CSS - PMS - CCE - PCS - Geography
Maps and Map Reading
No flat world map can preserve perfectly all of:
A. Direction, area, distance and shape
B. Only colour
C. Only names
D. Only latitude
Correct Answer: A
Every projection distorts one or more spatial properties.
CSS - PMS - CCE - PCS - Geography
Maps and Map Reading
A map projection is required because:
A. Earth has no coordinates
B. A curved Earth surface must be represented on a flat surface
C. All maps must face north
D. Contours require satellites
Correct Answer: B
Flattening a curved surface necessarily requires a projection and introduces distortion.
CSS - PMS - CCE - PCS - Geography
Maps and Map Reading
Magnetic declination is the angle between:
A. Latitude and longitude
B. True north and magnetic north
C. Slope and contour
D. East and west
Correct Answer: B
Magnetic declination is the angular difference between geographic and magnetic north.
CSS - PMS - CCE - PCS - Geography
Maps and Map Reading
A bearing of 090° indicates:
A. North
B. East
C. South
D. West
Correct Answer: B
Bearings are clockwise from north; 090° is due east.
CSS - PMS - CCE - PCS - Geography
Maps and Map Reading
A true bearing is measured clockwise from:
A. Magnetic south
B. Grid east
C. True north
D. West
Correct Answer: C
True bearings use geographic (true) north as the zero direction.
CSS - PMS - CCE - PCS - Geography
Maps and Map Reading
A six-figure grid reference gives:
A. Less precision than four figures
B. Greater positional precision
C. Only altitude
D. Only direction
Correct Answer: B
Additional digits subdivide the grid square and locate a point more precisely.
CSS - PMS - CCE - PCS - Geography
Maps and Map Reading
In a four-figure grid reference, you normally read:
A. Northings then eastings
B. Eastings then northings
C. Latitude only
D. Longitude only
Correct Answer: B
The standard rule is 'along the corridor, then up the stairs': eastings before northings.
CSS - PMS - CCE - PCS - Geography
Maps and Map Reading
A grid reference is mainly used to:
A. Measure rainfall
B. Locate a position on a map
C. Determine rock age
D. Calculate population
Correct Answer: B
Grid coordinates provide a systematic way to locate map features.
CSS - PMS - CCE - PCS - Geography
Maps and Map Reading
Lines of longitude converge at the:
A. Equator
B. Tropics
C. Poles
D. International Date Line only
Correct Answer: C
Meridians meet at the North and South Poles.
CSS - PMS - CCE - PCS - Geography
Maps and Map Reading
Lines of latitude run mainly:
A. North-south
B. East-west
C. Pole to pole
D. Along magnetic north
Correct Answer: B
Parallels of latitude encircle Earth east-west.
CSS - PMS - CCE - PCS - Geography
Maps and Map Reading
A topographic map primarily represents:
A. Only climate
B. Natural and cultural features plus relief
C. Only administrative divisions
D. Only geology
Correct Answer: B
Topographic maps depict terrain, drainage, settlements, transport and other features.
CSS - PMS - CCE - PCS - Geography
Maps and Map Reading
Relief on a map refers to:
A. Road network
B. Variation in land elevation
C. Population density
D. Longitude only
Correct Answer: B
Relief describes differences in height and landform shape.
CSS - PMS - CCE - PCS - Geography
Maps and Map Reading
A benchmark on a topographic map is:
A. An approximate height
B. A fixed surveyed reference point of known elevation
C. A political boundary
D. A magnetic north marker
Correct Answer: B
Benchmarks provide accurately surveyed elevations used as vertical control.
CSS - PMS - CCE - PCS - Geography
Maps and Map Reading
The vertical difference between successive contour lines is called:
A. Horizontal equivalent
B. Contour interval
C. Gradient
D. Relief ratio
Correct Answer: B
Contour interval is the elevation difference between adjacent contours.
CSS - PMS - CCE - PCS - Geography
Maps and Map Reading
A spot height shows:
A. Average elevation of an area
B. Exact elevation of a specific point
C. Contour interval
D. Magnetic declination
Correct Answer: B
A spot height gives the surveyed elevation of one point.
CSS - PMS - CCE - PCS - Geography
Maps and Map Reading
A closed contour with hachures pointing inward represents a:
A. Hill
B. Depression
C. Plateau
D. Saddle
Correct Answer: B
Hachured closed contours indicate land lower than the surrounding terrain.
CSS - PMS - CCE - PCS - Geography
Maps and Map Reading
On a ridge, contour V or U shapes generally point:
A. Toward lower ground
B. Upstream only
C. Toward the summit
D. North
Correct Answer: A
Across a ridge/spur, contour bends usually point downhill, opposite to valley Vs.
CSS - PMS - CCE - PCS - Geography
Maps and Map Reading
When contours cross a river valley, their V-shape generally points:
A. Downstream
B. Upstream
C. East
D. Toward sea level
Correct Answer: B
Contour Vs point toward higher ground and therefore generally upstream.
CSS - PMS - CCE - PCS - Geography
Maps and Map Reading
Widely spaced contour lines generally indicate a:
A. Steep slope
B. Cliff
C. Gentle slope
D. Vertical wall
Correct Answer: C
Wide spacing means elevation changes slowly with horizontal distance.
CSS - PMS - CCE - PCS - Geography
Maps and Map Reading
Closely spaced contours indicate a:
A. Gentle slope
B. Steep slope
C. Flat plain
D. Depression only
Correct Answer: B
Elevation changes rapidly over a short horizontal distance on a steep slope.