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PA Land Surveyor practice questions

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Question 1NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

Under the U.S. Public Land Survey System, what does a township number such as 'T4S' designate?

  1. The fourth township south of the principal meridian
  2. The fourth range south of the baseline
  3. The fourth township south of the baseline Correct answer.
  4. The fourth section south of the principal meridian

Explanation

In the PLSS, township numbers count north or south from the baseline, while range numbers count east or west from the principal meridian. Therefore T4S identifies the fourth tier of townships south of the baseline. Confusing township numbering with range numbering is a common source of error.

Question 2NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

A metes-and-bounds description reads: 'thence N 45°00'00" E a distance of 141.42 feet to a point.' What is the latitude (northing) of that course?

  1. 141.42 feet
  2. 100.00 feet Correct answer.
  3. 200.00 feet
  4. 70.71 feet

Explanation

Northing equals the course length times the cosine of the bearing angle measured from north. For 141.42 feet at 45 degrees, cos 45° = 0.7071, giving 100.00 feet of northing. The departure (easting) would be the same value here because the bearing is exactly 45 degrees.

Question 3NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

Which term describes the angular difference between true north and magnetic north at a given location?

  1. Azimuth
  2. Magnetic declination Correct answer.
  3. Deflection angle
  4. Grid convergence

Explanation

Magnetic declination is the angle between magnetic north and true (geographic) north, and it varies with location and time. Surveyors apply declination when converting magnetic bearings to true bearings. Grid convergence is a separate concept relating grid north to true north.

Question 4NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

In a closed-loop differential leveling run, the sum of backsights minus the sum of foresights should equal what quantity?

  1. The number of instrument setups
  2. The total horizontal distance leveled
  3. Twice the average sight distance
  4. The difference in elevation between the starting and closing benchmarks Correct answer.

Explanation

Each backsight raises the line of sight relative to a known point and each foresight lowers it, so the algebraic sum of backsights minus foresights yields the net elevation change. For a loop returning to the start, that difference should be zero, and the residual is the misclosure. This check detects arithmetic and reading errors before adjustment.

Question 5NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

Which of the following best defines a 'monument' as used in boundary surveying?

  1. The mathematical coordinate value of a parcel corner
  2. A physical object placed or accepted to mark a boundary corner or line Correct answer.
  3. Aerial imagery used to locate property lines
  4. A written record of a boundary line in the county records

Explanation

A monument is a physical object, natural or artificial, that marks a corner or line on the ground and is evidence of the boundary location. Written records and coordinates are documentary or computational evidence, not monuments. Courts generally give great weight to original monuments over later measurements.

Question 6NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

A total station measures a slope distance of 500.00 feet to a target, and the vertical angle is 5°00'00" from horizontal. What is the horizontal distance, to the nearest 0.01 foot?

  1. 501.91 feet
  2. 43.58 feet
  3. 498.10 feet Correct answer.
  4. 497.94 feet

Explanation

Horizontal distance equals slope distance times the cosine of the vertical angle from horizontal. Here 500.00 × cos 5° = 500.00 × 0.99619 = 498.10 feet. The vertical difference would be 500.00 × sin 5° = 43.58 feet.

Question 7NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

What is the primary purpose of a closure check in a closed traverse?

  1. To determine the magnetic declination at the site
  2. To establish the elevation of each traverse station
  3. To quantify the accumulated error and permit a defensible adjustment Correct answer.
  4. To convert grid bearings to magnetic bearings

Explanation

A closed traverse should return to its starting point; the failure to close is the misclosure, which quantifies accumulated error. Surveyors compare that misclosure to an allowable tolerance and then distribute it by an accepted adjustment method. This process supports the defensibility of the final coordinates.

Question 8NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

Which of the following is generally the highest-ranking form of boundary evidence when original monuments conflict with a deed's stated distance?

  1. The recorded deed distance
  2. The original monument called for in the deed Correct answer.
  3. A later surveyor's measured bearing
  4. The area computed from the deed

Explanation

Under established boundary law principles, original monuments generally control over courses and distances because they are the best evidence of the surveyor's original intent. Distances and bearings in the deed are secondary evidence used when monuments are lost or uncertain. This hierarchy is fundamental to retracement surveys.

