Free NFST Test Map Reading and Navigation Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: On a topographic map, what do contour lines that are very close together indicate?
- A gradual slope
- A flat plain
- A steep slope (Correct answer)
- A body of water
Correct answer: A steep slope
Contour lines represent points of equal elevation. When they are spaced closely together, it signifies a rapid change in elevation over a short horizontal distance, which depicts a steep slope.
Question 2: A firefighter is given a destination with the coordinates in the UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator) format. Which of the following best describes the nature of this coordinate system?
- A global system using degrees, minutes, and seconds based on latitude and longitude.
- A grid-based system that uses meters for its coordinates, dividing the Earth into 60 zones. (Correct answer)
- A system that relies solely on celestial bodies for determining position.
- A relative positioning system based on the distance and direction from a known landmark.
Correct answer: A grid-based system that uses meters for its coordinates, dividing the Earth into 60 zones.
The Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinate system is a grid-based system that uses meters to define locations. It divides the Earth into 60 north-south zones, each 6 degrees of longitude wide, providing a precise way to specify locations.
Question 3: You are navigating in the field and take a magnetic bearing of 180° (South) to a landmark. The local magnetic declination is 12° East. To plot this bearing on a true north-oriented map, what grid azimuth should you use?
- 168°
- 180°
- 202°
- 192° (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 192°
When declination is East, you add the declination value to the magnetic bearing to get the true (grid) bearing. Therefore, 180° (magnetic) + 12° (East declination) = 192°. A common mnemonic is 'East is least, West is best,' but this applies when converting from true to magnetic. For magnetic to true, the rule is reversed: add for East declination.
Question 4: While planning a route on a map with a scale of 1:24,000, you measure the distance between two points as 3.5 inches. What is the actual ground distance in feet?
- 2,000 feet
- 84,000 feet
- 7,000 feet (Correct answer)
- 6,000 feet
Correct answer: 7,000 feet
A map scale of 1:24,000 means that 1 inch on the map equals 24,000 inches on the ground. To find the ground distance, multiply the map distance by the scale factor: 3.5 inches * 24,000 = 84,000 inches. To convert inches to feet, divide by 12: 84,000 inches / 12 inches/foot = 7,000 feet.
Question 5: Which of the following topographic features is characterized by V-shaped or U-shaped contour lines that point towards higher elevation?
- A ridge
- A saddle
- A valley or drainage (Correct answer)
- A peak
Correct answer: A valley or drainage
On a topographic map, valleys, drainages, or gullies are represented by V-shaped or U-shaped contour lines. The 'V' or 'U' always points uphill, or toward higher ground, indicating the direction from which water would flow.
Question 6: A firefighter is tasked with navigating from Point A to Point B. After orienting the map to true north, what is the next essential step when using a baseplate compass to determine the bearing from Point A to Point B?
- Rotate the bezel until the magnetic needle is inside the orienting arrow.
- Place the edge of the compass baseplate so it connects Point A and Point B on the map. (Correct answer)
- Adjust the compass for declination immediately.
- Estimate the distance to Point B by eye.
Correct answer: Place the edge of the compass baseplate so it connects Point A and Point B on the map.
After orienting the map, the correct procedure is to align the straight edge of the compass's baseplate to connect the starting point (Point A) and the destination (Point B), with the direction-of-travel arrow pointing towards Point B. This establishes the line of travel before you read the bearing.
Free NFST Test Map Reading and Navigation Questions and Answers
On a topographic map, what do contour lines that are very close together indicate?