COE Navigation & Orienteering 3

Question 1

When planning a route for a group in a backcountry setting, which factor should be considered FIRST?

Accepted Answer

The group's fitness level, skill set, and experience

Answer

The aesthetic appeal and scenery of the terrain

Answer

The total distance of the proposed route

Answer

The availability of resupply points

Question 2

Naismith's Rule is used in outdoor education primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Estimate hiking travel time based on distance and elevation gain

Answer

Calculate the minimum water intake per participant per mile

Answer

Determine the maximum group size for a given trail

Answer

Assess avalanche risk on a given slope

Question 3

Which coordinate datum is the current standard used by GPS satellites and most modern navigation devices?

Accepted Answer

WGS84

Answer

NAD27

Answer

NAD83

Answer

WGS72

Question 4

What does the UTM coordinate system stand for, and how is it used in navigation?

Accepted Answer

Universal Transverse Mercator — a grid-based coordinate system dividing the world into 60 zones

Answer

Universal Trail Marker — a standardized sign system for backcountry trails

Answer

Unified Topographic Mapping — a USGS-specific map series designation

Answer

Urban Terrain Management — a search-and-rescue protocol

Question 5

When teaching navigation skills to novice participants, which pedagogical sequence is most effective?

Accepted Answer

Progress from map reading fundamentals to compass use, then integrate both skills together

Answer

Begin with advanced GPS devices before introducing paper maps

Answer

Teach all navigation methods simultaneously to maximize exposure

Answer

Focus exclusively on technology-based navigation to build confidence

Question 6

In navigation, what is a 'handrail'?

Accepted Answer

A linear terrain or map feature that parallels your route and guides direction of travel

Answer

A fixed rope system installed on a steep trail section

Answer

A technique for roped group travel across loose scree

Answer

A safety device mounted on canyon walls

Question 7

In low-visibility conditions such as dense fog, darkness, or heavy snowfall, which navigation strategy is MOST reliable for an outdoor educator leading a group?

Accepted Answer

Combining dead reckoning with frequent compass checks and correlation to known terrain features

Answer

Relying entirely on a smartphone GPS application

Answer

Stopping and waiting in place until visibility improves

Answer

Following the freshest animal tracks as they indicate open passage