CORE CORE Land Navigation and Orienteering 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When using a baseplate compass, which part physically points toward magnetic north?
- The direction-of-travel arrow
- The rotating bezel ring
- The red end of the magnetic needle (Correct answer)
- The orienting arrow
Correct answer: The red end of the magnetic needle
The red end of the magnetic needle always points toward magnetic north regardless of how the compass is held.
Question 2: On a topographic map, contour lines that form a series of concentric closed circles typically indicate a:
- Valley or drainage basin
- Cliff or vertical drop
- Hilltop or summit (Correct answer)
- Flat plain
Correct answer: Hilltop or summit
Concentric closed contour lines represent a high point such as a hilltop or mountain summit.
Question 3: A hunter is traveling southeast. On a standard compass, the bearing for southeast is:
- 90°
- 135° (Correct answer)
- 180°
- 225°
Correct answer: 135°
Southeast falls exactly halfway between south (180°) and east (90°), giving a bearing of 135°.
Question 4: What does it mean to 'pace count' in land navigation?
- Count the number of streams crossed
- Count every two steps taken to estimate distance traveled (Correct answer)
- Record compass bearings at each landmark
- Measure slope angle with a clinometer
Correct answer: Count every two steps taken to estimate distance traveled
A pace count involves counting every two steps (one pace) to estimate distance based on your known pace length.
Question 5: Which natural feature on a topographic map is represented by contour lines forming a V or U shape pointing uphill?
- Ridge
- Cliff
- Saddle
- Valley or drainage (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Valley or drainage
V- or U-shaped contour lines pointing toward higher elevation indicate a valley, draw, or drainage area.
Question 6: If your map shows a contour interval of 40 feet and you count 5 contour lines between two points, what is the elevation change?
- 40 feet
- 80 feet
- 160 feet
- 200 feet (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 200 feet
Elevation change equals the number of contour lines multiplied by the contour interval: 5 × 40 = 200 feet.
Question 7: In the field, what is the safest practice when you realize you are lost?
- Keep moving in any direction to find familiar terrain
- Climb the nearest tree for a better view
- Stop, stay calm, and use STOP (Stop, Think, Observe, Plan) (Correct answer)
- Mark your location by cutting trees
Correct answer: Stop, stay calm, and use STOP (Stop, Think, Observe, Plan)
The STOP protocol—Stop, Think, Observe, Plan—helps prevent panic-driven decisions and guides you toward a safe course of action.
CORE CORE Land Navigation and Orienteering 4
When using a baseplate compass, which part physically points toward magnetic north?