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NJ Land Surveyor practice questions

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Question 1NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

A closed traverse has the following departures (in feet): +120.00, -80.00, -45.00, and +4.00. What is the linear misclosure in departure only if the latitudes close perfectly?

  1. 1.00 ft Correct answer.
  2. 249.00 ft
  3. 4.00 ft
  4. 9.00 ft

Explanation

The sum of departures must equal zero in a closed traverse. Summing gives +120.00 - 80.00 - 45.00 + 4.00 = -1.00 ft, so the departure misclosure is 1.00 ft.

Question 2NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

In leveling, curvature and refraction cause a rod reading to be affected. Which statement best describes the combined correction for a sight distance of D?

  1. The correction is independent of distance and depends only on instrument height.
  2. The correction is proportional to D and applied equally to backsight and foresight.
  3. The correction is proportional to D squared and lowers the apparent rod reading. Correct answer.
  4. The correction is proportional to D squared and raises the apparent rod reading.

Explanation

Curvature makes the line of sight fall below the level surface, and refraction bends the line of sight downward, so the rod appears higher than a level line would indicate. The combined correction is approximately 0.0206 D squared (D in hundreds of feet), subtracted from the reading.

Question 3NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

A horizontal curve has a radius of 500.00 ft and a central angle of 30 degrees. What is the arc length of the curve?

  1. 523.60 ft
  2. 250.00 ft
  3. 130.90 ft
  4. 261.80 ft Correct answer.

Explanation

Arc length equals R times the central angle in radians. Converting 30 degrees to 0.5236 rad and multiplying by 500.00 ft gives approximately 261.80 ft.

Question 4NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

Which of the following best defines the term 'bearing' as used in boundary surveying?

  1. The acute angle a line makes with the north-south meridian, with a quadrant designation Correct answer.
  2. The angle between two lines measured at their intersection
  3. The clockwise angle measured from north to a line
  4. The vertical angle from the horizontal to a target

Explanation

A bearing is conventionally expressed as an acute angle from the north-south meridian with a quadrant label such as N 45 E. Azimuth, by contrast, is a full clockwise angle from north.

Question 5NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

A total station measures a slope distance of 250.000 m with a zenith angle of 85 degrees. What is the horizontal distance?

  1. 249.049 m Correct answer.
  2. 249.999 m
  3. 249.050 m
  4. 21.784 m

Explanation

Horizontal distance equals slope distance times the sine of the zenith angle. The sine of 85 degrees is 0.996195, and 250.000 m times that value is about 249.049 m.

Question 6NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

In a differential leveling loop, the sum of backsights minus the sum of foresights equals which quantity?

  1. The elevation difference between the first and last points Correct answer.
  2. The horizontal distance between the points
  3. The number of instrument setups
  4. The average rod reading

Explanation

Each setup changes elevation by backsight minus foresight, so summing these differences gives the net elevation change. This is the basis for the arithmetic check in a level loop.

Question 7NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

A parcel described by metes and bounds returns to its point of beginning but has a misclosure. In a boundary survey, which principle governs how the error is treated?

  1. The error is applied entirely to the last course.
  2. The error invalidates the deed and the survey is void.
  3. The error is ignored if it is below one foot.
  4. The error is distributed proportionally among the courses. Correct answer.

Explanation

When a closed traverse does not close exactly, the misclosure is normally adjusted by distributing it proportionally to the lengths of the courses. This compass or transit rule preserves the relative geometry of the boundary.

Question 8NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

The scale of an aerial photograph is 1:12,000 and the flying height above mean sea level is 6,000 ft. What is the elevation of the ground if the focal length is 6 inches?

  1. 6,000 ft
  2. 0 ft Correct answer.
  3. 1,500 ft
  4. 2,400 ft

Explanation

The scale relation is S equals f over (H minus h). With S of 1/12,000 and f of 0.5 ft, H minus h equals 6,000 ft, so with H equal to 6,000 ft the ground elevation h is 0 ft above mean sea level.

Question 9NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

A horizontal angle is measured as 47 degrees 32 minutes 15 seconds. What is this angle in decimal degrees to three decimal places?

