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