NFST Map and Route Analysis 3

Question 1

When navigating with a compass and map, 'declination' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The angular difference between true north and magnetic north

Answer

Magnetic declination is the angle between geographic true north and the magnetic north indicated by a compass needle.

Question 2

On a topographic map, an index contour line differs from intermediate contour lines in that it is:

Accepted Answer

Drawn as a heavier, bolder line and labeled with its elevation

Answer

Index contours are thicker, bolder lines labeled with their elevation value to make reading the map easier.

Question 3

You are planning a route and want to avoid a slope steeper than 30%. On a 1:24,000 map with a 40-foot contour interval, which horizontal distance between adjacent contour lines would indicate exactly 30% grade?

Accepted Answer

About 133 feet apart on the ground

Answer

A 30% grade means 30 feet of rise per 100 feet of horizontal distance; 40 ft ÷ 0.30 ≈ 133 feet horizontal between contours.

Question 4

A saddle on a topographic map appears as:

Accepted Answer

Two closely spaced summit loops connected by widely spaced contours between them

Answer

A saddle is a low point between two high points, appearing on maps as two summit loops with spreading contours in the pass between them.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes 'back azimuth' in land navigation?

Accepted Answer

The azimuth from your destination back to your starting point

Answer

A back azimuth is the reverse direction of a given azimuth, calculated by adding or subtracting 180°, used to retrace a route.

NFST Test Practice Test

NFST Test Practice Test

NFST Map and Route Analysis 3