Map Reading and Spatial Orientation Flashcards

A suspect is reported fleeing northbound on Oak Ave and turns right at the intersection. An officer one block west and two blocks south of the intersection should proceed in which direction to intercept?

Answer: Northeast

Turning right while heading north means the suspect is now heading east; the officer must travel northeast to intercept.

On a map, the symbol for a hospital is typically:

Answer: A red cross or H symbol

Hospitals are universally represented by a red cross or the letter H on most emergency and street maps.

Which map projection is most commonly used for navigation because it preserves direction?

Answer: Mercator projection

The Mercator projection preserves compass bearings, making straight lines on the map correspond to constant compass headings.

A map grid reference of '5N, 3E' means the location is:

Answer: 5 units north and 3 units east

In grid references, the first number (5N) indicates 5 units north, and the second number (3E) indicates 3 units east.

Two officers are communicating by radio. Officer A is facing north and reports a fire to his left. Officer B is south of Officer A facing north. Where is the fire relative to Officer B?

Answer: To his left

Both officers face north, so left for both is west; the fire is to Officer B's left as well.

On a city map, which street numbering system is most common in Texas cities like Houston?

Answer: Numbers increase outward from a central baseline

Most Texas cities use a grid system where address numbers increase as you move away from a central baseline such as downtown.

A map shows a blue shaded area adjacent to a river. This shading most likely represents:

Answer: Flood plain or flood zone

Blue shading near bodies of water on maps typically denotes flood plains or areas subject to flooding.