  1. 47.538 Correct answer.
  2. 47.537
  3. 47.321
  4. 47.545

Explanation

Minutes and seconds are converted by dividing by 60 and 3,600 respectively. 32 minutes is 0.5333 degrees and 15 seconds is 0.00417 degrees, giving 47.5375, which rounds to 47.538.

Question 10NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

Which datum is the basis for the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88)?

  1. Mean sea level at a single tidal station
  2. A least-squares adjustment of leveling networks tied to a reference mark Correct answer.
  3. The geoid derived only from satellite altimetry
  4. The ellipsoid used for GPS positioning

Explanation

NAVD 88 was derived from a general adjustment of the vertical control network, with elevations referenced to a single datum point. It is not a simple mean sea level value from one tide gauge.

Question 11NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

A GPS baseline is measured with a single-frequency receiver over a distance of 20 km. Which error source is most significant for this observation?

  1. Tape temperature correction
  2. Instrument leveling error
  3. Ionospheric delay Correct answer.
  4. Rod reading error

Explanation

Ionospheric delay is a dominant error for single-frequency GPS over long baselines because the ionosphere disperses the signal. Dual-frequency receivers mitigate this error by combining signals.

Question 12NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

In a closed traverse, the sum of interior angles for a five-sided polygon should equal which value?

  1. 360 degrees
  2. 900 degrees
  3. 540 degrees Correct answer.
  4. 720 degrees

Explanation

The sum of interior angles of a polygon with n sides is (n minus 2) times 180 degrees. For five sides, that is 3 times 180, or 540 degrees.

Question 13NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

A vertical curve with a length of 600 ft connects grades of +3.0 percent and -2.0 percent. What is the rate of change of grade per station?

  1. 0.0083 percent per station
  2. 0.05 percent per station
  3. 5.0 percent per station
  4. 0.83 percent per station Correct answer.

Explanation

The algebraic difference in grades is 5.0 percent over a 600 ft curve, which is 6 stations. Dividing 5.0 by 6 gives about 0.83 percent per station.

Question 14NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

Which method of describing land is most likely to require a survey to resolve ambiguities in a deed?

  1. State plane coordinate reference
  2. Metes and bounds with natural monuments Correct answer.
  3. Lot and block reference in a recorded plat
  4. Rectangular system aliquot parts

Explanation

Metes and bounds descriptions rely on monuments and courses that can be ambiguous or missing, often requiring a survey to reestablish them. Plat and aliquot descriptions reference recorded or systematic frameworks that are more readily retraceable.

Question 15NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

What is the primary purpose of a closed traverse in a boundary survey?

  1. To establish a temporary benchmark
  2. To check and adjust measurement errors before computing coordinates Correct answer.
  3. To determine the vertical elevation of a single point
  4. To measure only horizontal angles without distances

Explanation

Closing a traverse back on a known point or the starting point provides a check on angular and linear errors. The misclosure is then adjusted before coordinates are computed.

Question 16NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

A topographic map has a contour interval of 10 ft. A point lies halfway between the 240 ft and 250 ft contours on a uniform slope. What is the approximate elevation of the point?

  1. 255 ft
  2. 245 ft Correct answer.
  3. 240 ft
  4. 250 ft

Explanation

On a uniform slope, elevation changes linearly between contours, so a point halfway between the 240 and 250 ft contours is approximately 245 ft.

Question 17NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

A scale of 1:24,000 means that one inch on the map represents approximately how many feet on the ground?

  1. 1,000 ft
  2. 2,000 ft Correct answer.
  3. 24,000 ft
  4. 200 ft

Explanation

One inch on the map represents 24,000 inches on the ground. Dividing 24,000 by 12 gives 2,000 ft.

Question 18NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

In a triangulation network, a baseline is measured precisely and angles are observed from its endpoints. What is the primary advantage of this method?

  1. It eliminates the need for a datum
  2. It requires no angular measurement
  3. It allows distances to be computed by trigonometry rather than measured directly Correct answer.
  4. It provides vertical control only

Explanation

Triangulation measures a short baseline precisely and then uses observed angles and trigonometry to compute the lengths of other sides. This avoids measuring long distances directly.

