Understanding 7 ½ Minute Maps

This tutorial explains how to orient yourself on a map using latitude and longitude, focusing on the 7 ½ minute quadrangle maps used in the United States. It covers how these maps represent an eighth of a degree of latitude and longitude, with markings at the corners in degrees, minutes, and seconds. The tutorial also discusses how latitude increases from south to north and longitude from east to west in the US. Intermediate markings are placed every 2 ½ minutes along the map edges, dividing them into thirds.

What is the standard map series used in the United States called?

• 7 ½ minute quadrangle

• 15 minute quadrangle

• 5 minute quadrangle

• 10 minute quadrangle

How many 7 ½ minute maps are needed to cover a full degree of latitude or longitude?

• 8 maps

• 4 maps

• 10 maps

• 6 maps

In which direction does latitude increase in the United States?

• West to East

• East to West

• North to South

• South to North

Where is the prime meridian located?

• Greenwich, England

• Tokyo, Japan

• New York, USA

• Paris, France

In which hemisphere is the United States located?

• Western and Southern

• Eastern and Southern

• Western and Northern

• Eastern and Northern

How are latitude and longitude marked at the corners of a 7 ½ minute map?

• In minutes only

• In seconds only

• In degrees, minutes, and seconds

• In degrees only

What is left off in the intermediate markings on a 7 ½ minute map?

• None of the above

• Degrees

• Seconds

• Minutes

How often are intermediate marks placed along the sides of a 7 ½ minute map?

• Every 1 minute

• Every 2 ½ minutes

• Every 7 ½ minutes

• Every 5 minutes

What do the intermediate ticks on a map represent?

• 2 minutes

• 1 minute

• 3 minutes

• 2 ½ minutes