Question 9NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

A surveyor measures a horizontal angle four times and obtains 89°59'40", 90°00'20", 89°59'50", and 90°00'10". What is the mean angle?

  1. 90°00'15"
  2. 89°59'45"
  3. 89°59'55"
  4. 90°00'00" Correct answer.

Explanation

Convert each reading to seconds relative to 90°: −20, +20, −10, and +10 seconds. The algebraic sum is zero, so the mean is exactly 90°00'00". Averaging repeated readings reduces random pointing error and is standard practice for precise angle work.

Question 10NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

A parcel is described as the SE 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of Section 12. What is the approximate area of this parcel?

  1. 160 acres
  2. 20 acres
  3. 10 acres Correct answer.
  4. 40 acres

Explanation

A full section is 640 acres, and each quartering halves the area. The NE 1/4 of the section is 160 acres, and the SE 1/4 of that aliquot part is 40 acres. Taking a further quarter gives 10 acres for the described parcel.

Question 11NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

In a closed traverse, the linear misclosure is 0.35 foot and the total traverse length is 2,500 feet. What is the relative precision?

  1. 1:8,750
  2. 1:2,500
  3. 1:7,143 Correct answer.
  4. 1:1,000

Explanation

Relative precision is the total traverse length divided by the linear misclosure. Dividing 2,500 by 0.35 gives approximately 7,143, expressed as 1:7,143. This ratio allows comparison of traverse quality independent of parcel size.

Question 12NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

Which adjustment method distributes traverse misclosure proportionally to the length of each course?

  1. Compass (Bowditch) rule Correct answer.
  2. Crandall method
  3. Least squares adjustment
  4. Transit rule

Explanation

The compass, or Bowditch, rule distributes the latitude and departure errors in proportion to each course length relative to total traverse length. It is commonly applied to compass and transit traverses where angular and linear errors are assumed comparable. The transit rule instead distributes error in proportion to the latitudes and departures themselves.

Question 13NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

A horizontal curve has a radius of 500.00 feet and a central angle of 60°00'00". What is the length of the curve, to the nearest 0.01 foot?

  1. 500.00 feet
  2. 261.80 feet
  3. 1,047.20 feet
  4. 523.60 feet Correct answer.

Explanation

Arc length equals radius times the central angle in radians. Converting 60 degrees to radians gives 1.04720, and 500.00 × 1.04720 = 523.60 feet. The tangent length and chord would be different quantities derived from the same geometry.

Question 14NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

What does a vertical curve's 'K value' represent?

  1. The elevation of the point of vertical intersection
  2. The rate of change of grade per station Correct answer.
  3. The algebraic difference in grades
  4. The length of the curve in stations

Explanation

The K value is the horizontal distance required for a one-percent change in grade, expressed in feet per percent. It is computed as the curve length divided by the algebraic difference in grades. Designers use K values to check sight distance and riding comfort.

Question 15NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

A surveyor observes a backsight with the total station and records a zenith angle of 85°00'00" to a target. What is the vertical angle from horizontal?

  1. 85°00'00"
  2. 95°00'00"
  3. 175°00'00"
  4. 5°00'00" Correct answer.

Explanation

Zenith angles are measured from the vertical (zenith) direction, so the angle from horizontal is 90° minus the zenith angle. For a zenith of 85 degrees, the vertical angle from horizontal is 5 degrees. This conversion is essential before applying trigonometric slope reductions.

Question 16NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

Which coordinate system is commonly used in the United States to provide a plane grid for survey control at the state level?

  1. Universal Transverse Mercator
  2. Geographic coordinate system
  3. Local assumed coordinate system
  4. State Plane Coordinate System Correct answer.

Explanation

The State Plane Coordinate System provides a set of defined projections for each state, allowing survey positions to be expressed on a plane with manageable distortion. It is widely used for boundary and control surveys tied to the National Spatial Reference System. UTM is global and less commonly used for state-level boundary work.

Question 17NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

What is the primary effect of curvature and refraction on a leveling sight?

  1. The line of sight appears lower than the level surface, and the error is constant with distance
  2. The line of sight appears higher than the level surface, and the combined error increases with the square of the distance Correct answer.
  3. The error cancels exactly at all distances without any correction
  4. The error affects horizontal angles but not vertical sights

Explanation

Curvature makes the level surface fall away from the horizontal line of sight, and refraction bends the line of sight downward, partially offsetting curvature. The net effect makes the rod appear higher than it is, and the combined correction grows with the square of the sight distance. Balancing backsight and foresight distances largely cancels this error.