Question 19NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

A level is set up midway between two points 200 ft apart, and the backsight and foresight readings are 4.50 ft and 3.20 ft. What is the elevation difference between the points?

  1. 1.30 ft with the foresight point higher Correct answer.
  2. 1.30 ft
  3. 1.30 ft with the backsight point higher
  4. 7.70 ft

Explanation

Elevation difference equals backsight minus foresight, which is 4.50 minus 3.20, or 1.30 ft. Because the foresight reading is smaller, the foresight point is higher than the backsight point.

Question 20NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

Which of the following is the best example of a natural monument used in a boundary description?

  1. A state plane coordinate value
  2. A recorded lot number
  3. A steel pin set by a surveyor
  4. A large oak tree at the corner Correct answer.

Explanation

Natural monuments are features of the landscape such as trees, rocks, or streams that exist independently of human placement. Artificial monuments include set pins and stakes.

Question 21NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

A total station has an angular accuracy of plus or minus 5 seconds. Over a distance of 1,000 ft, what is the approximate positional uncertainty due to the angle alone?

  1. 0.24 ft
  2. 0.024 ft Correct answer.
  3. 2.4 ft
  4. 24 ft

Explanation

The lateral displacement equals distance times the angle in radians. Five seconds is about 0.0000242 rad, and multiplying by 1,000 ft gives approximately 0.024 ft.

Question 22NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

What does the term 'backsight' refer to in a traverse setup?

  1. A vertical check on the instrument
  2. A sight to the next forward station
  3. The final closing sight of the traverse
  4. A sight to a previously known station used to orient the instrument Correct answer.

Explanation

A backsight is taken to a known or previously occupied station to establish orientation and to check the instrument setup. It is distinct from the foresight to the next station.

Question 23NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

A deed describes a boundary as running 'thence N 45 E a distance of 100 chains.' Approximately how many feet is this distance?

  1. 660 ft
  2. 66 ft
  3. 6,600 ft Correct answer.
  4. 1,000 ft

Explanation

One chain equals 66 ft, so 100 chains equals 6,600 ft. Chain units are still encountered in older deeds and must be converted carefully.

Question 24NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

In a radial stakeout from a total station, which combination of measurements is typically used to set a point?

  1. A backsight azimuth only
  2. A zenith angle and a rod reading
  3. A vertical angle and an elevation difference
  4. A horizontal angle and a slope distance Correct answer.

Explanation

Radial stakeout sets points by turning a horizontal angle from a reference direction and measuring the distance to the point. The instrument then computes or displays the position relative to known control.

Question 25NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

A property boundary follows a meandering stream. Under the general rule for riparian boundaries on non-navigable streams, where does the boundary lie?

  1. At the low water mark
  2. At the centerline of the floodplain
  3. At the thread of the stream Correct answer.
  4. At the ordinary high water mark on the grantor's side

Explanation

For non-navigable streams, the general rule is that the boundary extends to the thread or middle of the stream. Navigable waters are typically bounded by the ordinary high water mark.

Question 26NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

A surveyor measures a slope distance of 500.00 ft between two points. The elevation difference between the points is 40.00 ft. What is the horizontal distance between the two points?

  1. 501.60 ft
  2. 460.00 ft
  3. 499.20 ft
  4. 498.40 ft Correct answer.

Explanation

Horizontal distance is the hypotenuse relationship h = sqrt(S^2 - V^2), where S is the slope distance and V the elevation difference. Here sqrt(500^2 - 40^2) = sqrt(250000 - 1600) = sqrt(248400) = 498.40 ft.

Question 27NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

A total station is set over a point and an angle is turned to a backsight. The horizontal circle reads 0 degrees 00 minutes 00 seconds on the backsight. The instrument is then turned to a foresight and reads 127 degrees 45 minutes 30 seconds. What is the angle turned between the two directions?

  1. 127 degrees 45 minutes 00 seconds
  2. 127 degrees 45 minutes 30 seconds Correct answer.
  3. 232 degrees 14 minutes 30 seconds
  4. 52 degrees 14 minutes 30 seconds

Explanation

When the backsight is oriented to zero, the circle reading at the foresight is directly the angle turned. The recorded reading of 127 degrees 45 minutes 30 seconds is therefore the angle between the two directions.

