CritiCall Dispatcher Map Reading and Directions Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A police unit is at the intersection of 3rd Ave and Oak St. A call is located at the intersection of 5th Ave and Pine St. Assuming avenues run North-South and streets run East-West, with numbers increasing to the East for streets and to the North for avenues, what is the most direct route for the unit to take?
- Go East on Oak St, then North on 5th Ave.
- Go West on Oak St, then North on 3rd Ave.
- Go North on 3rd Ave, then East on Pine St. (Correct answer)
- Go South on 3rd Ave, then East on Pine St.
Correct answer: Go North on 3rd Ave, then East on Pine St.
The destination (5th Ave and Pine St) is north and east of the starting point (3rd Ave and Oak St). Traveling North on 3rd Ave and then East on Pine St is a direct path. Going East first on Oak St would also work, but the option provided (A) sends the unit North on 5th Ave, which is past the destination street. Options B and D move away from the destination.
Question 2: On a standard map where North is at the top, a vehicle traveling West makes a right turn. Which direction is the vehicle now traveling?
- East
- North (Correct answer)
- South
- West
Correct answer: North
When traveling West (towards the left side of the map), a right turn would orient the vehicle towards the top of the map, which is North.
Question 3: A unit starts at the fire station on Main St, which is a two-way street. The instructions are: go East for 2 blocks to 2nd St, turn left, go 3 blocks to Cedar Ave, and turn right. The unit is now at the intersection of which two streets?
- Main St and 2nd St
- 2nd St and Cedar Ave
- Cedar Ave and 5th St
- Cedar Ave and 2nd St (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Cedar Ave and 2nd St
Following the directions sequentially: 1) Starts on Main St. 2) Travels East to 2nd St. 3) Turns left (North) onto 2nd St. 4) Travels 3 blocks to Cedar Ave. 5) Turns right (East) onto Cedar Ave. The unit is now on Cedar Ave at the intersection it just turned from, which is 2nd St.
Question 4: An incident is reported in the Northwest corner of the city. Which of the following street intersections is most likely located in that area?
- Division St and South St
- Eastwood Ave and Sunrise Dr
- Northgate Blvd and Westend Rd (Correct answer)
- Central Ave and Main St
Correct answer: Northgate Blvd and Westend Rd
The direction 'Northwest' combines North and West. Street names often provide directional clues. 'Northgate Blvd' and 'Westend Rd' explicitly contain the required directional components, making this the most plausible answer.
Question 5: A dispatcher needs to send an ambulance from the Hospital at the corner of 1st Ave and Maple St to a medical emergency at 5th Ave and Maple St. However, Maple St is a one-way street going East between 2nd Ave and 4th Ave. Which of the following is a valid and direct route?
- Travel East on Maple St all the way to 5th Ave.
- Travel East on Maple St to 2nd Ave, North to Oak St, East to 4th Ave, South to Maple St, then East to 5th Ave.
- Travel West on Maple St to the city limits and turn around.
- Travel North on 1st Ave to Elm St, East on Elm St to 5th Ave, then South on 5th Ave to Maple St. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Travel North on 1st Ave to Elm St, East on Elm St to 5th Ave, then South on 5th Ave to Maple St.
The one-way section on Maple St prevents direct travel. Option A is invalid because of the one-way street. Option B is indirect and complex. Option C is illogical. Option D provides a valid and direct detour by going one block North to Elm St, traveling East parallel to the one-way street, and then coming back South to the destination.
Question 6: In a city grid system where address numbers increase as you move away from a central dividing street, you are looking for the address 850 North Main St. You are currently at 420 North Main St. Which direction do you need to travel?
- East
- West
- South
- North (Correct answer)
Correct answer: North
The address numbers are increasing (from 420 to 850) and both are on 'North' Main St. In a typical grid system, this means you need to continue traveling North, away from the central point, to find the higher number.
CritiCall Dispatcher Map Reading and Directions Questions and Answers 1
A police unit is at the intersection of 3rd Ave and Oak St.
A call is located at the intersection of 5th Ave and Pine St.
Assuming avenues run North-South and streets run East-West, with numbers increasing to the East for streets and to the North for avenues, what is the most direct route for the unit to take?