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BTEB Amin Survey Exam study materials
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BTEB Amin Survey Exam practice questions

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Question 1Surveying Fundamentals and Chain Surveying

In chain surveying, which method is used to locate a point when only linear measurements are taken and no angles are measured?

  1. Traversing with a theodolite
  2. Radiation by chain only
  3. Triangulation by offsets Correct answer.
  4. Leveling with a dumpy level

Explanation

Chain surveying relies purely on linear measurements, so points are fixed by forming triangles or by measuring offsets from a baseline. No angular instrument is used, which distinguishes it from theodolite traversing or triangulation with angles.

Question 2Surveying Fundamentals and Chain Surveying

What is the standard length of a metric chain commonly used in surveying?

  1. 50 m
  2. 30 m
  3. 10 m
  4. 20 m Correct answer.

Explanation

The metric chain most widely used is 20 m long, divided into 100 links of 0.2 m each. Other lengths exist, but 20 m is the standard reference chain in metric practice.

Question 3Surveying Fundamentals and Chain Surveying

How many links are there in a 20 m metric chain?

  1. 200
  2. 150
  3. 100 Correct answer.
  4. 50

Explanation

A 20 m metric chain is divided into 100 equal links, giving each link a length of 0.2 m. This division makes reading and recording distances straightforward.

Question 4Surveying Fundamentals and Chain Surveying

A Gunter's chain is how long?

  1. 50 ft
  2. 66 ft Correct answer.
  3. 33 ft
  4. 100 ft

Explanation

A Gunter's chain measures 66 ft and contains 100 links, so each link is 0.66 ft. The 66 ft length is convenient because 10 chains equal one furlong and 80 chains equal one mile.

Question 5Surveying Fundamentals and Chain Surveying

What is the primary purpose of ranging a survey line?

  1. To establish intermediate points on a straight line Correct answer.
  2. To compute the area of the field
  3. To measure the slope of the ground
  4. To record offsets at right angles

Explanation

Ranging fixes intermediate stations exactly on the straight line between two end stations. This keeps the chain aligned and ensures measured distances follow the true line.

Question 6Surveying Fundamentals and Chain Surveying

When is direct ranging used?

  1. When the line exceeds one kilometre
  2. When the ends of the line are intervisible Correct answer.
  3. When the line crosses a hill
  4. When a river interrupts the line

Explanation

Direct ranging is possible only when both end stations can be seen from each other. Intermediate points are then set by sighting along the line.

Question 7Surveying Fundamentals and Chain Surveying

Which instrument is used to set out a right angle in chain surveying?

  1. Cross staff Correct answer.
  2. Planimeter
  3. Clinometer
  4. Sextant

Explanation

A cross staff has two pairs of sights at right angles and is used to set off perpendiculars for offsets. It is a simple optical square substitute in chain surveying.

Question 8Surveying Fundamentals and Chain Surveying

An offset in chain surveying is a measurement taken at what angle to the survey line?

  1. At 60 degrees
  2. At 30 degrees
  3. At 90 degrees Correct answer.
  4. At 45 degrees

Explanation

Offsets are measured perpendicular to the chain line, that is, at 90 degrees. This makes the offset the shortest distance from the object to the line.

Question 9Surveying Fundamentals and Chain Surveying

A chain is found to be 0.1 m too long over its 20 m length. If a line measures 100 m with this chain, what is the true length?

  1. 100.0 m
  2. 99.0 m
  3. 99.5 m
  4. 100.5 m Correct answer.

Explanation

The chain records 20 m for a true 20.1 m, so each recorded metre is slightly longer in reality. True length equals 100 multiplied by 20.1/20, giving 100.5 m.

Question 10Surveying Fundamentals and Chain Surveying

A chain is 0.05 m too short over 20 m. A measured distance is 200 m. What is the correct distance?

  1. 200.0 m
  2. 200.5 m
  3. 199.0 m
  4. 199.5 m Correct answer.

Explanation

A short chain over-registers distance, so the true length is less than measured. True length equals 200 multiplied by 19.95/20, giving 199.5 m.

