What does the orienteering method "aiming off" involve?

Aiming off is a navigational technique used in orienteering that involves deliberately aiming to one side of the intended destination rather than directly at it. This approach is particularly useful when navigating through areas where the destination is not clearly visible, such as dense woods or hilly terrain. By offsetting your aim to one side, you can more easily locate the destination by recognizing features or landmarks as you approach, allowing you to adjust your direction if necessary.

This method can help prevent the common issue of overshooting or missing a target, especially if the terrain is challenging or the visibility is poor. It also provides a way to make corrections by observing the path you’ve taken and the proximity of the target as you near it. Thus, aiming off is an effective strategy to enhance navigation accuracy and confidence.