Topography and Terrain Features Flashcards
6 cards from real FAA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Topography and Terrain Features flashcards as text
On a sectional chart, the Maximum Elevation Figure (MEF) in each latitude/longitude grid square is shown in what color?
Answer: Brown
MEF values are printed in bold brown/tan digits in each quadrangle of a sectional chart, indicating the highest elevation including terrain and obstacles in that grid square.
The MEF value on a sectional chart represents what?
Answer: Highest known elevation plus a 100-foot buffer within a grid square, rounded up to nearest 100 feet
The MEF is calculated by taking the highest terrain or obstacle in a grid square, adding a 100-foot buffer, and rounding up to the next 100-foot increment.
On a sectional chart, elevation contour lines that are closer together indicate what about the terrain?
Answer: Steeper terrain with rapid elevation change
Closely spaced contour lines on a sectional chart indicate steep terrain where elevation changes rapidly over a short horizontal distance.
On a sectional chart, what does a spot elevation (small X with a number) indicate?
Answer: The exact surveyed elevation at that point in feet MSL
Spot elevations shown as small X marks with numbers on a sectional chart represent precisely surveyed terrain heights in feet above mean sea level at that specific location.
On a sectional chart, what color is used to indicate low-lying terrain near sea level?
Answer: Light yellow or cream
Low-lying terrain near sea level is shown in a light yellow or cream color on sectional charts, with darker shading indicating higher elevation zones.
On a sectional chart, the contour interval (elevation difference between consecutive contour lines) in mountainous areas is typically what?
Answer: 500 feet
Sectional charts use a 500-foot contour interval in mountainous areas to effectively depict the dramatic elevation changes without creating an unreadably dense pattern of lines.