NFST Map and Route Analysis 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A map shows two trails forming a triangle with a lake in the center. Trail A is 4 miles, Trail B is 3 miles, and Trail C is 5 miles. Which trail should you take to reach the lake's north shore most directly if north is toward Trail C?
- Trail A
- Trail B
- Trail C (Correct answer)
- Any trail — they are equidistant
Correct answer: Trail C
Trail C runs along the north shore of the lake, making it the direct route to the north shore.
Question 2: During a search and rescue operation, a team is given a probability area defined on a map by grid coordinates. The search planner divides it into segments to maximize coverage. This technique is called:
- Hasty search perimeter
- Probability of area (POA) segmentation
- Systematic grid search planning (Correct answer)
- Containment boundary marking
Correct answer: Systematic grid search planning
Systematic grid search planning divides a probability area into manageable segments so teams can cover terrain methodically without gaps.
Question 3: When reading an elevation profile chart generated from a topographic map, the X-axis typically represents:
- Elevation above sea level
- Horizontal distance along the route (Correct answer)
- Travel time estimated at average pace
- Slope gradient at each point
Correct answer: Horizontal distance along the route
An elevation profile plots elevation (Y-axis) against horizontal distance traveled along the route (X-axis).
Question 4: A wilderness navigator notes that streams in the area all flow generally southeast. This observation about drainage patterns can help confirm:
- The forest fire danger rating for the area
- The general slope direction and approximate location relative to ridgelines (Correct answer)
- The type of vegetation cover to expect on ridges
- The accuracy of the GPS datum currently in use
Correct answer: The general slope direction and approximate location relative to ridgelines
Since water flows downhill, the direction of stream flow reveals the overall terrain slope and helps confirm your position relative to high ground.
Question 5: A route that maintains a consistent elevation and follows the same contour line across a slope is called a:
- Fall line route
- Contour traverse or contour route (Correct answer)
- Switchback trail
- Grade-corrected azimuth
Correct answer: Contour traverse or contour route
A contour traverse follows a single elevation contour across a hillside, neither gaining nor losing significant elevation.
Question 6: When two or more map bearings from known landmarks are crossed to find your position, the technique is called:
- Triangulation or resection (Correct answer)
- Terrain association
- Dead reckoning
- Pace-and-compass navigation
Correct answer: Triangulation or resection
Triangulation (or resection) plots compass bearings from two or more identified landmarks on a map; where they intersect is your location.
Question 7: In wildland fire and forest operations, a map annotated with 'dozer lines,' 'hand lines,' and 'retardant drops' is best described as a/an:
- Operational period map or incident action plan map (Correct answer)
- Evacuation route map for the public
- Watershed boundary reference map
- Soil and geology survey map
Correct answer: Operational period map or incident action plan map
An operational period map (part of an Incident Action Plan) documents suppression resources, tactics, and infrastructure for a specific operational period.
NFST Map and Route Analysis 5
A map shows two trails forming a triangle with a lake in the center.
Trail A is 4 miles, Trail B is 3 miles, and Trail C is 5 miles.
Which trail should you take to reach the lake's north shore most directly if north is toward Trail C?