Question 11Surveying Fundamentals and Chain Surveying

What is the correction for slope when a distance is measured along inclined ground?

  1. Always subtracted from the measured length Correct answer.
  2. Always added to the measured length
  3. Applied only when the slope exceeds 45 degrees
  4. Applied only for lines longer than 100 m

Explanation

A distance measured along a slope is longer than its horizontal projection. The slope correction is therefore negative, subtracted from the measured length to obtain the horizontal distance.

Question 12Surveying Fundamentals and Chain Surveying

A line of 50 m is measured on ground sloping uniformly, with a vertical difference of 3 m between ends. What is the horizontal distance approximately?

  1. 50.09 m
  2. 49.91 m Correct answer.
  3. 53.00 m
  4. 47.00 m

Explanation

Horizontal distance equals the square root of 50 squared minus 3 squared, which is about 49.91 m. The measured slope distance is always longer than the horizontal projection.

Question 13Surveying Fundamentals and Chain Surveying

What is the main advantage of a steel band over a chain for precise linear measurement?

  1. It requires no tensioning
  2. It gives greater accuracy and less sag error Correct answer.
  3. It is cheaper to manufacture
  4. It is less affected by temperature

Explanation

A steel band is lighter, stretches less under tension and gives more accurate readings than a linked chain. Its uniform material reduces accumulation of link errors.

Question 14Surveying Fundamentals and Chain Surveying

Which error is a natural error in chain surveying?

  1. Incorrect ranging
  2. Misreading the chainage
  3. Careless booking
  4. Variation in temperature Correct answer.

Explanation

Natural errors arise from environmental conditions such as temperature changes affecting tape length. Personal errors, by contrast, come from observer mistakes like misreading or careless booking.

Question 15Surveying Fundamentals and Chain Surveying

What is an obstacle to chaining but not to ranging?

  1. A hill that blocks sight but allows measurement along the slope Correct answer.
  2. A pond that blocks both sight and measurement
  3. A river that blocks both sight and measurement
  4. A tall hedge that blocks sight but allows measurement around it

Explanation

An obstacle to chaining prevents the chain from lying along the line, while an obstacle to ranging blocks the line of sight. A hill blocks sight yet the chain can still follow the sloping ground, so it obstructs ranging only.

Question 16Surveying Fundamentals and Chain Surveying

To continue a chain line past a building that blocks both sight and measurement, which approach is appropriate?

  1. Use the perpendicular offset method with two auxiliary points Correct answer.
  2. Abandon the survey at that point
  3. Estimate the distance by pacing
  4. Measure offsets only and stop the line

Explanation

When both ranging and chaining are obstructed, auxiliary points are set off perpendicular to the line on both sides of the obstacle. Equal perpendicular offsets then allow the line to be re-established beyond the obstruction.

Question 17Surveying Fundamentals and Chain Surveying

In a chain survey, what is a base line?

  1. The longest line on which the framework of triangles is built Correct answer.
  2. A short line joining two subsidiary stations
  3. Any offset measured from the main line
  4. A line used only for checking offsets

Explanation

The base line is the longest and most carefully measured line of the survey. The whole network of triangles is constructed upon it, so its accuracy governs the survey.

Question 18Surveying Fundamentals and Chain Surveying

What is the purpose of a check line in chain surveying?

  1. To range the main line
  2. To replace the base line
  3. To verify the accuracy of the framework Correct answer.
  4. To measure offsets at right angles

Explanation

A check line joins two points already fixed in the framework and its measured length is compared with the computed length. Agreement confirms that the triangulation is accurate.

Question 19Surveying Fundamentals and Chain Surveying

Which condition makes a triangle well-conditioned in chain surveying?

  1. One angle is close to 180 degrees
  2. The triangle is isosceles with a very short base
  3. One angle is very small
  4. All angles are between 30 and 120 degrees Correct answer.

Explanation

A well-conditioned triangle has no angle smaller than about 30 degrees or larger than about 120 degrees. This limits the error introduced when points are plotted.

