CORE Land Navigation and Orienteering Flashcards
6 cards from real CORE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 CORE Land Navigation and Orienteering flashcards as text
Which map datum is the standard for most USGS topographic maps used in US outdoor education?
Answer: NAD 83
NAD 83 (North American Datum 1983) is the standard horizontal datum for most current USGS topographic maps and is compatible with modern GPS devices.
In a CORE outdoor education class, a student should practice navigation skills in what progressive order?
Answer: Map reading → compass → GPS as backup
Best practice teaches map reading and terrain association first, then compass use, with GPS as a backup tool — ensuring students can navigate without technology.
What is the standard scale used on most USGS 7.5-minute topographic maps?
Answer: 1:24,000
USGS 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle maps use a scale of 1:24,000, meaning one inch on the map equals 24,000 inches (2,000 feet) on the ground.
Which directional method is most reliable when electronic devices fail in the backcountry?
Answer: Map and baseplate compass
A topographic map and baseplate compass require no batteries or signal and remain functional in all conditions, making them the most reliable backcountry navigation tools.
What does a 'saddle' look like on a topographic map?
Answer: Two hilltops connected by a low point shown as an hourglass shape in contours
A saddle appears as two high points flanking a lower connecting ridge, creating an hourglass or figure-eight pattern in the contour lines.
When teaching a CORE program, what is the recommended group size for introductory orienteering courses?
Answer: Groups of 2–4 students to encourage peer learning while maintaining safety
Small groups of 2–4 students promote collaborative problem-solving and peer learning while keeping participants safe during introductory navigation exercises.