NFST Map Reading and Navigation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: On a topographic map, what do closely spaced contour lines indicate?
- A gentle, gradual slope
- A steep slope or cliff (Correct answer)
- A valley between two hills
- A flat plateau area
Correct answer: A steep slope or cliff
Closely spaced contour lines indicate a steep slope because the elevation changes rapidly over a short horizontal distance.
Question 2: Which direction does a map's north arrow typically point on a standard U.S. topographic map?
- Magnetic north only
- True (geographic) north (Correct answer)
- Grid north
- It depends on the region
Correct answer: True (geographic) north
Standard U.S. topographic maps are oriented to true (geographic) north, though declination diagrams may also show magnetic and grid north.
Question 3: What is the term for the difference in angle between true north and magnetic north?
- Azimuth
- Bearing
- Declination (Correct answer)
- Deviation
Correct answer: Declination
Declination is the angular difference between true north and magnetic north, which varies by location and changes over time.
Question 4: A map scale of 1:24,000 means that one inch on the map equals how many feet on the ground?
- 24,000 feet
- 2,000 feet (Correct answer)
- 12,000 feet
- 1,200 feet
Correct answer: 2,000 feet
At 1:24,000 scale, one inch equals 24,000 inches on the ground, which equals 2,000 feet.
Question 5: What map symbol typically represents a primary highway on a U.S. road map?
- A thin black line
- A dashed blue line
- A thick red or orange line (Correct answer)
- A dotted green line
Correct answer: A thick red or orange line
Primary highways are commonly shown as thick red or orange lines on U.S. road maps to distinguish them from secondary and local roads.
Question 6: When reading a map, what does a blue solid line most commonly represent?
- A paved road
- A perennial stream or river (Correct answer)
- A state border
- A hiking trail
Correct answer: A perennial stream or river
On topographic and standard maps, solid blue lines represent perennial streams or rivers that flow year-round.
Question 7: On a standard orienteering compass, the compass needle's red end points to which type of north?
- True north
- Grid north
- Magnetic north (Correct answer)
- Celestial north
Correct answer: Magnetic north
The red end of a compass needle is attracted to Earth's magnetic field and therefore always points to magnetic north.
NFST Map Reading and Navigation 2
On a topographic map, what do closely spaced contour lines indicate?