Virtual-O

Virtual-O is an orienteering and navigation simulator set in virtual terrain generated from real orienteering maps. You run from start to finish, navigating between checkpoints, called controls, in order with a map and compass. You choose routes through unfamiliar terrain and follow them while keeping your bearings; inefficient choices cost time, and terrain features affect your running speed.

Navigation and training

Orienteering requires you to plan the fastest routes between controls and execute those plans while moving through the terrain. Virtual-O is designed for everyone from novices to elite orienteers to practise navigation skills. You can begin with a tutorial or use map assistants that help you handle the map and keep your bearings, then disable them when you are ready. Three game speed modes accommodate different skill levels.

Real-world terrain

The worlds are generated from real orienteering maps. Terrain is built using laser-scanned data, and objects such as trees, bushes, rocks and paths are generated from the map. One rocky map contains over 45,000 trees and bushes. The simulation also includes a full day-and-night cycle, a changing environment, and simulated maps and compasses.

Challenges

As your navigation skills improve, you can try different ways to practise:

• Night orienteering
• Creating your own courses
• Training without a compass
• Training with a limited map, such as using only contour lines for navigation