Question 28NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

In plane surveying, what is the standard treatment of the Earth's curvature over distances typical of a single construction site?

  1. Curvature correction is applied only to vertical angles
  2. Curvature is accounted for by using geodetic coordinates
  3. Curvature must be corrected for every measurement over 100 ft
  4. Curvature is ignored because the Earth is treated as a flat plane Correct answer.

Explanation

Plane surveying assumes a flat Earth, which is acceptable for small areas where curvature effects are negligible relative to required accuracy. Geodetic methods are reserved for large extents where curvature becomes significant.

Question 29NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

A closed traverse has a linear misclosure of 0.35 ft and a total traverse perimeter of 2,500 ft. What is the relative precision (ratio of error to perimeter)?

  1. 1:2,500
  2. 1:7,143 Correct answer.
  3. 1:8,750
  4. 1:350

Explanation

Relative precision is the perimeter divided by the misclosure, expressed as 1:N. Here 2,500 / 0.35 = 7,143, giving 1:7,143.

Question 30NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

Which of the following best describes the role of a benchmark in a leveling operation?

  1. A mark set to indicate horizontal alignment of a baseline
  2. A target used to calibrate the theodolite's vertical circle
  3. A point of known elevation used as a reference for vertical control Correct answer.
  4. A temporary turning point used only to advance the level

Explanation

A benchmark is a stable, monumented point whose elevation is known and from which other elevations are derived. Turning points are temporary and their elevations are determined during the run, not known in advance.

Question 31NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

In the Public Land Survey System, what is a township in terms of its dimensions?

  1. A fractional lot along a baseline
  2. A six-mile-wide strip bounded by parallels
  3. A one-mile-square area containing 640 acres
  4. A six-mile-square area containing 36 sections Correct answer.

Explanation

A PLSS township is nominally six miles on each side and is subdivided into 36 sections of one square mile each. Sections, not townships, are the one-mile units.

Question 32NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

What is the primary function of a plumb bob or optical plummet when setting up a total station?

  1. To center the instrument precisely over the occupied survey point Correct answer.
  2. To measure the height of the instrument above the ground
  3. To level the instrument's horizontal axis
  4. To sight the backsight for orientation

Explanation

The plumb bob or optical plummet projects the vertical axis of the instrument so it can be centered over the station mark. Leveling is accomplished with the foot screws and plate or tubular bubbles.

Question 33NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

A map has a representative fraction of 1:50,000. A measured distance of 4.0 inches on the map corresponds to what ground distance?

  1. Approximately 2,000 ft
  2. Approximately 16,667 ft Correct answer.
  3. Approximately 4,167 ft
  4. Approximately 50,000 ft

Explanation

One inch on the map represents 50,000 inches on the ground, or about 4,167 ft. Multiplying by 4.0 inches gives approximately 16,667 ft.

Question 34NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

A horizontal curve has a radius of 500.00 ft and a central angle of 30 degrees. What is the length of the curve?

  1. 130.90 ft
  2. 261.80 ft Correct answer.
  3. 250.00 ft
  4. 523.60 ft

Explanation

Arc length equals R times the central angle in radians. Converting 30 degrees to 0.5236 radians and multiplying by 500 ft gives 261.80 ft.

Question 35NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

A surveyor measures a distance five times and obtains 100.02, 100.00, 99.98, 100.01, and 99.99 ft. What is the standard deviation of this sample set?

  1. 0.0125 ft
  2. 0.00025 ft
  3. 0.0158 ft Correct answer.
  4. 0.0250 ft

Explanation

The mean is 100.00 ft. The squared deviations sum to 0.0010; dividing by n-1 = 4 gives 0.00025, and the square root is 0.0158 ft.

Question 36NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

In a differential leveling run, a backsight of 3.25 ft is taken on a benchmark of elevation 512.40 ft. A foresight of 2.10 ft is then read on a turning point. What is the elevation of the turning point?

  1. 514.65 ft
  2. 509.15 ft
  3. 511.25 ft
  4. 513.55 ft Correct answer.

