MapRun6
MapRun6 enables a form of orienteering that uses a Smartphone app for punching and timing, avoiding the need to put out flags and SportIdent units on the course. This saves time and effort for organisers, courses can be left open for extended periods of time, and instant feedback is provided with tracking, personal results and overall results in the MapRun6 app.
MapRun6 courses in Auckland
Sanders Reserve, Paremoremo: there are currently two courses available, created by Lisa and Geoff Mead, which can be found in MapRun6 under 'New Zealand', 'Auckland', 'NWOC', 'ParkO>2021'
- A yellow-level orienteering course: Download map QR code to MapRun Results
- A MTBO course: Download map QR code to MapRun Results
Bikers MUST stay on the tracks when biking the MTBO course. Note: a couple of the control sites are just a couple of metres off the tracks. This course can also be done as a Foot-O course and then you are not restricted to running on the tracks only.
Auckland Orienteering Club has been creating MapRun events since the first lockdown in 2020. During September and October 2021, the club organised four street events in Auckland. All information needed, including the best way to use these maps as a training activity, can be found here.
How does MapRun6 work?
MapRun6 uses the GPS on your smartphone to track your location. When you get within five metres of a control site, your phone beeps and vibrates to tell you that the control is registered on the app. ‘Scoring’ depends on the type of course:
- If it is a rogaine, you are automatically allocated the control points;
- If it is an orienteering course, the app ensures competitors do the controls in the correct order.
Like any technology, it is not perfect. Because GPS accuracy varies between phones and between locations, the competitor can sometimes be required to move around until the control is registered on the MapRun6 app. As with any technology, a small proportion of competitors may have trouble with their phone or the app, resulting in them getting an incomplete result. Having said that, the number of problems is steadily reducing, as phones and the app become more reliable.
Although MapRun6 shows the map, sometimes the map overlay on the app does not match 100% with reality. We recommend participants to use a printed version of the map to navigate and to use the app exclusively for the recording of the checkpoints visited. Also, the map on the phone is very small and you will have to keep moving its screen between the map and the checkpoint descriptions, slowing you down.
Before you come to the event:
- lnstall the free MapRun6 app (Apple App Store or Android PlayStore) on your smart phone.
- The app asks for permission to track your GPS location and to save files on your device. For the app to work correctly you will need to agree to these permissions.
- Start the app and “register” by entering your personal details as requested.
At the event:
- Ensure your phone’s GPS is on. Allow a couple of minutes for the phone to establish your GPS location.
- Open the MapRun6 app, press “Select event”, scroll down to select the “New Zealand” folder, followed by the “Auckland” folder.
- Select the correct folder for the event you would like to join. After selecting the event, the course downloads onto your phone. Some events require a pin code to start the event – the event organisers will give this to you before the start.
- Press “Go to start” and the map with course will appear on your screen.
- Walk to where the start triangle is shown on the map, your phone will beep and vibrate, the timer will start, and you are underway and the phone will show the remaining time. Important: once you have left the start/finish area to do your course, do not pass back close to finish area until you are finishing, or the finish checkpoint will register and the software will believe you have finished. Unfortunately, you cannot start again!
- Use the printed version of the map, to navigate to as many checkpoints as you can in the time allowed.
- As you reach a checkpoint (you have to be within five metre), the phone will beep and vibrate, depending on the settings of the app on your phone. If you do not hear the beep, you can also check the app and it tells you the last checkpoint number it recorded. If it does not beep straight away, move around a bit as the GPS signal can vary a little. You might need to move around the checkpoint feature until the checkpoint circle on the app turns green.
- Remember that you need to pass through the Finish to stop the timer.
- After finishing, MapRun6 will automatically upload your results. You can compare your results with others on the same course, and view the route you took.
Trouble shooting:
If you have difficulties with your Android or iPhone recording your track, please check the following points.
- Background Running – Many people prefer not to interact with the MapRun6 app as they run. In such cases, the phone will normally go to sleep after the timeout period, but the apps continues to operate and recorded checkpoints visited. Device manufacturers are making it more difficult to allow apps to run in the background, as this drains the battery. Accordingly, it is important that you:
- Allow MapRun6 to run in the background. This is generally set in “Settings > Apps > … MapRun6”, but this may be different on different models and versions of Android/iOS.
- Check the battery saver function. Often in low-power mode the phone will turn the GPS off.
- If your phone shuts down or MapRun6 crashes during a run, you might be able to re-start MapRun6 if it offers the option of continuing with the partially completed event (“Resume”). Unfortunately, if all else fails – restarting your phone (and losing the progress so far) may be the only option.