Question 20Surveying Fundamentals and Chain Surveying

In an equilateral triangle formed in chain surveying, each side is 30 m. What is the altitude approximately?

  1. 25.98 m Correct answer.
  2. 15.0 m
  3. 20.0 m
  4. 30.0 m

Explanation

The altitude of an equilateral triangle equals the side multiplied by the square root of three divided by two. For a 30 m side this gives about 25.98 m.

Question 21Surveying Fundamentals and Chain Surveying

A chain line is to be set out across a river where the ends are not intervisible. Which method is suitable?

  1. Reciprocal ranging using two observers Correct answer.
  2. Offsetting from a single station
  3. Measurement by pacing
  4. Direct ranging with ranging rods

Explanation

When end stations cannot be seen from each other, reciprocal ranging is used. Two observers alternately align ranging rods until all rods lie on the same straight line.

Question 22Surveying Fundamentals and Chain Surveying

A chain was standardised at 20 degrees Celsius and measures 30 m at that temperature. If the coefficient of thermal expansion is 0.0000112 per degree Celsius and the field temperature is 40 degrees Celsius, what is the temperature correction approximately?

  1. -0.0134 m
  2. -0.0067 m
  3. +0.0067 m Correct answer.
  4. +0.0134 m

Explanation

Correction equals length times coefficient times temperature difference, that is 30 times 0.0000112 times 20. This gives about 0.0067 m, and since the tape is hotter than standard, the correction is positive.

Question 23Surveying Fundamentals and Chain Surveying

A 20 m chain is 0.02 m too long. A rectangular plot measures 80 m by 50 m with this chain. What is the true area approximately?

  1. 4000.0 m2
  2. 4008.0 m2 Correct answer.
  3. 4016.0 m2
  4. 3992.0 m2

Explanation

Each recorded dimension must be scaled by 20.02/20. The true area equals 4000 multiplied by the square of that ratio, giving about 4008 m2.

Question 24Surveying Fundamentals and Chain Surveying

Which statement best explains why the base line must be measured with the greatest care?

  1. It requires no ranging
  2. It is always measured last
  3. It is the shortest line and easiest to check
  4. All other measurements and the plotted framework depend on it Correct answer.

Explanation

Every triangle in the survey is built on the base line, so any error in it propagates through the whole framework. Careful measurement and repeated checking of the base line therefore protect the accuracy of the entire survey.

Question 25Surveying Fundamentals and Chain Surveying

An obstacle prevents chaining along a line but the line of sight remains clear. Which technique allows the distance to be found?

  1. Pacing the obstructed portion
  2. Setting out a perpendicular offset and using similar triangles Correct answer.
  3. Measuring the offset with a clinometer
  4. Reciprocal ranging across the obstacle

Explanation

When sight is clear but chaining is blocked, a perpendicular is set off at a convenient point and a triangle is constructed whose geometry allows the obstructed distance to be calculated. Similar triangles relate the measured sides to the unknown length.

Question 26Surveying Fundamentals and Chain Surveying

Which type of chain is composed of 100 links, each 0.2 m long, giving a total length of 20 m?

  1. Gunter's chain Correct answer.
  2. Metric chain
  3. Engineer's chain
  4. Revenue chain

Explanation

A Gunter's chain is 66 feet (20.1168 m) long and has 100 links, with each link being 0.66 feet (about 0.2 m). This chain is commonly used for land measurement in the imperial system. The other chains have different link counts or lengths.

Question 27Surveying Fundamentals and Chain Surveying

What is the primary purpose of ranging in chain surveying?

  1. To establish intermediate points on a straight line between two survey stations Correct answer.
  2. To determine the elevation difference between stations
  3. To measure horizontal distances accurately
  4. To set out perpendicular offsets from the chain line

Explanation

Ranging is the process of fixing intermediate points along a straight line between two endpoints that are already established. This ensures that the chain line is straight and that measurements are taken along the correct alignment. It is not directly for measuring distances or elevations.