Explanation

Height of instrument equals benchmark elevation plus backsight: 512.40 + 3.25 = 515.65 ft. Subtracting the foresight gives 515.65 - 2.10 = 513.55 ft.

Question 37NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

A closed traverse has departures that sum to +0.24 ft and latitudes that sum to -0.18 ft. What is the linear misclosure?

  1. 0.30 ft Correct answer.
  2. 0.42 ft
  3. 0.06 ft
  4. 0.21 ft

Explanation

Linear misclosure is the vector magnitude of the summed departures and latitudes: sqrt(0.24^2 + 0.18^2) = sqrt(0.0576 + 0.0324) = sqrt(0.0900) = 0.30 ft.

Question 38NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

A total station occupies a point at coordinates (E 1000.00, N 2000.00). A point to be staked has coordinates (E 1150.00, N 2100.00). What is the azimuth from the instrument to the point, measured from north?

  1. 33 degrees 41 minutes
  2. 236 degrees 19 minutes
  3. 56 degrees 19 minutes Correct answer.
  4. 123 degrees 41 minutes

Explanation

The departure is +150.00 and the latitude is +100.00. The bearing angle from north is arctan(150/100) = 56 degrees 19 minutes, and since both are positive the azimuth equals that bearing.

Question 39NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

A vertical curve has a length of 400 ft with an entering grade of -2.0 percent and an exiting grade of +4.0 percent. What is the elevation of the curve's high or low point relative to the PVC, given the PVC station is 10+00 and elevation 200.00 ft?

  1. High point at station 11+33.33, elevation 201.33 ft
  2. Low point at station 11+33.33, elevation 198.67 ft Correct answer.
  3. Low point at station 10+66.67, elevation 199.33 ft
  4. Low point at station 12+00.00, elevation 198.00 ft

Explanation

The algebraic difference is 6.0 percent over 400 ft, giving a rate of change of 0.015 percent per foot. The turning point is at L times g1 divided by (g1 - g2), or 400 times 2/6 = 133.33 ft from the PVC, at station 11+33.33. The elevation drop is 2.0 percent times 133.33 ft minus the curve correction, giving 198.67 ft.

Question 40NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

Which of the following is the correct order of operations for reducing a total station traverse with angular and linear misclosure?

  1. Compute coordinates, adjust angles, apply compass rule, then compute azimuths
  2. Adjust angles, compute azimuths, compute coordinates, then apply compass rule to latitudes and departures Correct answer.
  3. Compute azimuths, apply compass rule, adjust angles, then compute coordinates
  4. Apply compass rule first, then adjust angles and compute azimuths

Explanation

Angular misclosure is distributed first so that adjusted azimuths are used to compute latitudes and departures. The resulting linear misclosure is then distributed by a rule such as the compass rule to obtain adjusted coordinates.

Question 41NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

A property deed calls for a line running N 30 degrees E for 200.00 ft from a monument. What are the latitude and departure of that line?

  1. Latitude +173.21 ft, departure +100.00 ft Correct answer.
  2. Latitude -173.21 ft, departure +100.00 ft
  3. Latitude +100.00 ft, departure +173.21 ft
  4. Latitude +173.21 ft, departure -100.00 ft

Explanation

For a bearing of N 30 degrees E, latitude equals distance times cosine of the bearing angle and departure equals distance times sine. Thus 200 cos 30 = 173.21 ft north and 200 sin 30 = 100.00 ft east.

Question 42NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

In a boundary survey, a deed calls for a line to a white oak tree that no longer exists, but the deed also gives a distance and bearing consistent with an existing iron pin nearby. Which principle best guides the surveyor?

  1. Courses and distances always control over any monument called for
  2. Adjoining deed descriptions control over the subject deed
  3. Natural monuments control over courses and distances when the monument can be reliably located Correct answer.
  4. Area of the parcel controls over all other calls

Explanation

The hierarchy of evidence generally places natural monuments above courses and distances. If the called-for tree can be reliably located or its position reestablished, that location controls the boundary line.

Question 43NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

A horizontal angle is measured with a total station having a stated accuracy of plus or minus 5 seconds. If the angle is turned over a distance of 1,500 ft, what is the approximate lateral positional uncertainty at the far point due solely to the angular error?

