In terms of orienteering, what distinguishes a line type event?

In orienteering, a line type event is characterized by all competitors needing to follow a predefined course. This means that the course is set in advance, guiding participants from start to finish through a series of specified checkpoints in a particular order. This type of event emphasizes navigation and strategy within a fixed route, allowing for comparisons of performance based on how well each competitor adheres to the course while managing navigation and pace.

This structured approach differentiates line type events from other formats where participants might have more freedom to choose their routes or where the checkpoints themselves could change. In situations where participants have the freedom to choose or where the course is flexible, it introduces different dynamics of strategy, teamwork, and individual decision-making compared to the fixed nature of a line type event.