Map and Compass Flashcards
7 cards from real S-130 practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Map and Compass flashcards as text
On a topographic map, V-shaped contour lines pointing downhill (away from the summit) indicate what terrain feature?
Answer: A spur or ridge
V-shaped contours with the point of the V directed downhill (away from high ground) represent a spur or ridge extending outward from higher terrain.
In the UTM coordinate system, what are the two components that define a location within a grid zone?
Answer: Easting and Northing
UTM coordinates use Easting (distance east of the zone's central meridian) and Northing (distance north of the equator) to pinpoint a location.
Why should a wildland firefighter avoid placing a compass near a metal radio or vehicle when taking a bearing?
Answer: Metal objects can deflect the compass needle, causing an inaccurate reading
Ferrous metal and electronic devices create local magnetic fields that deflect the compass needle and produce false readings.
A map legend shows a symbol that looks like a small tree cluster in green. What does this most likely represent on a USGS map?
Answer: A forested or wooded area
Green vegetation symbols on USGS topographic maps indicate areas with significant tree or shrub cover.
What is 'triangulation' as applied to compass navigation in the field?
Answer: Using bearings to two or more known landmarks to determine your unknown position
Triangulation involves taking compass bearings to two or more identifiable landmarks and plotting the back bearings on a map to find where they intersect — your location.
On a standard baseplate compass, what is the purpose of the orienting arrow (sometimes called the 'shed')?
Answer: It is aligned with the compass needle to set and follow a bearing
The orienting arrow (housing arrow) is rotated to align with the magnetic needle once a bearing is set, allowing the traveler to follow the bearing without re-reading the dial.
In wildland fire, terrain features that channel wind — such as chimneys and saddles — can be identified on a topographic map by looking for:
Answer: Constrictions or low points between high ground
Saddles (low points between peaks) and drainage channels (chimneys) appear on topo maps as low points flanked by higher contour rings — classic wind-channeling terrain.