Question 18NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

A boundary deed calls for a line running along a stone wall that is described in the deed. The wall exists but is not at the distance stated in the deed. Which control generally governs?

  1. The called-for wall Correct answer.
  2. The computed area
  3. The stated distance
  4. The bearing of the line

Explanation

When a deed calls for a natural or artificial monument such as a wall and the monument can be identified, the monument generally controls over courses and distances. The distance in the deed is secondary evidence of the intended line. The surveyor should retrace the monument and reconcile the record accordingly.

Question 19NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

Which of the following is the most appropriate purpose of a preliminary boundary research effort before field work?

  1. To determine the final adjusted coordinates of all corners
  2. To replace the need for field measurements entirely
  3. To set new monuments before reviewing any deeds
  4. To identify record evidence and establish the framework for the boundary retracement Correct answer.

Explanation

Boundary research gathers deeds, plats, and other record evidence and establishes the framework within which field evidence will be interpreted. It precedes and informs the field survey rather than replacing it. Setting monuments before reviewing the record risks perpetuating errors.

Question 20NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

In a differential leveling run, the rod reading on a benchmark of known elevation 100.00 feet is 4.25 feet (backsight). The next rod reading is 6.10 feet (foresight). What is the elevation of the second point?

  1. 101.85 feet
  2. 98.15 feet Correct answer.
  3. 102.10 feet
  4. 110.35 feet

Explanation

The height of instrument equals the benchmark elevation plus the backsight: 100.00 + 4.25 = 104.25 feet. Subtracting the foresight gives the second point elevation: 104.25 − 6.10 = 98.15 feet. This is the standard reduction sequence in differential leveling.

Question 21NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

A surveyor must express a grid azimuth as a geodetic (true) azimuth. Which correction is required?

  1. Apply the scale factor to the azimuth
  2. Apply the grid convergence at the point Correct answer.
  3. Apply the magnetic declination at the point
  4. Apply the curvature and refraction correction

Explanation

Grid convergence is the angle between grid north and true north at a given point, so converting a grid azimuth to a true azimuth requires applying that convergence. Magnetic declination relates magnetic north to true north and is not part of the grid conversion. Scale factor affects distances, not azimuths.

Question 22NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

Which statement best describes the effect of a projection scale factor on a measured ground distance?

  1. The grid distance equals the ground distance multiplied by the combined scale factor Correct answer.
  2. The grid distance equals the ground distance divided by the elevation factor only
  3. The scale factor has no effect on distances at any elevation
  4. The scale factor applies only to angles measured at the surface

Explanation

To reduce a ground distance to the projection grid, surveyors multiply by the combined scale factor, which incorporates both the projection scale factor and the elevation factor. This conversion is necessary for coordinates consistent with the State Plane system. Scale factors vary with location and elevation.

Question 23NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

A surveyor discovers that a section corner monument is missing but the original bearing trees are identifiable. What is the most defensible approach to reestablishing the corner?

  1. Set the corner at the mathematically computed position from the section lines only
  2. Average the positions of all nearby fences
  3. Use the bearing tree evidence to locate the original corner position and document the reasoning Correct answer.
  4. Establish the corner at the nearest convenient power pole

Explanation

Bearing trees are original monument evidence and can be used to reestablish a lost corner position consistent with the original survey. The surveyor should document the evidence, reasoning, and resulting position. Mathematical reconstruction alone disregards the stronger physical evidence.

Question 24NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

A deed describes a parcel by aliquot parts, but the section is irregular because of a meandered river along one boundary. How should the surveyor handle the aliquot description?

  1. Ignore the meander line and extend the aliquot lines across the river
  2. Abandon the aliquot description and rely solely on the area figure
  3. Divide the irregular section into equal areas regardless of the meander line
  4. Apply the aliquot divisions to the regular portion and treat the meander boundary according to the record and water-boundary rules Correct answer.

Explanation

Irregular sections require careful application of aliquot principles to the regular portion while honoring the meander line and applicable water-boundary rules. Equal-area division ignores the record and the physical boundary. The meander line and the water boundary must be evaluated separately.