Question 28Surveying Fundamentals and Chain Surveying

Which of the following is a common source of instrumental error in chain surveying?

  1. Variation in tension applied during measurement
  2. Incorrect ranging by the surveyor
  3. Chain not standardized correctly Correct answer.
  4. Misreading the chain during measurement

Explanation

Instrumental errors arise from faults in the instruments themselves, such as a chain that is not of standard length due to manufacturing defects or wear. Errors like incorrect ranging, tension variation, and misreading are personal or natural errors, not instrumental.

Question 29Surveying Fundamentals and Chain Surveying

In chain surveying, what is the maximum length of an offset typically recommended for accurate work?

  1. 15 m Correct answer.
  2. 5 m
  3. 30 m
  4. 50 m

Explanation

For accurate chain surveying, offsets should generally not exceed 15 m when using a chain alone. Longer offsets may introduce significant errors because the perpendicularity and alignment are harder to maintain. This limit ensures that details are captured with sufficient precision.

Question 30Surveying Fundamentals and Chain Surveying

A 20 m chain is used to measure a line and the recorded length is 150 m. Later it is found that the chain was 0.02 m too short. What is the correct length of the line?

  1. 149.85 m Correct answer.
  2. 150.15 m
  3. 150.00 m
  4. 149.70 m

Explanation

The chain is too short, so each chain length is actually 20 - 0.02 = 19.98 m. The true length is (19.98/20) * 150 = 149.85 m. Since the chain is shorter than standard, the measured distance is greater than the true distance.

Question 31Surveying Fundamentals and Chain Surveying

Which of the following methods is suitable for ranging when the ends of a line are not intervisible due to an obstacle such as a hill?

  1. Random line method
  2. Direct ranging
  3. Reciprocal ranging
  4. Indirect ranging Correct answer.

Explanation

Indirect ranging is used when the endpoints are not intervisible, and it involves establishing intermediate points by taking offsets or using angular methods. Direct ranging requires intervisibility, so it cannot be used. Reciprocal ranging is a type of indirect ranging but is specifically for obstacles like a hill where two chainmen can see each other from intermediate points.

Question 32Surveying Fundamentals and Chain Surveying

In chain surveying, what is the main function of a tie line?

  1. To measure the base line
  2. To connect two fixed points and form a triangle for accuracy Correct answer.
  3. To check the accuracy of the main survey
  4. To locate details by offsets

Explanation

A tie line connects two fixed points (such as stations or prominent features) to form a triangle, which helps in checking and strengthening the survey framework. It is not primarily for checking accuracy (that is a check line) or for locating details. Tie lines are part of the triangulation network.

Question 33Surveying Fundamentals and Chain Surveying

A chain line crosses a river. The distance between two points A and B on opposite banks is to be determined. A and B are not intervisible. Which method is most appropriate?

  1. Similar triangles method Correct answer.
  2. Direct ranging
  3. Offset method
  4. Reciprocal ranging

Explanation

When points are not intervisible and chaining directly across is impossible, the similar triangles method can be used by setting out a triangle on one bank and using proportionality. Reciprocal ranging requires intervisibility between intermediate points, which is not the case here. Offset method is for details, not for crossing obstacles.

Question 34Surveying Fundamentals and Chain Surveying

Which of the following is a well-conditioned triangle in chain surveying?

  1. A triangle with angles 30°, 60°, 90°
  2. A triangle with angles 120°, 30°, 30°
  3. An equilateral triangle Correct answer.
  4. A triangle with angles 80°, 50°, 50°

Explanation

A well-conditioned triangle is one in which no angle is less than 30° or greater than 120°, and the best shape is equilateral or nearly so. An equilateral triangle has all angles 60°, which is ideal. The other triangles have angles outside the acceptable range or are less ideal.

Question 35Surveying Fundamentals and Chain Surveying

A 30 m steel tape is used to measure a distance of 120 m at a temperature of 35°C. If the tape was standardized at 20°C and the coefficient of thermal expansion is 0.000011 per °C, what is the correct distance?

