It is essential to have a good map of the orienteering venue. Its drawing consists of two phases:

1. Assessment of the place, detailed study of the terrain characteristics.

2. The drawing of the map using OCAD, specific software for Orienteering maps.

The first phase can begin with a base map (topographic) of an aerial, digital picture or blank paper.
There are different techniques for map drawing, with compass and with GPS.
Each mapper has their personal symbols which only they understand. On the second phase these symbols are used as keys to apply on the OCAD. This software has the specific international orienteering system of symbols and offers tools that make map drawing easier.