Virtual Rogaine Map
Dandenong Ranges Revisited 6hr Virtual Rogaine - Do it whenever it suits you.
The Rogaine we've organised while we are not organising Rogaines during Covid-19 restrictions. We all need a reason to go bush, and finding checkpoints is our way of doing it. Our Virtual Rogaine is the Dandenong Ranges Revisited 6hr Virtual Rogaine using the MapRunF phone app to confirm you found the checkpoints and record your time on the course. No need to enter and no fee to be paid.
Event Descriptions
We supply you a map file in PDF format. You print your own map, the map size allows it to be printed as two A4 pages on a home printer. We explain how to do this below.
We supply the MapRun course. You install and start the MapRunF App on your phone, find the event, go to the start and when at the start with the app running it automatically punches (beeps) to start your time. The app then records (punches) when you are near each checkpoint and the finish.
The course time is limited to 6hrs for those wanting to get a score and share it on Maprun after your event (time penalty is 30 points per minute late). There is no requirement to use MapRunF. You may like to go Rogaining and visit some checkpoints without any confirmation you found the checkpoint locations. MapRunF is set up to enable you to get confirmation you found the correct location, time your event and share with others who use MapRunF for this course.
This is a 6hr event and in Winter the sunset is early so check sunset times to be sure to be finish before dark.
This is a bush tracks event. Stay on mapped tracks at all times and do not use tracks or roads in the pink out of bounds areas unless they are bounded by a white border. The event is not intended for or suitable for bikes as there are tracks bikes are not allowed on.
What to bring?
We have no gear check so it is up to you to do the right thing. We recommend a compass, first aid kit, mobile phone, food and water. Wear and take clothing suitable for the colder and wetter weather on Mt Dandenong. It is usually about 5°C colder than Melbourne. There are no water points on the course so carry your own and carry all your rubbish home.
Let a responsible person know when and where you are going and your expected return time.
Checkpoints
There is no physical indication at checkpoints other than the control description feature. Use MapRunF to confirm your arrival.
Enjoy the course.
Getting to the Start
The start location is at the Olinda Swimming Pool. Park in the car park to the south.
Olinda Pool (Melway 66 K8 or 37°51'21.9"S 145°22'25.6"E)
Cnr Olinda Monbulk Rd and Chalet Rd Olinda.
There are no toilets at the start so stop at Olinda.
The MapRunF Start is at the north west corner of the swimming pool boundary fence. If you have MapRunF running your phone should beep when you arrive within 30 meters of that point.
The MapRunF finish is at the Community Centre sign at the south end of the carpark. MapRunF should beep when you arrive within 30 meters of that point. The finish is setup so you don’t accidently pass through the finish soon after you start.
Map Symbols and detail
Please read the map legend to understand the map symbols. It is important to understand pink areas are private land or public land we do not have permission to use and some roads in pink areas are not suitable for walking along because there are no footpaths and have steep edges. Please use only roads through these areas that have some white either side of them.
WARNING with this map the western side has 10 metre contours and the east side has 20 metre contours. Study the contour lines south of checkpoint 62 to easily see this.
Potential Controlled Burn Activity.
Understand your Risk and download the Map
The VRA takes no responsibility for any person using this virtual Rogaine. Care should be taken at all times while using the course. You must verify the Covid-19 restriction as they apply to you and do not visit this site or act in breach of any of those restrictions. (Click for DHHS web site for latest restriction levels)
Download the map pdf I agree to the terms and conditions of use as stated above
(Clicking on link above will open a new browser window. The map document (PDF) will display and you can download and save a copy for printing. The map document has 3 pages. If you have an A3 capable printer, then print the first page. Alternatively the last 2 pages have the map split in two with an overlap so you can print two separate A4 pages using a standard printer. When printed the map will be approximately to scale. That is: grid lines 40 mm apart. Fiddle with the custom scale setting if you feel the need to print to an exact scale.)
