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