What is a catch feature in orienteering?

Question

On of the terms used in orienteering is "catch feature".

What exactly is a catch feature and how would a catch feature help one with navigating in the outdoors?

Answer 1

A catch feature is a feature that you will run into, if you have gone too far.

As you can see above, if you are using the stream as a handrail feature to get to the bridge in order to cross, the trail acts as a catch feature.

If you are heading towards a catch feature and not following a handrail, then you will want to aim off.

Some examples of things that can act as handrail features include streams, trails, roads, and ridge lines.