The competition maps of Louna-Jukola have now passed the first phase of the printing process, test print. Printing on the whole plays an important role in producing a high-class map product for orienteers. Test print required a whole lot of teamwork: course setters finished courses, the appearance of the product was fixed by one person and the so-called printing originals by yet another person.
Finally, the actual print was performed with the same offset press as the final maps will be printed with. The test print gave the course setter team valuable information about colours and their overlaying as well as positioning of different markings on the map. For example, the adjustment of the size of the map was changed significantly during the preparation process.
In addition to test print, course setters took printouts of all different forking alternatives – about 200 in total – for the course controller to look over. After everything has been checked, the final maps with competition courses can be printed. This will take place in late March.
– The total number of maps to be printed is approximately 40,000, half of which are actual competition maps and half those to be returned. That number also includes spare maps, says map and course manager Marko Virta.
Bagging and sacking of the maps will begin after Easter and presumably continue through April. This whole task engages several people day-to-day. Each map is tucked into a plastic case, which is then sealed shut.
After this the maps are folded into sacks by team, with team number marked on top. Each stack of maps – except for first leg maps – is then attached to map stands in the changeover area just prior to the relays.
So, when you’ll rush onto your Jukola leg, that piece of paper has gone through quite a process before ending up in your hand. Use it the best way possible: orienteer smoothly and fast!
