LSIT Plan and Map Reading 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: On a topographic map, which feature is represented by contour lines that form a V-shape pointing uphill?
- A ridge
- A valley or drainage (Correct answer)
- A cliff
- A depression
Correct answer: A valley or drainage
V-shaped contours pointing uphill indicate a valley, stream channel, or drainage course.
Question 2: What does a dashed line typically represent on a survey plat?
- A recorded easement or right-of-way (Correct answer)
- A property line with a known bearing
- A section line
- A contour line
Correct answer: A recorded easement or right-of-way
Dashed lines on survey plats commonly denote easements, rights-of-way, or other encumbrances that affect but do not define ownership boundaries.
Question 3: A benchmark labeled 'BM 1452.67' on a USGS quadrangle map indicates what?
- A horizontal control point at latitude 14°52'
- A vertical control point with an elevation of 1452.67 feet (Correct answer)
- A triangulation station at mile marker 1452
- A magnetic declination reading
Correct answer: A vertical control point with an elevation of 1452.67 feet
Benchmark labels on USGS maps show the elevation in feet (or meters) above mean sea level at that control point.
Question 4: On a construction plan set, which sheet typically shows grading, drainage, and earthwork information?
- Architectural floor plan
- Civil grading plan (Correct answer)
- Electrical single-line diagram
- Structural framing plan
Correct answer: Civil grading plan
Civil grading plans depict proposed and existing elevations, cut/fill areas, drainage patterns, and related earthwork.
Question 5: What is the purpose of a north arrow on a survey map?
- To indicate magnetic south for compass calibration
- To orient the map with respect to true, magnetic, or grid north (Correct answer)
- To show the direction of increasing lot numbers
- To mark the direction of the prevailing wind
Correct answer: To orient the map with respect to true, magnetic, or grid north
A north arrow establishes the map's orientation and typically specifies whether it references true, magnetic, or grid north.
Question 6: A 'hachure' mark on an older topographic map indicates which feature?
- A road surface type
- The downhill side of a slope or depression (Correct answer)
- A property corner monument
- A water body boundary
Correct answer: The downhill side of a slope or depression
Hachures are short lines drawn perpendicular to contours pointing downslope, used on older maps to indicate terrain relief.
Question 7: When reading a highway construction plan, the 'centerline stationing' increases in which direction?
- Always from south to north
- Always from west to east
- In the direction of increasing station numbers along the project alignment (Correct answer)
- From the highest to the lowest elevation
Correct answer: In the direction of increasing station numbers along the project alignment
Stationing increases in the direction of chainage along the project alignment, typically defined at the project start and progressing forward.
LSIT Plan and Map Reading 2
On a topographic map, which feature is represented by contour lines that form a V-shape pointing uphill?