Question 25NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

A traverse has a linear misclosure of 0.20 foot over 1,000 feet, but the angular misclosure is 30 seconds with an allowable of 10 seconds. What is the most defensible action?

  1. Adjust the coordinates using the compass rule and accept the result
  2. Investigate the angular observations before applying any adjustment Correct answer.
  3. Discard the angular data and proceed with the linear adjustment only
  4. Reduce the allowable tolerance to match the observed misclosure

Explanation

An angular misclosure that exceeds the allowable tolerance signals a probable error in the angular observations, which should be investigated before adjusting coordinates. Applying a coordinate adjustment to flawed angles would propagate error. The angular data must be resolved first.

Question 26NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

Under the hierarchy of boundary evidence, which of the following generally carries the greatest weight when it conflicts with a later deed call for a distance?

  1. Natural monuments called for in the original survey Correct answer.
  2. A later deed's stated bearing and distance
  3. Testimony of the current property owner
  4. Adverse possession by a neighboring landowner

Explanation

Natural monuments such as rivers, trees, and stone walls are considered the best evidence of an original boundary because they are less likely to be moved or misrecorded than distances or bearings. A later deed call for distance yields to an original natural monument when the monument can be identified as the one called for. Adverse possession and owner testimony do not override the original survey evidence in a boundary retracement.

Question 27NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

A level loop begins and ends on the same benchmark. The sum of backsights is 12.345 feet and the sum of foresights is 12.410 feet. What is the misclosure of the loop?

  1. 0.005 foot
  2. 0.035 foot
  3. 0.065 foot Correct answer.
  4. 0.130 foot

Explanation

For a closed level loop returning to the same benchmark, the misclosure is the difference between the sum of backsights and the sum of foresights: 12.410 minus 12.345 equals 0.065 foot. The sign indicates the direction of error, but the magnitude is 0.065 foot. The other values do not match this subtraction.

Question 28NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

Which of the following best describes the role of a plat in the public land survey system?

  1. It replaces the original government field notes as the controlling record of corners
  2. It establishes geodetic coordinates for all section corners
  3. It is a legal document that transfers title from the government to a private party
  4. It depicts the subdivision of a section into aliquot parts and may show lot dimensions and acreage Correct answer.

Explanation

A plat is a map that shows the subdivision of land, including aliquot parts, lot lines, dimensions, and areas. It is a graphic representation used with the field notes and deed records, not a replacement for the original corner evidence. Title transfer is accomplished by patent or deed, not by the plat itself.

Question 29NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

A surveyor measures a horizontal angle from a backsight to a foresight as 112°14'36". The instrument is then plunged and the angle is measured again as 112°14'24". What is the most likely explanation for the discrepancy?

  1. The atmospheric correction is wrong
  2. The prism constant is set incorrectly
  3. The instrument has a horizontal collimation error Correct answer.
  4. The total station was not leveled

Explanation

Plunging the telescope and re-measuring the same angle reverses the line of sight, so a consistent difference between direct and reversed readings indicates horizontal collimation error. Leveling error and prism or atmospheric corrections affect distances or vertical angles, not the horizontal angle in this paired comparison. The small difference is characteristic of a collimation error that can be removed by averaging direct and reversed observations.

Question 30NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

Which of the following is the primary purpose of a metes-and-bounds description?

  1. To establish a parcel by reference to a government lot number
  2. To designate a parcel by its lot and block number on a recorded subdivision plat
  3. To identify a parcel by its aliquot parts within a section
  4. To define a parcel boundary by a sequence of courses and distances tied to monuments or known points Correct answer.

Explanation

A metes-and-bounds description defines a boundary by beginning at a known point and following a series of courses (bearings) and distances, often tied to monuments. Lot-and-block, aliquot-part, and government-lot descriptions are alternative methods of land description. The metes-and-bounds form is the one that relies on the sequence of calls.

Question 31NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

A surveyor is preparing to retrace a boundary described in a deed from 1890. Which of the following should be the first step?

