Interpreting Topographical Maps

What is the primary purpose of a topographic map?

• To show political boundaries

• To display elevation and terrain features

• To track weather patterns

• To measure road distances

Answer explanation

The primary purpose of a topographic map is to display elevation and terrain features, providing detailed information about the landscape's shape and contours, which is essential for activities like hiking and land use planning.

Contour lines that are very close together typically indicate:

• A river valley

• A plateau

• A very steep slope

• A flat landscape

Answer explanation

Contour lines that are very close together indicate a very steep slope, as they represent a rapid change in elevation over a short horizontal distance. This is unlike a river valley or plateau, which would have more spaced lines.

When contour lines form concentric circles that get progressively smaller, this most likely represents:

• A valley

• A cliff

• A river delta

• A hill or mountain

Answer explanation

Concentric circles of contour lines indicate elevation changes. When they get progressively smaller, it signifies a peak, which represents a hill or mountain, rather than a valley, cliff, or river delta.

Which method helps you remember the order of reading grid references?

• North before east

• Eastings before northings

• Diagonal reading

• Random selection

Answer explanation

The correct method to remember the order of reading grid references is 'Eastings before northings'. This means you first locate the eastings (vertical lines) and then the northings (horizontal lines) to pinpoint a location accurately.

A six-figure grid reference provides location precision within:

• 1 kilometre

• 10 kilometres

• 500 metres

• 100 metres

Answer explanation

A six-figure grid reference divides the area into 100 metre squares, providing precise location details. Therefore, the correct answer is 100 metres.

If contour lines are widely spaced, this suggests the terrain is:

• Very steep

• Relatively flat

• Extremely rugged

• Completely vertical

Answer explanation

Widely spaced contour lines indicate a gentle slope, suggesting the terrain is relatively flat. In contrast, closely spaced lines would indicate steepness or ruggedness.

Which professional group would most likely use topographic maps for daily work?

• Chefs

• Librarians

• Urban planners

• Accountants

Answer explanation

Urban planners frequently use topographic maps to analyze land features, plan developments, and assess environmental impacts, making them the most likely professional group to utilize these maps in their daily work.

A V-shaped contour pattern typically indicates:

• A mountain peak

• A valley

• A plateau

• A coastal region

Answer explanation

A V-shaped contour pattern typically indicates a valley, as it represents the downward slope of land between two higher areas, contrasting with the broader shapes of mountains or plateaus.

What does a uniform slope look like on a topographic map?

• Randomly spaced contour lines

• Widely dispersed contour lines

• Converging contour lines

• Evenly spaced contour lines

Answer explanation

A uniform slope on a topographic map is represented by evenly spaced contour lines. This indicates a consistent change in elevation, unlike randomly spaced or converging lines, which suggest varying slopes.

Why might emergency response teams value topographic maps?

• For decorative purposes

• To understand the terrain for rescue operations

• To track wildlife

• To plan vacations

Answer explanation

Emergency response teams value topographic maps to understand the terrain for rescue operations. These maps provide crucial information about elevation, obstacles, and access routes, which are vital for effective and safe rescues.