Free Well Location and Map Reading Test Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the Well Location and Map Reading Test practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1On a Public Land Survey System diagram, which primary survey line runs true north-south through the initial point?

   1. A. An east-west standard parallel
   2. B. A north-south principal meridian
   3. C. A township boundary around one township
   4. D. An east-west base line

   Answer: B

   Explanation: USGS identifies the principal meridian as "a true north-south line." It is the requested primary line through the initial point.

   Reference: Usgs Public Land Surveys — United States System of Public-Land Surveys, Principal Meridians and Base Lines

2. 2What is the nominal area of one quarter of a standard 640-acre section?

   1. A. 160 acres
   2. B. 40 acres
   3. C. 80 acres
   4. D. 320 acres

   Answer: A

   Explanation: A standard section is nominally 640 acres, so one of its four equal quarter-sections is 160 acres. USGS notes that standard sections are laid out "to contain a full 640 acres each, as near as may be."

   Reference: Usgs Public Land Surveys — United States System of Public-Land Surveys, Section Lines

3. 3What geographic extent gives a standard USGS map its "7.5-minute quadrangle" name?

   1. A. 7.5 miles on each side
   2. B. 7.5 minutes of latitude only
   3. C. 7.5 minutes of latitude and 7.5 minutes of longitude
   4. D. 7.5 degrees of latitude and longitude

   Answer: C

   Explanation: USGS states that "each side of the map is bound by 7.5 minutes of latitude and 7.5-minutes of longitude."

   Reference: Why are USGS topographic maps called “quadrangles”? | U.S. Geological Survey — 7.5-minute quadrangle description

4. 4On a standard USGS topographic map, what does a contour line connect?

   1. A. Points of equal elevation
   2. B. Points of equal latitude
   3. C. Points of equal magnetic declination
   4. D. Points of equal ground distance

   Answer: A

   Explanation: USGS states that contours "join points of equal elevation above a zero level surface" and reveal land-surface shape.

   Reference: US Topo - Map Symbol Guide | U.S. Geological Survey — Symbols on US Topo Maps, contours

5. 5A surveyor follows the primary east-west axis passing through a PLSS initial point. What is that axis called?

   1. A. Guide meridian
   2. B. Range line
   3. C. Base line through the initial point
   4. D. Principal meridian

   Answer: C

   Explanation: USGS describes the companion primary axis as "a true east-west line." That line is the base line.

   Reference: Usgs Public Land Surveys — United States System of Public-Land Surveys, Principal Meridians and Base Lines

6. 6A legal description identifies the NW 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of a standard section. What nominal area does that quarter-quarter tract contain?

   1. A. 10 acres
   2. B. 40 acres
   3. C. 80 acres
   4. D. 160 acres

   Answer: B

   Explanation: USGS says standard sections are laid out "to contain a full 640 acres each." Quartering twice gives 640 divided by 16, or 40 acres.

   Reference: Usgs Public Land Surveys — United States System of Public-Land Surveys, Section Lines

7. 7What four kinds of lines form the boundaries of a USGS geographic quadrangle?

   1. A. Two township lines and two range lines
   2. B. Two contour lines and two grid lines
   3. C. Two section lines and two meridians
   4. D. Two lines of latitude and two lines of longitude

   Answer: D

   Explanation: USGS says it uses "Latitude and Longitude lines to form the boundaries" of quadrangles. The four boundaries are two of each.

   Reference: Why are USGS topographic maps called “quadrangles”? | U.S. Geological Survey — Quadrangle definition

8. 8What terrain condition is indicated by very closely spaced elevation contours on a USGS topographic map?

   1. A. A closed depression
   2. B. A steep slope
   3. C. A broad level plain
   4. D. A magnetic anomaly

   Answer: B

   Explanation: USGS explains: "Closely spaced contours indicate a steep land slope; widely spaced contours show more level ground."

   Reference: US Topo - Map Symbol Guide | U.S. Geological Survey — Symbols on US Topo Maps, contour spacing

9. 9A legal description gives Township 6 South. From which PLSS axis is that north-south township tier counted?

   1. A. The nearest standard parallel
   2. B. The western township boundary
   3. C. The nearest section line
   4. D. The controlling base line from which township tiers are numbered

   Answer: D

   Explanation: USGS states that township tiers are numbered north and south "beginning at the base line." Township 6 South is therefore counted from that axis.

   Reference: Usgs Public Land Surveys — United States System of Public-Land Surveys, Principal Meridians and Base Lines

10. 10A well is placed in the NE 1/4 of the SW 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of a standard section. What is the nominal size of this quarter-quarter-quarter tract?

    1. A. 5 acres
    2. B. 20 acres
    3. C. 10 acres
    4. D. 40 acres

    Answer: C

    Explanation: USGS says standard sections are laid out "to contain a full 640 acres each." Three quarterings divide 640 by 64, giving 10 acres.

    Reference: Usgs Public Land Surveys — United States System of Public-Land Surveys, Section Lines