orienteering course in Parc de Catalunya, large urban park in Sabadell.

Use the course anytime to explore the sport in a fun or competitive way. Experienced participants can train nearby, while visitors can discover one of Sabadell’s main urban parks.

The Parc de Catalunya Course

Objective: Complete the route by finding all control points in numerical order.

Controls: Circles on the map, placed on various markers in the park.

Starting point: Triangle on the map, located at the bridge over the lake, Eix Macià (41.552362, 2.097473).

Course Options:

Maps: Free PDFs available at:  Course S >>  Course M >>  Course L >> Course  XL

Physical maps are available at:

• Sabadell Tourist Office
• Unió Excursionista de Sabadell
• Sabadell City Hall (Ateneu building)
• Catalonia Gran Hotel Verdi
• Catalonia Hotel Sabadell

How the course Works

What You Need:

1. Map of the chosen course
2. a GPS orienteering app for Android or iOS

Using the App:

1. Open the app and enter your name (or register).
2. Return to the main screen and tap the green + button to download the course.
3. Enter the 8-digit alphanumeric code found on the map.
4. So you are ready to start as soon as you arrive.

Starting the course:

1. Go to the triangle on the map (starting point: 41.552362, 2.097473).
2. Open the app, press START, and begin.
   Important: Ensure your GPS is activated.

During the Course:

• When you reach a control, the phone emits a notification (may take a few seconds).
• Activate it manually using the white and orange control marker
• If you are far from the control, the app will alert you.
• At the double circle symbol (finish), stop the course in the app to record your time
• Upload your results to compare with other participants.

Recommendations and Tips

• Before you start, orient your map using a compass or clear features such as the lake and the bridge
• Take a moment to plan before you move.
• Keep track of where you are on the map

Parc de Catalunya is a is a shared green and recreational space for everyone.
Please respect the park and its surroundings during the activity.

If you have any questions or encounter any issues, please email orientacio@ues.cat