How to use a topographic map - Exam
  • 1. What is the primary purpose of a topographic map?
A) To predict the weather
B) To display road networks only
C) To show political boundaries
D) To show elevation and landforms
  • 2. What are contour lines?
A) Lines indicating geological faults
B) Lines representing rivers and streams
C) Lines connecting points of equal elevation
D) Lines showing property boundaries
  • 3. What does a closer spacing of contour lines indicate?
A) Lower elevation
B) Gentle slope
C) Flat terrain
D) Steeper slope
  • 4. What does a wider spacing of contour lines indicate?
A) A riverbed
B) Sharp drop-off
C) Gentle slope
D) Steeper slope
  • 5. What does a closed contour line with hachure marks indicate?
A) Hilltop
B) Ridge
C) Depression
D) Valley
  • 6. What does a closed contour line without hachure marks indicate?
A) Saddle
B) Hilltop
C) Cliff
D) Depression
  • 7. What is a benchmark on a topographic map?
A) A point of known elevation
B) A campsite location
C) A stream crossing
D) A border marker
  • 8. What is the contour interval?
A) The vertical distance between contour lines
B) The map scale
C) The horizontal distance between contour lines
D) The total elevation range of the map
  • 9. What is the purpose of a map scale?
A) To show the relationship between distance on the map and distance on the ground
B) To show the map's publisher
C) To indicate the date the map was created
D) To represent the magnetic declination
  • 10. What does the term 'north arrow' indicate on a topographic map?
A) The location of the highest point on the map
B) The direction of the prevailing wind
C) The starting point for navigation
D) The direction of true north and magnetic north
  • 11. What do blue lines typically represent on a topographic map?
A) Roads
B) Water features
C) Elevation
D) Buildings
  • 12. What do green areas typically represent on a topographic map?
A) Roads
B) Developed areas
C) Vegetation
D) Water
  • 13. What do black lines typically represent on a topographic map?
A) Vegetation
B) Man-made features
C) Elevation contours
D) Water features
  • 14. What does a brown line on a topographic map represent?
A) Contour lines
B) Political boundaries
C) Roads
D) Rivers
  • 15. What does 'magnetic declination' refer to?
A) The angle between true north and magnetic north
B) The time of day the map was surveyed
C) The distance to the nearest town
D) The slope of the land
  • 16. What is a 'ridge' on a topographic map?
A) An elongated crest or series of crests
B) A low point between two hills
C) A large body of water
D) A flat area near a river
  • 17. What is a 'valley' on a topographic map?
A) A flat, open plain
B) A low area between hills or mountains
C) A body of saltwater
D) A high, pointed peak
  • 18. What is a 'saddle' on a topographic map?
A) The highest point on a map
B) A deep canyon
C) A dry riverbed
D) A low point between two higher points
  • 19. How do you determine the elevation of a point that falls between two contour lines?
A) Estimate based on the contour interval
B) Use the map scale
C) Find the magnetic declination
D) Use the north arrow
  • 20. What is the 'legend' of a topographic map?
A) An explanation of the map's symbols
B) A historical account of the area
C) A list of all the place names
D) A legal disclaimer
  • 21. What does UTM stand for?
A) United Terrain Mapping
B) Universal Terrain Management
C) Universal Transverse Mercator
D) Unified Topographic Model
  • 22. What is the purpose of grid lines on a topographic map?
A) To indicate the best hiking trails
B) To show the direction of water flow
C) To show the location of historical landmarks
D) To provide coordinates for locating points
  • 23. Which map scale represents the largest area on the ground?
A) 1:100,000
B) 1:10,000
C) 1:24,000
D) 1:62,500
  • 24. Which map scale provides the most detail?
A) 1:100,000
B) 1:250,000
C) 1:24,000
D) 1:1,000,000
  • 25. What is a 'spur' on a topographic map?
A) A deep canyon
B) A large lake
C) A lateral ridge or projection from a main ridge
D) A flat area next to a river
  • 26. What can you infer from closely spaced contour lines forming a 'V' shape, pointing uphill?
A) A flat plateau
B) A sinkhole
C) A ridge
D) A stream or drainage
  • 27. What is the first step in planning a hike using a topographic map?
A) Determine your starting and ending points
B) Calculate the magnetic declination
C) Pack your backpack
D) Check the weather forecast
  • 28. Why is it important to understand the contour interval before using a topographic map?
A) To identify private property boundaries
B) To determine the map's age
C) To accurately estimate elevation changes
D) To find the location of water sources
  • 29. What does 'elevation' refer to on a topographic map?
A) Horizontal distance across the map
B) The temperature at a specific location
C) Vertical distance above sea level
D) The angle of the slope
  • 30. What is the benefit of using a GPS device in conjunction with a topographic map?
A) To attract wildlife
B) To predict the weather
C) To accurately pinpoint your location
D) To start a fire
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