Map Reading

Map Reading (60 Points per Contestant)

Participants will identify 10 map symbols from a USGS map and identify by matching 3 legal descriptions to their correct location on a map in 20 minutes. 40 acres will be the minimum size plot for the legal description portion of the contest. There will be 10 potential legal descriptions provided as possible answers for the plot descriptions. 

Provide 10 options for each legal description for participants to choose from the card will be scored as follows:

• Map symbols - 2 points will be given for every correctly identified map symbol. For the state CDE, Map Symbols will be bubbled into the Forestry Disorders section of the scantron #1-10. Total of 20 points possible.

• Legal Descriptions - 8 points will be given for every plot on the map that is correctly matched with the proper legal description. Legal descriptions will be written or described according to the public land survey system. Example: SE 1⁄4 of NW 1⁄4 of Section 3, T3N, R1E. For the state CDE, Legal Descriptions will be bubbled into the Exam 2 section of the scantron in 01, 02, and 03. Total of 24 points possible.

• Multiple Choice – 4 Map questions worth 4 points will be given for correctly answered questions. For the state CDE, the test answers will be bubbled into the Exam 3 section of the scantron in #1-4. Total of 16 points possible.

Participants will answer questions using a furnished United States Geological Survey topographic map. The participant should know legal description, recognize topographic map symbols, and understand the meaning of map symbols, size and location of sections down to 40 acre 1/4 sections in a parcel. Questions could be ask about contour intervals, type of terrain, direction of water flow, aspect of a slope, size of the map, 7.5 minute or 15 minute scales, and related simple map interpretation questions.

Examples:

• What is the legal description of the boxed area?

• What is the item located at this point?

• What is the acreage of the area enclosed?

• In what section is the city of Marshall located?

• What is the elevation at this point?

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