  1. Research the chain of title and locate the original survey records and monuments Correct answer.
  2. Notify adjoining owners of the intended boundary line
  3. Set new monuments at the deed distances
  4. File a new plat based on the deed bearings and distances

Explanation

Boundary retracement begins with research into the chain of title, original survey records, and any evidence of original monuments. Setting new monuments or filing a plat before establishing the original boundary would be premature. Notice to adjoining owners may be required later but is not the first technical step.

Question 32NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

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

  1. 720°00'00"
  2. 180°00'00"
  3. 540°00'00" Correct answer.
  4. 360°00'00"

Explanation

The sum of interior angles of a closed polygon with n sides is (n − 2) × 180°. For five sides, (5 − 2) × 180° equals 540°. This geometric check is used to determine the angular misclosure of a closed traverse.

Question 33NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

Which of the following is the correct order of operations for reducing a total station observation to a grid coordinate?

  1. Apply atmospheric and prism corrections, reduce to horizontal distance, apply scale factor and convergence, then compute coordinates Correct answer.
  2. Apply convergence first, then reduce to horizontal distance, then apply prism constant
  3. Apply scale factor first, then atmospheric correction, then reduce to horizontal distance
  4. Compute coordinates directly from slope distance and vertical angle, then apply scale factor

Explanation

Distance observations are first corrected for atmospheric conditions and prism constant, then reduced to horizontal and vertical components. The horizontal ground distance is then converted to grid distance using the combined scale factor, and the grid azimuth is adjusted for convergence before coordinates are computed. This sequence ensures each correction is applied to the appropriate quantity.

Question 34NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

A horizontal curve has a degree of curvature of 4°00'00" (arc definition). What is the radius of the curve, to the nearest foot?

  1. 573 feet
  2. 1,146 feet
  3. 1,910 feet
  4. 1,432 feet Correct answer.

Explanation

For arc definition, the radius is 5,729.58 divided by the degree of curvature. Dividing 5,729.58 by 4 gives approximately 1,432.4 feet, which rounds to 1,432 feet. The chord definition would give a slightly different value, but the arc definition is specified.

Question 35NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

A surveyor measures a distance along a slope as 250.00 feet with a vertical angle of 10°00'00" from horizontal. What is the horizontal distance, to the nearest hundredth of a foot?

  1. 250.00 feet
  2. 246.20 feet Correct answer.
  3. 43.41 feet
  4. 253.86 feet

Explanation

The horizontal distance equals the slope distance times the cosine of the vertical angle: 250.00 × cos(10°) = 250.00 × 0.98481 = 246.20 feet. The sine of the angle would give the vertical difference, not the horizontal distance. The slope distance itself is longer than the horizontal distance.

Question 36NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

A surveyor needs to establish a horizontal control network for a construction project. Which of the following methods provides the highest internal accuracy for the least field effort?

  1. A series of radiation shots from a single instrument setup
  2. A chain of differential leveling loops
  3. A resection from two known points using a compass
  4. A closed traverse with total station angle and distance measurements adjusted by least squares Correct answer.

Explanation

A closed traverse observed with a total station and adjusted by least squares distributes random errors according to the geometry and observation weights, yielding high internal accuracy. Radiation from one setup accumulates errors without closure checks. Differential leveling provides elevations, not horizontal coordinates, and compass resection is low precision.

Question 37NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

A deed describes a parcel as the N 1/2 of the SW 1/4 of Section 8, and the section is a regular section of 640 acres. What is the area of the parcel?

  1. 20 acres
  2. 40 acres
  3. 80 acres Correct answer.
  4. 160 acres

Explanation

The SW 1/4 contains 160 acres, and the N 1/2 of that quarter contains half of 160, or 80 acres. Aliquot parts are successively halved, so each step divides the area by two. The result is 80 acres.

Question 38NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

A surveyor is computing a least-squares adjustment of a traverse and must decide how to weight the observations. Which of the following is the most appropriate basis for weighting distance observations?

  1. The elevation difference between stations
  2. The inverse of the variance of each distance observation Correct answer.
  3. The length of each course
  4. The number of angles observed at each station

Explanation

In least squares, observations are weighted by the inverse of their variance, so more precise observations receive greater weight. Course length, angle counts, and elevation differences do not directly represent the precision of a distance observation. Using the inverse variance properly reflects the expected error of each measurement.

Question 39NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

Which of the following statements about the State Plane Coordinate System is correct?

