Compass & Bearings
What compass reading (in degrees) points due east?
90 degrees (Due east)
What does the STOP acronym stand for in wilderness survival?
Stop, Think, Observe, Plan
What map feature shows elevation changes using lines?
Contour lines
Give one effective ground-to-air signal that a lost hiker can create?
A large X or triangle made with rocks/logs. SOS etc.
Name a reliable daytime natural indicator for finding direction.
The sun’s position, Moss on a tree, etc.
What is the name for the direction and angle from one point to another measured in degrees?
A bearing (direction/angle in degrees)
Why is the first step, Stop, important when you realize you are lost?
Prevents panic and wandering farther; allows assessment of situation.
Which map color/symbol typically represents water like streams or rivers?
Blue lines/areas
What is the standard whistle distress signal pattern? (Like with a whistle?)
Three short blasts repeated at regular intervals.
Approximately how many degrees does the sun move across the sky per hour?
About 15 degrees per hour.
Which direction does the magnetic needle of a compass point?
Toward magnetic north
During the Observe step, list three things a lost hiker should look for?
Landmarks, water sources, shelter options, signs of previous travel or trails.
What is the purpose of map symbols?
Represent terrain features and landmarks so hikers can understand the landscape
How does a signal mirror help rescuers find you?
Reflects sunlight to create bright flashes visible to aircraft from long distances.
How can plant growth (like moss or vegetation) be used cautiously to infer direction?
Some plants grow more on sunnier slopes; moss often grows thicker on the shadier side.
What are the four cardinal directions called?
North, South, East, West
Give two reasons you should carry both a map/compass and a GPS device
Map/compass do not require batteries; GPS provides precise coordinates and additional data — together give redundant systems.
What is pace counting used for in wilderness navigation?
Pace counting estimates distance traveled when landmarks are not available.
List two advantages of a whistle over shouting for signaling.
Whistles are loud, carry farther than voice, use no batteries, and conserve energy.
Which natural feature consistently flows downhill and can help you navigate toward civilization?
Water (streams/rivers) — flows downhill and often leads to settlements or larger water bodies
Explain why magnetic north and true north can differ and name the term for that difference.
Magnetic declination; local difference between magnetic north and true (geographic) north.
You hear voices but are unsure if rescuers are nearby. Outline the safest immediate sequence of actions using STOP.
Stay put or move minimally, observe surroundings, mark location, signal (whistle/mirror/ground symbols), use map/compass/GPS to confirm position, call for help if available.
Describe how to use contour lines to determine whether you are on a ridge or in a valley.
Contour lines that form a V pointing uphill indicate a valley (stream); lines that form a rounded pattern with wider spacing indicate a ridge; closely spaced lines = steep slope.
Explain the considerations for choosing a location to make large ground-to-air distress symbols (visibility, background, size, materials).
Choose an open, flat, high-visibility area with contrasting background; make symbols at least several meters across, use durable materials, and align for aerial viewing.
What is the main advantage of having multiple navigation methods available in a wilderness survival situation?
You have backup options if one method fails or becomes unreliable.