Navigation & Orienteering Flashcards
7 cards from real COE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Navigation & Orienteering flashcards as text
What does the contour interval on a topographic map represent?
Answer: The vertical distance between adjacent contour lines
The contour interval is the vertical elevation difference between consecutive contour lines on a topographic map.
On a topographic map, closely spaced contour lines most likely indicate:
Answer: A steep slope
Closely spaced contour lines indicate rapid elevation change over a short horizontal distance, representing a steep slope.
What is magnetic declination?
Answer: The angle between true north and magnetic north
Magnetic declination is the angular difference between true (geographic) north and magnetic north, which varies by geographic location and must be accounted for when using a compass with a map.
Which USGS map scale provides the greatest level of terrain detail for backcountry navigation?
Answer: 1:24,000
A 1:24,000 scale (7.5-minute quadrangle) provides the most detail, representing 1 unit on the map as 24,000 of the same units on the ground.
In navigation, what is a 'baseline'?
Answer: A linear terrain feature used as a navigational reference
A baseline is any linear feature—trail, road, river, or ridgeline—used as a reference that navigators can aim for or follow to locate themselves.
On a USGS topographic map, a solid blue line most commonly represents:
Answer: A perennial (year-round) stream or river
Solid blue lines on USGS topographic maps represent perennial streams that flow year-round, while dashed blue lines indicate intermittent streams.
What is an 'attack point' in land navigation?
Answer: A prominent feature near the destination used as a final close-range reference
An attack point is a distinct, easily identifiable feature close to your destination that you navigate to first, then make a precise final approach from.