International MTBO Mapping Standardised

The latest edition of the "International Specifications for Orienteering Maps" (ISOM2000) contains a section for MTBO maps for the first time. MTBO maps show the "cyclability" and width of roads and tracks, in much the same way as maps for foot-orienteers show "runnability" of forest. These specifications replace earlier drafts put out by the IOF MTBO Committee in June 99.

Generally MTBO maps use the same symbols as foot-orienteering, although the off-track details are simplified as they are not relevant. Open land is shown as yellow and forest as green. The scale for MTBO is between 1:10,000 and 1:30,000, and the contour interval 5 or 10m. But note that this is "early days" for MTBO in NZ, and you will get maps which don't conform to the standard. Don't let it stop you enjoying your ride!!

Summary

There are three categories of ease of riding. Easy riding shown with a solid black line is defined as having a stablised or maintained surface. Slow riding shown with long dashes is for unmaintained tracks, and Difficult riding (short dashes) is used where obstacles make riding very slow or impossible.

There are two categories of width, under or over 1.5m. Narrow (shown by a thin black line) is what we commonly call "single-track". A Wide track (thick black line) could be used by four-wheeled vehicles, and bikes can pass. In addition, the standard orienteering symbols for roads over 3m (two black lines with brown between) are used for any wider roads.

The Track Symbols in Detail

• Symbol 811, "Track: easy riding", 0.6mm solid black line. A track with stabilised surface at least 1.5m wide. Forest road or well maintained track with no obstacles.
• Symbol 812, "Path; easy riding", 0.35mm solid black line. Well maintained path narrower than 1.5m. Smooth, clean path with no erosion or obstacles.
• Symbol 813, "Track; slow riding", 0.6mm black line, 3mm dashes with 0.5mm gaps. A track at least 1.5m wide. Infrequently used, with ruts, grassy, wet, muddy or sandy. Possibiity of rocky surfaces. Pedalling is more difficult, riding is slowed.
• Symbol 814, "Path: slow riding", 0.35mm black line, dashes as in 813. Path narrower than 1.5m, through difficult terrain, with rocky or banked surface. Other characteristics as in 813.
• Symbol 815, "Track: difficult to ride", 0.6mm black line, 1.5mm dashes with 0.5mm gaps. Rarely used track at least 1.5m wide, with obstacles such as roots or rocky steps. Many obstacles, stones, rocks, erosion, mud, land slides or sand. Very slow or impossible riding. Could necessitate to carry bike.
• Symbol 816, "Path; difficult to ride", 0.35mm black line, dashes as in 815. Path narrower than 1.5m, through very difficult terrain. Mountain paths with many obstacles. Other characteristics as in 815.