Orienteering is a worldwide sport. It is the aim of the IOF (International Orienteering Federation) control description symbols to provide a stable means for orienteers from all countries to be able to understand control descriptions without ambiguity or the need for language translation. This form of control description is typically used in Regional events for senior courses and at Night (SENiLe) events. Consequently it is useful for senior orienteers wishing to take part in these events to have a good understanding of these symbols.

The following illustration provides a summary of the more common symbols and states their meaning in english. The full specification for International Control Descriptions can be found here.