  1. 119.9802 m
  2. 120.0198 m Correct answer.
  3. 120.0396 m
  4. 120.0000 m

Explanation

The temperature correction is ΔL = L * α * (T - T0) = 120 * 0.000011 * (35 - 20) = 0.0198 m. Since the tape expands when heated, the measured distance is too short, so the correct distance is 120 + 0.0198 = 120.0198 m.

Question 36Surveying Fundamentals and Chain Surveying

In chain surveying, which of the following is considered a natural error?

  1. Error due to misreading the chain
  2. Error due to careless holding of the chain
  3. Error due to temperature variation Correct answer.
  4. Error due to incorrect ranging

Explanation

Natural errors arise from environmental conditions such as temperature changes, wind, or refraction. Temperature variation affects the length of the chain and is a natural error. The other options are personal errors due to the surveyor's actions.

Question 37Surveying Fundamentals and Chain Surveying

A chain line is to be extended beyond a building that obstructs both vision and chaining. Which method is suitable to continue the line?

  1. Reciprocal ranging
  2. Similar triangles method
  3. Random line method Correct answer.
  4. Offset method

Explanation

When both vision and chaining are obstructed, the random line method is used: a random line is set out around the obstacle, and then the true line is established by offsets. Offset method is for details, reciprocal ranging for obstacles to ranging only, and similar triangles for obstacles to chaining only.

Question 38Surveying Fundamentals and Chain Surveying

A rectangular plot measures 60 m by 40 m with a 20 m chain that is 0.05 m too long. What is the true area of the plot?

  1. 2388.00 m²
  2. 2412.00 m² Correct answer.
  3. 2400.00 m²
  4. 2406.00 m²

Explanation

The chain is too long, so each measured length is greater than the true length. The true length is (20/20.05) times the measured length. The area correction factor is (20/20.05)^2 ≈ 0.995012, so true area = 2400 * 0.995012 ≈ 2388.03 m². Wait, that gives 2388, but the options: 2388 is option 2. Let's recalc: chain too long means measured distance is less than true? Actually, if chain is too long, when you measure, you lay a longer chain, so you record fewer chains, so measured distance is less than true. So true distance = measured * (chain length / standard length) = measured * (20.05/20) = measured * 1.0025. So true area = measured area * (1.0025)^2 = 2400 * 1.00500625 = 2412.015 m². So correct is 2412.00 m², option 1.

Question 39Surveying Fundamentals and Chain Surveying

Which of the following statements about the base line in chain surveying is correct?

  1. It is used only for checking the survey
  2. It is the longest line and should be measured with the greatest precision Correct answer.
  3. It is measured with a chain only, never with a tape
  4. It is always the shortest line in the survey

Explanation

The base line is the main reference line of the survey, usually the longest and most carefully measured line. It forms the foundation for the entire survey network, so high precision is essential. It is not necessarily the shortest, nor used only for checking, and can be measured with a tape for accuracy.

Question 40Surveying Fundamentals and Chain Surveying

In a chain survey, a line measured along sloping ground gives a recorded distance of 100 m. The vertical difference between the ends is 5 m. What is the horizontal distance?

  1. 100.12 m
  2. 99.75 m
  3. 100.25 m
  4. 99.87 m Correct answer.

Explanation

The horizontal distance is calculated using the Pythagorean theorem: H = √(L² - V²) = √(100² - 5²) = √(10000 - 25) = √9975 ≈ 99.87 m. Since the slope reduces the horizontal distance, the correct value is less than the measured slope distance.

Question 41Compass and Theodolite Traversing

In compass traversing, what does the magnetic bearing of a line represent?

  1. The horizontal angle the line makes with the magnetic meridian Correct answer.
  2. The angle the line makes with true north
  3. The slope distance measured along the line
  4. The vertical angle the line makes with the horizon

Explanation

A magnetic bearing is a horizontal angle measured from the magnetic meridian (the direction shown by a magnetic needle) to the survey line, always taken in the horizontal plane. Vertical angles and slope distances belong to leveling and tacheometry, not to bearing definition.

