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

Contour lines represent points of equal elevation. When they are spaced closely together, it signifies a rapid change in elevation over a short horizontal distance, which depicts a steep slope.

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

The Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinate system is a grid-based system that uses meters to define locations. It divides the Earth into 60 north-south zones, each 6 degrees of longitude wide, providing a precise way to specify locations.

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

When declination is East, you add the declination value to the magnetic bearing to get the true (grid) bearing. Therefore, 180° (magnetic) + 12° (East declination) = 192°. A common mnemonic is 'East is least, West is best,' but this applies when converting from true to magnetic. For magnetic to true, the rule is reversed: add for East declination.

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

A map scale of 1:24,000 means that 1 inch on the map equals 24,000 inches on the ground. To find the ground distance, multiply the map distance by the scale factor: 3.5 inches * 24,000 = 84,000 inches. To convert inches to feet, divide by 12: 84,000 inches / 12 inches/foot = 7,000 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

On a topographic map, valleys, drainages, or gullies are represented by V-shaped or U-shaped contour lines. The 'V' or 'U' always points uphill, or toward higher ground, indicating the direction from which water would flow.

NFST Test Practice Test

NFST Test Practice Test

Free NFST Test Map Reading and Navigation Questions and Answers