WARNING If you use an inkjet printer you will need to be careful to keep your map moisture free as the ink will easily run. Laser printing does not run.
There are many unmapped tracks on the course so be vigilant. Rogaining is about good navigating.
Be aware the east west crossing through CP 71 can be muddy if wet.
MaprunF Setup
There is no requirement to use MapRunF. You may like to go Rogaining and visit some checkpoints without any confirmation you found the checkpoint locations.
To install MapRunF on your phone go to your App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android). Search for MapRunF and install it. The F is the current version of Maprun - please use MaprunF for the best experience.
Once installed you are ready to go.
More information about MaprunF can be found on the Maprun website
How to use Maprun
WARNING Battery life may be a problem. We are estimating (but it could be worse) that a phone that has sufficient battery life to last 2 or more days of normal use could last 6hrs with a GPS running. A phone that needs charging once a day should be expected to go flat within less than 6hrs of GPS use, so those users will need to carry an external battery to recharge on the course. To save battery you could try Flight Mode however that shuts your phone down for incoming call and text or try low power mode however depending on your phone that may limit the GPS operation.
Once MapRunF is installed open the App and select “Name” and enter your details: name, email, etc. and click Accept. This information is collected by the owners of the MapRunF app to display the results. Link to the MapRun privacy policy.
Select “Select Event” and scroll to the bottom to find Victoria. Again scroll to the bottom to find 'Vic Rogaine'. Select the 'Dandenong Ranges Revisited' event. This should return you to the main menu with the full name of the event you selected under the Select Event button (VRA Dandenong Ranges Revisited ScoreQ360). Note: All the other events you saw under Victoria are Orienteering events you are welcome to browse. Alternatively if you are already at the start location in Olinda you should be able to select Events Near Me to find the event.
To start the event, from the main menu of the app, select “Go To Start”. This will allow you to view the controls and the map. You can test doing this at home. Click the home icon to exit your test. Click Results and you should see your test event listed which will most likely say you did not start. Use your standard phone logic to delete the test if you wish.) During the event do not click the MapRunF home icon until after the finish control has been punched.
Your Event time will begin when you are detected (within 30m or so) of the Start Triangle at the corner of the Swimming Pool fence. Your phone must detect the Finish location at the end (beep and turns green) to allow your course result to upload.
MapRun is intended as an automated scoring system, with real-time feedback on your progress. Occasionally, the GPS signal will not be adequate to acknowledge your Score when you reach a control site. Don’t worry, just carry on (but do check that you are where you think you are….). We will scan your trace at the end and make adjustments for any poor GPS at particular control points.
MapRunF does NOT require Internet access during your course. It uses Internet access to load the map before you start, and to upload your results after you finish. The Phone service at the Start/Finish is patchy for some carriers.
If your results fail to upload completely at the Finish, you can force a Manual upload when you get back to a good signal area using the ‘hamburger’ menu in the top right.
Tips for using a phone GPS:
- The MapRunF course is set to punch within 30 metres of the checkpoints. Note tree cover may cause delay with your phone finding a signal so if a checkpoint does not punch, travel a few metres past the location, we are confident it will punch. It may punch while you stand still checking your map.
- Tips from the MapRunF app website
- Tips from Strava
Tips for Battery life
Many phones start conserving battery when they fall to 50% charge.
This often involves turning off the GPS until an App requests a READ. Unfortunately, the GPS accuracy requires a couple of minutes to stabilize, so these sporadic requests are always rubbish.
Recent phones are often worse. The manufacturers are vying for maximum battery figures, and are implementing more aggressive power saving. But recent phone software also has a lot of flexibility to disable power saving, so poke around.
Keeping your phone screen turned off will save significant battery energy, however some do find the phone may not beep at CPs Checking the screen when you are there will confirm your visit.
For help, refer to http://maprunners.weebly.com/phone-settings.html
The Strava link above has battery setting hints for various brands of phones.
All enquiries about this course can be sent to Virtual Rogaine
