an ardf competition normally takes place in diverse wooded terrain, such as in a public park or natural area but competitions have also been held in suitable suburban areas. each competitor receives a detailed topographic map of the competition area. the map will indicate the location of the start with a triangle and the location of the finish with two concentric circles. somewhere within the competition area designated on the map, the meet organizer will have placed five low power radio transmitters. the locations of the transmitters are kept a secret from the competitors and are not marked on the map. each transmitter emits a signal in morse code by which it is easily identifiable to the competitors. the transmitters automatically transmit one after another in a repeating cycle. depending on entry classification, a competitor will attempt to locate as many as three, four, or all five of the transmitters in the woods, and then travel to the finish line in the shortest possible time. competitors start at staggered intervals, are individually timed, and are expected to perform all radio direction finding and navigation skills on their own. standings are determined first by the number of transmitters found, then by shortest time on course. competitors who take longer than the specified time limit to finish may be disqualified.