  1. 0.0036 ft
  2. 0.36 ft
  3. 0.036 ft Correct answer.
  4. 0.018 ft

Explanation

Lateral error equals the distance times the angle in radians. Five seconds is about 0.0000242 radians, and 1,500 ft times that value gives approximately 0.036 ft.

Question 44NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

A topographic map uses a contour interval of 20 ft. A point lies one-quarter of the horizontal distance from the 300-ft contour toward the 320-ft contour along a uniform slope. What is the elevation of the point?

  1. 320 ft
  2. 305 ft Correct answer.
  3. 315 ft
  4. 310 ft

Explanation

On a uniform slope, elevation changes linearly with horizontal distance between contours. One-quarter of the 20-ft interval is 5 ft, so the elevation is 300 + 5 = 305 ft.

Question 45NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

Which statement correctly describes the relationship between geoid height and ellipsoid height in GNSS-derived elevations?

  1. Geoid height equals orthometric height plus ellipsoid height
  2. Orthometric height equals ellipsoid height plus geoid height
  3. Orthometric height equals ellipsoid height minus geoid height Correct answer.
  4. Ellipsoid height equals orthometric height plus geoid height

Explanation

GNSS provides ellipsoid heights, while orthometric heights are referenced to the geoid. The relation is h = H + N, so orthometric height H equals ellipsoid height h minus geoid height N.

Question 46NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

A survey crew measures a baseline of 1,000.000 m at an elevation of 1,500 m above the ellipsoid. Using an Earth radius of 6,371,000 m, what is the sea-level reduction of this distance?

  1. About 0.118 m
  2. About 0.235 m Correct answer.
  3. About 0.470 m
  4. About 0.024 m

Explanation

The combined sea-level and ellipsoid reduction factor is approximately h/R, so the reduction is 1,000 times 1,500/6,371,000, about 0.235 m.

Question 47NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

In a least-squares adjustment of a leveling network, what does a large redundancy number (high degrees of freedom) primarily provide?

  1. Greater ability to detect and localize blunders through residual analysis Correct answer.
  2. A smaller number of observations needed
  3. Automatic conversion of ellipsoid heights to orthometric heights
  4. Guaranteed elimination of all systematic errors

Explanation

Redundant observations create residuals that can be statistically tested to detect blunders and assess adjustment quality. Systematic errors such as refraction are not removed by redundancy alone.

Question 48NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

A surveyor observes a star at upper culmination to determine azimuth. The star's declination is 20 degrees north and the observer's latitude is 40 degrees north. What is the star's altitude at upper culmination?

  1. 60 degrees
  2. 50 degrees
  3. 30 degrees
  4. 70 degrees Correct answer.

Explanation

At upper culmination, altitude equals 90 degrees minus the latitude plus the declination for a star culminating south of the zenith. Here 90 - 40 + 20 = 70 degrees.

Question 49NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

A horizontal curve is to be staked using the deflection angle method with a total station set at the PC. The curve radius is 600 ft and the first station is to be set at an arc length of 50 ft from the PC. What deflection angle should be turned to that point?

  1. 4 degrees 46 minutes 29 seconds
  2. 1 degree 11 minutes 37 seconds
  3. 9 degrees 32 minutes 57 seconds
  4. 2 degrees 23 minutes 14 seconds Correct answer.

Explanation

The deflection angle to a point on a curve equals the arc length divided by twice the radius, expressed in radians. Thus 50/(2 times 600) = 0.041667 radians, or about 2 degrees 23 minutes 14 seconds.

Question 50NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam

In a GNSS static survey, two receivers observe the same satellites simultaneously for 45 minutes over a 15-km baseline. Which error source is most effectively reduced by this observation strategy?

  1. Satellite and receiver clock errors through differencing between receivers and epochs Correct answer.
  2. Multipath at the reference station only
  3. Ionospheric delay through single-frequency observation
  4. Antenna phase center variation through extended occupation

Explanation

Differencing between receivers and satellites cancels common-mode clock errors, and simultaneous observation supports this cancellation. Multipath and ionospheric delay require other mitigation such as site selection, dual frequency, or longer sessions.