A map trace is just what it says, a tracing of the route from the map.
A single trace can be used to indicate the whole route of a section, or it may be split up into smaller traces which must be sorted into order and joined together. Until you're experienced at solving traces you will probably find it a lot easier to solve if you copy the trace onto a piece of tracing paper or clear acetate (always keep some in your Nav-bag) and then try to fit it onto the map. Here is an example of a complete trace, and the same route as you might receive it split into several pieces.
Tip: If you've copied it onto tracing paper and it will not fit to the map, you can then turn the tracing paper over to see whether the devious organiser has given you a mirrored trace!
Another way of presenting a trace is to chop it up into grid squares and mix them up. Here is how you might receive it. Only the road you have to travel along is shown in each grid square.
