In response to recent incident at the Japan Orienteering Championships, NaviTabi is offering a trial safety management support using its existing functions, free of charge and with no limit on the number of participants for orienteering organizers in Japan.
Based on feedback gathered from this trial, and in collaboration with the Japan Orienteering Association (JOA), we plan to improve and expand this initiative into a full-fledged safety support package for future seasons.
This feature is intended to supplement the events’ existing safety measures and is not a replacement for any current safety management system. Please operate it in conjunction with your conventional safety protocols.
Main Use Cases for NaviTabi
- Checking the last known location of a participant who has not returned
- Monitoring for map-outs or entry into hazardous areas
- Sharing the current locations of patrol staff
We will begin operations using the functions currently available on NaviTabi and will incorporate improvements through future updates.
Details of the Trial Program
- Eligibility: Orienteering events held in Japan (any scale)
- Period: Until the end of March 2026
- Provided Services:
- Use of existing functions with no limit on participant numbers
- Online support for implementation
- Cost: Free during the above period
- How to Apply: Please apply by email at least 14 days before the event date (applications after the deadline will be considered upon consultation).
※ After the trial, please cooperate by providing your feedback and insights through a short questionnaire.
※ Even if you do not apply for this trial program, you may continue using NaviTabi for orienteering events under the regular pricing plan.
Using the Current NaviTabi App for Immediate Implementation
While there are some technical and operational limitations, the current version of the NaviTabi app already allows participant location tracking through the following setup:
Organizer Setup
- Create and publish one score-orienteering-style course
- Set the time limit to the maximum (12 hours)
- Set the location acquisition mode to “Always Power Saving (recommended)” or “Standard”
- Place at least one dummy control (location optional)
- No start/finish needed (create as a “Start Anywhere” course)
- Provide each participant with a unique identification number (e.g., bib number) in advance
- (Optional) Enable location sharing among patrol staff
※ In the future, we plan to improve the system so that setup can begin even more easily without course registration.
Participant Actions
- In the app, select the event and enter the participant ID provided by the organizer.
- Before starting the competition, begin play (this starts location sharing).
- During the competition, avoid operating the app (keep it running in the background; viewing the map screen is prohibited).
- After finishing, end play (this stops location sharing).
This allows the participants’ live locations to be displayed sequentially on a map during the event. The app (in Japan) uses the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan’s topographic map by default.
Fairness and Compliance with Competition Rules
- Under the current specifications, live maps are also viewable from participants’ devices. For fairness, please instruct participants not to view others’ locations before or during the event.
- Under current competition rules, carrying communication or GPS devices is prohibited unless authorized by the organizer. For this trial, please permit only the minimum level of location transmission required for safety management, under special organizer regulations.
Please note that mobile apps generally have the following limitations:
- Location sharing is interrupted when outside network coverage (data is stored and sent once reconnected)
- Continuity of background location updates/transmission depends on device and environment
- Location accuracy depends on device and environment
- Risk of interruption due to user error, app malfunction, or battery depletion
- Risk of damage or malfunction due to water exposure or falls in rainy conditions
Inquiries and Applications for the Trial Program
- Email: info [at] navitabi.co.jp
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is it necessary for all participants to install the app?
A. App use is optional for participants, but we recommend that as many as possible use it for safety purposes. In particular, it’s encouraged for beginner and intermediate classes where participants may get lost more easily, and for senior classes where physical strain may be a concern.
Q. Can it be used in areas with poor network coverage?
A. Location sharing will pause when outside network coverage, but GPS logs are stored on the device and transmitted once a connection is restored. If most of the competition area is out of coverage, the effect is limited; however, if coverage gaps are occasional, it remains useful.
Q. Do you provide smartphone rentals?
A. No, we do not provide rental devices. In principle, each participant should install and use the app on their own smartphone (iOS/Android).
Q. Is this available outside Japan?
A. We will not provide the on-line support setting up the safety meaures or free trial use, but you are free to use NaviTabi’s regular functions for event safety measures. We welcome any feedback you may have.
We hope this initiative will help advance safety management in orienteering events. We will continue working closely with the JOA, organizers, and participants to improve and enhance this effort.
Posted on: October 8, 2025 (content subject to updates)