Question 42Compass and Theodolite Traversing

Which instrument is specifically designed to measure magnetic bearings of survey lines directly?

  1. Dumpy level
  2. Sextant
  3. Plane table alidade
  4. Surveyor's compass Correct answer.

Explanation

The surveyor's compass carries a magnetic needle that aligns with the magnetic meridian, so the line of sight direction can be read as a magnetic bearing directly. A dumpy level measures elevation differences, and an alidade is used for plotting on a plane table.

Question 43Compass and Theodolite Traversing

The least count of a typical vernier theodolite reading to 20 seconds means the smallest angle that can be read is:

  1. 20 degrees of arc
  2. 20 minutes of arc
  3. 2 minutes of arc
  4. 20 seconds of arc Correct answer.

Explanation

Least count is the smallest value that the reading system can resolve, so a 20-second theodolite resolves angles to 20 seconds of arc. Minutes and degrees are far coarser units and would correspond to much less precise instruments.

Question 44Compass and Theodolite Traversing

In a whole-circle bearing system, bearings are measured clockwise from north and therefore range from:

  1. 0° to 90°
  2. 0° to 270°
  3. 0° to 180°
  4. 0° to 360° Correct answer.

Explanation

Whole-circle bearings (azimuths) are measured clockwise continuously from the reference meridian, so a full rotation covers 0° to 360°. Quadrantal (reduced) bearings instead lie between 0° and 90° with a quadrant letter.

Question 45Compass and Theodolite Traversing

Which of the following is a chief advantage of theodolite traversing over compass traversing?

  1. It requires no reference meridian at all
  2. It eliminates the effect of local attraction completely
  3. Angles can be measured with much higher precision Correct answer.
  4. It removes the need for any linear measurement

Explanation

A theodolite reads horizontal angles to seconds, whereas a compass needle is affected by local attraction and reads only to the nearest fraction of a degree. Traversing by theodolite still requires distances and still needs a reference direction.

Question 46Compass and Theodolite Traversing

The fore bearing of a line is 60°. What is its back bearing?

  1. 240° Correct answer.
  2. 60°
  3. 120°
  4. 300°

Explanation

The back bearing differs from the fore bearing by 180°. Adding 180° to 60° gives 240°, which lies within the 0°–360° range, so no further adjustment is needed.

Question 47Compass and Theodolite Traversing

During a compass traverse, the needle is deflected by nearby steel rails. This disturbance is known as:

  1. Magnetic declination
  2. Local attraction Correct answer.
  3. Refraction
  4. Parallax

Explanation

Local attraction is the deflection of the magnetic needle caused by nearby magnetic material such as steel, iron pipes, or electric cables. Declination is the angular difference between true and magnetic meridians and is a regional effect, not a local one.

Question 48Compass and Theodolite Traversing

In a closed traverse, the algebraic sum of the reduced bearings (departures) should equal:

  1. Twice the total latitude
  2. The perimeter of the traverse
  3. Zero Correct answer.
  4. The magnetic declination

Explanation

For any closed polygon, the algebraic sum of the departures (and separately of the latitudes) must be zero because the traverse returns to its starting point. Any non-zero sum indicates a closing error in the survey.

Question 49Compass and Theodolite Traversing

The fore bearing of a line is 300°. What is its back bearing?

  1. 60°
  2. 240°
  3. 120° Correct answer.
  4. 480°

Explanation

The back bearing is obtained by adding or subtracting 180° so that the result lies between 0° and 360°. Subtracting 180° from 300° gives 120°, which is the correct back bearing.

Question 50Compass and Theodolite Traversing

At a station, the fore bearing of the previous line is 80° and the included angle measured clockwise to the next line is 130°. What is the fore bearing of the next line?

  1. 210° Correct answer.
  2. 50°
  3. 150°
  4. 290°

Explanation

When the included angle is measured clockwise from the back station, the next fore bearing equals the previous fore bearing plus the included angle, adjusted by 180° if needed. Here 80° + 130° = 210°, which already lies in range.