UsynligO means “invisible O” in Norwegian and is an app which enables orienteering without physical control placement. When the orienteer physically goes on course using a map obtained from the UsynligO database, the app will track the runner’s position using GPS and will beep as control points are reached. The app records split times as well as the overall course time. The app is free of charge and is available through Google Play or the iPhone app store. Currently there is no charge for its use, though EMPO would gladly accept whatever contribution you feel is appropriate.
As of February 2022 the following EMPO courses are in the UsynligO database:
Crandall Park / Coles Woods (Glens Falls)
Moreau State Park
Niskayuna Park
Central Park
Grafton Lakes State Park
Tawasentha Park
Thacher Park
Thacher Park North
Margaret Burke WMA
Five Rivers Park
Switzkill Farm
Partridge Run
Mt. van Hoevenburg Ski-O Course (Lake Placid)
In some cases, more than one event has been held using Usynligo so there is a variety of courses available for the same location. To find a complete list check the “Usynligo Events” on your app.
Driving directions to the courses listed can be found here.
Some courses may be temporarily removed from the app during hunting season.
To use UsynligO:
Go to the main UsynligO site. You should Register/Log In (and save your login data).
Your browser may ask you if you want to share your location with this site; the easy answer is Yes. If you don’t, it will take a bit longer to access relevant maps, unless you are planning on orienteering in Europe. If you let your browser know your location you will get to a map of North America, where you can drill in to see various map locations, including ours. Or, you can search for maps by geographical location or within a specific distance of your current location. Most EMPO maps begin with “EMPO“ on the list.
Select the map and course you want and print it. For many maps/courses a color map is best. If you can’t print a color map you can e-mail Phil Hawkes-Teeter and he will mail you one (via USPS, so plan ahead). For this service we request a $1 payment at our PayPal site, currently philht@gmail.com
After receiving the paper map, you need to get the UsynligO map and course onto your phone by installing the UsynligO app, available through Google Play or the iPhone app store.
Next you need to download the map/course to your phone. Do this at home or somewhere with a good cell signal. Don’t wait to do it until arriving at the event site, as the cell service may not be as good.
Individual users can change “control radius” (“slop” or “forgiveness diameter”) from 5 – 35m, and “minimum GPS accuracy” (good for an area you aren’t sure about cell signal strength) from 5 – 200m. Of course, that means that sometimes the control notification tune plays before you actually get to a feature, but you can still continue on to locate the feature. We suggest leaving this setting at the default 15m to begin with. That is pretty large, but your mileage may vary depending upon your phone GPS.
Please note that the EMPO maps/courses listed on the app will NOT have physical controls in place. Our regular and no-contact EMPO meets will have physical controls and may or may not be included on the UsynligO database – we will try to indicate before each meet whether or not the app can be used for it.
To prevent the app from starting before you’re on course, wait until you’re within 100m or so of the start before hitting “automatic” start which gives you a start beep (3 tones) when you get to the start triangle.
Phones can be carried in a waist pouch, on an arm band or any other type of carrier. You can keep it tucked away until you’re done unless you need a hint (which is available on the phone software to show where you are in relation to the control).
After reaching the finish, be sure to tap the “Finish” button to end your course and stop the timing.
If you wish to send Phil your times for the courses we’d be happy to post them online.
Please let Phil know if you have any issues with either the control locations or the app. Good luck!
Promoting the sport of orienteering in and around Albany, NY