We interviewed Janne Weckman, one of the World Orienteering Championship mapper in Finland and long-time OCAD partner, to gain insights into his working methods.
The World Orienteering Championships (WOC) took place in Kuopio, Finland from 8-12 July. Together with Timo Joensuu, Janne was responsible for the entire map making work.
Janne, could you start by providing us with some key figures relating to the maps for the 2025 World Orienteering Championship?
Timo and I started mapping in 2022. In total, including training maps, the 2024 World Cup maps and the 2025 World Championship maps, we mapped around 50 km2, of which just under 20 km2 were for the World Championships. I estimate 3-4 days of work per square kilometer, which amounts to a total of about 200 working days. Fortunately, it didn’t rain too often, so we made good progress.
What is a typical day in the field like?
On a survey day, I spend around eight hours in the field with a short lunch break.
I try to be systematic when mapping and plan the route I want to take in advance. This is also important because parking spaces can be hard to find, and good planning helps to avoid walking long distances through areas that have already been mapped.
What equipment do you use?
I work with a Panasonic Toughpad and draw the map directly in the field. In addition, I spend up to an hour in the evening optimizing the drawing. This is the most efficient way for me.
To determine my position, I use a professional GNSS receiver (CHC i80), which I store in my backpack. This provides me with precise positioning.
Which OCAD feature do you particularly appreciate?
I place a lot of value on good map legibility, so once the map is finished, Is use the Check Legibility feature to check the minimum dimensions of objects and the minimum distances between them.
Were many revisions necessary before the map went to print?
Fortunately not. We finished creating the maps last year, and only spent four days in Kuopio this spring updating them. As the World Championship site was a forest reserve, no forestry work was carried out. Apart from a minor storm last year, we mainly updated the maps based on feedback from course setters and officials.
You created the maps together with Timo Joensuu. How did you work together?
Timo and I have very similar mapping styles. We therefore divided up the area and each mapped their own part. We checked the critical locations (such as control locations) for each other.
As a professional mapmaker, what advice would you give to amateur cartographers?
There are always different opinions about maps, and no map is perfect.
However, it is certainly important that cartographers know and apply the ISOM, especially with regard to the legibility of the map. Ultimately, creating good maps requires the same qualities as succeeding in sport: training and passion.
One last question: We can hardly imagine it, but were you nervous before the World Championship races?
No, I wasn’t nervous at all. I was also involved in the World Championships as a pre-runner and control setter, so I knew that everything was as good as it could be. And looking back, everything went smoothly.
Janne, thank you very much for your time and your commitment to OCAD.
About Janne Weckman:
Janne Weckmann is our long-standing OCAD partner in Finland and assists us with sales and support. The former top orienteering runner works throughout Europe as a professional mapmaker and is known for his generalized and high-quality maps. His club is organizing the Jukola in 2026, with Janne as the map maker, of course.
WOC Maps:
Long distance Women |Long distance Men | Relay Women | Relay Men
