FAA Topography and Terrain Features 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: On a sectional chart, the Maximum Elevation Figure (MEF) in each latitude/longitude grid square is shown in what color?
- Blue
- Brown (Correct answer)
- Magenta
- Black
Correct answer: Brown
MEF values are printed in bold brown/tan digits in each quadrangle of a sectional chart, indicating the highest elevation including terrain and obstacles in that grid square.
Question 2: The MEF value on a sectional chart represents what?
- Mean elevation of terrain in the grid square
- Highest known elevation plus a 100-foot buffer within a grid square, rounded up to nearest 100 feet (Correct answer)
- Minimum enroute altitude for VFR flight
- Maximum elevation of FAA-charted obstacles
Correct answer: Highest known elevation plus a 100-foot buffer within a grid square, rounded up to nearest 100 feet
The MEF is calculated by taking the highest terrain or obstacle in a grid square, adding a 100-foot buffer, and rounding up to the next 100-foot increment.
Question 3: On a sectional chart, elevation contour lines that are closer together indicate what about the terrain?
- Flatter terrain
- Steeper terrain with rapid elevation change (Correct answer)
- A valley or depression
- Ocean floor depth
Correct answer: Steeper terrain with rapid elevation change
Closely spaced contour lines on a sectional chart indicate steep terrain where elevation changes rapidly over a short horizontal distance.
Question 4: On a sectional chart, what does a spot elevation (small X with a number) indicate?
- A radio tower height
- The exact surveyed elevation at that point in feet MSL (Correct answer)
- A minimum crossing altitude
- A VFR reporting checkpoint elevation
Correct answer: The exact surveyed elevation at that point in feet MSL
Spot elevations shown as small X marks with numbers on a sectional chart represent precisely surveyed terrain heights in feet above mean sea level at that specific location.
Question 5: On a sectional chart, what color is used to indicate low-lying terrain near sea level?
- Dark green
- Light yellow or cream (Correct answer)
- Dark brown
- Light blue
Correct answer: Light yellow or cream
Low-lying terrain near sea level is shown in a light yellow or cream color on sectional charts, with darker shading indicating higher elevation zones.
Question 6: On a sectional chart, the contour interval (elevation difference between consecutive contour lines) in mountainous areas is typically what?
- 50 feet
- 100 feet
- 500 feet (Correct answer)
- 1,000 feet
Correct answer: 500 feet
Sectional charts use a 500-foot contour interval in mountainous areas to effectively depict the dramatic elevation changes without creating an unreadably dense pattern of lines.
FAA Topography and Terrain Features 1
On a sectional chart, the Maximum Elevation Figure (MEF) in each latitude/longitude grid square is shown in what color?