Map and Route Analysis Flashcards
7 cards from real NFST practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Map and Route Analysis flashcards as text
A UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator) grid coordinate is useful in the field primarily because it:
Answer: Provides a simple metric grid making distance calculations straightforward
UTM uses a metric grid system that makes measuring distances simple — every 1,000 meters is a 1 km grid square.
When orienting a topographic map to the terrain using a compass, you should:
Answer: Rotate the map until the north arrow on the map aligns with magnetic north, accounting for declination
Orienting the map means aligning its north arrow with true north (accounting for magnetic declination) so map features match the terrain around you.
A 'relief map' or shaded relief map uses shadows and highlights to show:
Answer: Three-dimensional terrain shape and elevation changes
Shaded relief maps simulate sunlight on terrain to create a 3D visual effect, making hills, valleys, and ridges intuitively obvious.
In forest service navigation, 'terrain association' refers to:
Answer: Identifying your location by matching surrounding terrain features to map features
Terrain association is the skill of comparing visible landscape features (ridges, drainages, peaks) directly to map symbols to determine your location.
Which of the following conditions would most likely cause a GPS receiver to give inaccurate position readings in a forested or canyon environment?
Answer: Poor satellite geometry or signal blockage by terrain and tree canopy
Dense tree canopy and surrounding terrain can block or reflect GPS satellite signals, degrading position accuracy.
On a fire behavior map used during wildland fire operations, an area marked as 'anchor point' typically indicates:
Answer: A safe starting point from which fire lines can be built without being flanked by fire
An anchor point is a secure location (natural barrier, burned area, road) from which crews begin constructing fire line safely.
When planning a route on a map, 'line of sight' analysis determines whether:
Answer: Two points are visible to each other with no terrain obstruction between them
Line of sight analysis uses elevation profiles to determine if terrain obstructs the direct view between two geographic points.