NFST Map and Route Analysis 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: On a topographic map, contour lines that are spaced very close together indicate:
- A gentle, gradual slope
- A steep, rapid change in elevation (Correct answer)
- A flat valley floor
- A body of water
Correct answer: A steep, rapid change in elevation
Closely spaced contour lines represent rapid elevation change, meaning the terrain is very steep.
Question 2: A map scale of 1:24,000 means that one inch on the map equals how many feet on the ground?
- 1,200 feet
- 12,000 feet
- 2,000 feet (Correct answer)
- 24,000 feet
Correct answer: 2,000 feet
At 1:24,000 scale, one inch equals 24,000 inches on the ground, which converts to 2,000 feet.
Question 3: Which map symbol typically represents a perennial (year-round) stream on a USGS topographic map?
- A dashed blue line
- A solid blue line (Correct answer)
- A solid green line
- A dashed black line
Correct answer: A solid blue line
Solid blue lines represent perennial streams that flow year-round on USGS topographic maps.
Question 4: When planning a wilderness route, a drainage divide (ridgeline) on a topographic map is best identified by:
- Contour lines that form U-shapes pointing uphill (Correct answer)
- Contour lines that form V-shapes pointing downhill
- Widely spaced, parallel contour lines
- Contour lines that form a closed loop around a low point
Correct answer: Contour lines that form U-shapes pointing uphill
Ridgelines appear as U-shaped contour lines opening toward lower elevations, indicating high ground between drainages.
Question 5: A valley or drainage on a topographic map is identified by contour lines that:
- Form closed loops at high points
- Form V-shapes pointing uphill toward higher elevation (Correct answer)
- Run perfectly parallel without bending
- Disappear where the valley floor is located
Correct answer: Form V-shapes pointing uphill toward higher elevation
Valleys appear as V-shaped contour lines with the V pointing toward higher elevation (uphill).
Question 6: What is the primary purpose of a map legend (key) when analyzing a route?
- To indicate the map's age and publication date
- To explain the symbols, colors, and features shown on the map (Correct answer)
- To provide the names of cartographers who made the map
- To list all place names in alphabetical order
Correct answer: To explain the symbols, colors, and features shown on the map
A map legend decodes the symbols and colors used on the map so the reader can correctly interpret terrain features.
Question 7: When calculating total route distance on a 1:24,000 scale map, you measure 3.5 inches along a trail. What is the approximate ground distance in miles?
- About 0.8 miles
- About 1.3 miles (Correct answer)
- About 2.1 miles
- About 3.5 miles
Correct answer: About 1.3 miles
3.5 inches × 2,000 feet/inch = 7,000 feet, which is approximately 1.3 miles (5,280 feet per mile).
NFST Map and Route Analysis 2
On a topographic map, contour lines that are spaced very close together indicate: