SURCON Technologist flashcards
SURCON Technologist · Build recall with a focused review session.
32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Linear misclosure
- The straight-line distance between the computed and known endpoint of a traverse, equal to the square root of the sum of squared easting and northing misclosures.
- Relative precision
- Linear misclosure divided by total traverse length, expressed as a ratio 1:N; a smaller N indicates poorer relative accuracy.
- Bowditch rule
- A traverse adjustment that distributes misclosure in proportion to each leg's length, applied separately to eastings and northings.
- Angular misclosure
- The difference between the sum of observed traverse angles and the theoretical sum, which is (n−2)×180° for interior angles of an n-sided polygon.
- Danger circle
- The locus of observer positions from which three known resection points appear on one circle, making the three-point resection indeterminate.
- Degree of curve
- The central angle subtended by a 100-unit arc; arc length L equals 100 times the deflection angle divided by the degree of curve.
- Vertical curve equation
- Elevation at distance x from the BVC equals BVC elevation plus g1x plus (g2−g1)x² divided by twice the curve length, grades as decimals.
- Contour V rule
- Contours crossing a valley or stream form a V shape pointing upstream, indicating the direction of increasing elevation along the drainage line.
- Torrens system
- A land registration system in which the state register, not the deed, is conclusive evidence of title and the state guarantees the registered title.
- Boundary evidence hierarchy
- The order of precedence in retracement: original monuments, then bearings and distances, then area, then adjoining parcel lines.
- Adverse possession elements
- Possession that is open, notorious, exclusive, continuous, and hostile to the owner's interest for the statutory period required to claim title.
- Metes and bounds
- A boundary description using bearings, distances, and monuments; it must close, and its record misclosure is checked before acceptance.
- Easement
- A right of use over another's land (the servient tenement) that does not transfer ownership of the land itself.
- Accretion vs. avulsion
- Accretion is gradual, imperceptible addition of land by water and belongs to the riparian owner; avulsion is sudden change and does not shift the boundary.
- Cadastral index map
- A map showing parcel boundaries and identifiers that links the land register to the ground; it is not itself conclusive proof of title.
- Geodetic latitude
- The angle between the ellipsoid normal at a point and the equatorial plane, differing from geocentric latitude by up to about 11.5 arcminutes.
- Flattening
- The ellipsoid parameter f equal to (a−b)/a, where a is the semi-major and b the semi-minor axis of the ellipsoid.
- First eccentricity squared
- The ellipsoid parameter e² equal to 2f − f², used in the formulas for radii of curvature and geodetic computations.
- Geoid undulation
- The separation N between the ellipsoid and the geoid, related to heights by h = H + N, where h is ellipsoidal and H orthometric height.
- Helmert transformation
- A seven-parameter similarity transformation using three translations, three rotations, and a scale factor to convert coordinates between geodetic datums.
- UTM central meridian
- The meridian at the center of each 6-degree UTM zone, assigned a scale factor of 0.9996 and a false easting of 500,000 metres.
- Conformal projection
- A map projection that preserves local angles and shape but distorts area, exemplified by the transverse Mercator used in UTM.
- PDOP
- Position dilution of precision, the square root of the sum of HDOP squared and VDOP squared; values below about 4 favour reliable RTK.
- Four-parameter transformation
- A 2D similarity transformation using two translations, one rotation, and a scale factor, requiring a minimum of two common control points.
- Seal and signature rule
- A surveyor signs and seals only work they performed or directly supervised, and only within their demonstrated area of competence.
- Conflict of interest
- A personal or financial interest that could bias professional judgement; it must be disclosed in writing before the engagement is accepted.
- Record retention
- The statutory obligation to keep field notes, computations, and coordinates for a defined period, commonly seven years or as the jurisdiction specifies.
- Boundary opinion
- A surveyor's professional statement of evidence and position on a boundary, which is not a legal adjudication of title.
- Confidentiality duty
- The obligation not to disclose client information except with consent or where required by law, subpoena, or public safety.
- Continuing professional development
- Mandatory ongoing learning required to renew registration; falsifying CPD records constitutes professional misconduct.
- Contingency fee prohibition
- A rule barring fees contingent on a boundary or legal outcome, because such arrangements compromise the surveyor's independence and objectivity.
- Misleading advertising
- Promotional or fee statements that overstate qualifications or accuracy, which are prohibited as unethical conduct under survey regulations.