Free NFST Test Map Reading and Navigation Questions and Answers

Question 1

On a topographic map, what do contour lines that are very close together indicate?

Accepted Answer

A steep slope

Answer

A gradual slope

Answer

A flat plain

Answer

A body of water

Question 2

A firefighter is given a destination with the coordinates in the UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator) format. Which of the following best describes the nature of this coordinate system?

Accepted Answer

A grid-based system that uses meters for its coordinates, dividing the Earth into 60 zones.

Answer

A global system using degrees, minutes, and seconds based on latitude and longitude.

Answer

A system that relies solely on celestial bodies for determining position.

Answer

A relative positioning system based on the distance and direction from a known landmark.

Question 3

You are navigating in the field and take a magnetic bearing of 180° (South) to a landmark. The local magnetic declination is 12° East. To plot this bearing on a true north-oriented map, what grid azimuth should you use?

Accepted Answer

192°

Answer

168°

Answer

180°

Answer

202°

Question 4

While planning a route on a map with a scale of 1:24,000, you measure the distance between two points as 3.5 inches. What is the actual ground distance in feet?

Accepted Answer

7,000 feet

Answer

2,000 feet

Answer

84,000 feet

Answer

6,000 feet

Question 5

Which of the following topographic features is characterized by V-shaped or U-shaped contour lines that point towards higher elevation?

Accepted Answer

A valley or drainage

Answer

A ridge

Answer

A saddle

Answer

A peak

Question 6

A firefighter is tasked with navigating from Point A to Point B. After orienting the map to true north, what is the next essential step when using a baseplate compass to determine the bearing from Point A to Point B?

Accepted Answer

Place the edge of the compass baseplate so it connects Point A and Point B on the map.

Answer

Rotate the bezel until the magnetic needle is inside the orienting arrow.

Answer

Adjust the compass for declination immediately.

Answer

Estimate the distance to Point B by eye.