  1. State plane coordinates are referenced to the center of the state capitol building
  2. State plane coordinates are always expressed in degrees, minutes, and seconds
  3. Each state is divided into one or more zones, and coordinates are based on a map projection with a defined scale factor Correct answer.
  4. All states use a single universal transverse Mercator projection with one scale factor

Explanation

The State Plane Coordinate System divides each state into one or more zones, each using a conformal map projection such as Lambert conformal conic or transverse Mercator. A scale factor is defined for each zone to control distortion. Coordinates are typically expressed in feet or meters, not in angular units.

Question 40NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

A surveyor measures a zenith angle of 78°30'00" to a target. What is the corresponding vertical angle from horizontal?

  1. 23°30'00"
  2. 101°30'00"
  3. 11°30'00" Correct answer.
  4. 78°30'00"

Explanation

A zenith angle is measured from the vertical (zenith), so the vertical angle from horizontal is 90° minus the zenith angle. Subtracting 78°30'00" from 90°00'00" gives 11°30'00". The result is positive, indicating the target is above horizontal.

Question 41NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

A surveyor discovers a discrepancy between the record bearing and the measured bearing of a line in a subdivision. Which of the following is the most appropriate action?

  1. Accept the record bearing without checking the monuments
  2. Average the record and measured bearings and use the result
  3. Investigate the original monument evidence and the plat to determine whether the record or the measurement is in error Correct answer.
  4. Accept the measured bearing and record a new plat without further research

Explanation

When record and measured bearings conflict, the surveyor must investigate the original monuments, the plat, and the field evidence to determine the cause of the discrepancy. Blind acceptance of either value or simple averaging ignores the underlying evidence and can perpetuate error. The correct action is an evidence-based resolution.

Question 42NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

In a differential leveling run, the elevation of a benchmark is 500.00 feet. A backsight of 3.50 feet is taken on the benchmark, and a foresight of 6.20 feet is taken on a turning point. What is the elevation of the turning point?

  1. 496.80 feet
  2. 503.50 feet
  3. 497.30 feet Correct answer.
  4. 509.70 feet

Explanation

The height of instrument equals the benchmark elevation plus the backsight: 500.00 + 3.50 = 503.50 feet. The turning point elevation equals the height of instrument minus the foresight: 503.50 − 6.20 = 497.30 feet. This is the standard leveling reduction.

Question 43NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

Which of the following best describes the purpose of a topographic survey?

  1. To determine the legal description of a parcel
  2. To set monument corners for a subdivision
  3. To establish property boundaries and ownership
  4. To determine the configuration of the ground surface and the location of natural and cultural features Correct answer.

Explanation

A topographic survey depicts the terrain, elevations, and physical features of a site, often for design and planning. Boundary surveys and legal descriptions address ownership and parcel limits, which are different objectives. Monumenting corners is a boundary or subdivision activity, not the primary purpose of a topographic survey.

Question 44NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

A surveyor needs to convert a ground distance of 1,000.00 feet to grid distance using a combined scale factor of 0.99985. What is the grid distance, to the nearest hundredth of a foot?

  1. 1,000.15 feet
  2. 999.85 feet Correct answer.
  3. 1,000.00 feet
  4. 999.99 feet

Explanation

Grid distance equals ground distance multiplied by the combined scale factor: 1,000.00 × 0.99985 = 999.85 feet. The scale factor is less than one, so the grid distance is slightly shorter than the ground distance. Dividing by the factor would give an incorrect result.

Question 45NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

A surveyor is evaluating the precision of a distance measurement. Which of the following expressions correctly represents a relative precision of 1:10,000?

  1. An error of 0.01 foot in 1,000 feet
  2. An error of 10.00 feet in 1,000 feet
  3. An error of 0.10 foot in 1,000 feet Correct answer.
  4. An error of 1.00 foot in 1,000 feet

Explanation

A relative precision of 1:10,000 means the error is 1/10,000 of the measured distance. For 1,000 feet, the allowable error is 1,000 / 10,000 = 0.10 foot. The other values correspond to different relative precisions.

Question 46NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

A surveyor is preparing an easement exhibit for a utility line. Which of the following elements is essential to the exhibit?

  1. A clear depiction of the easement boundaries, the servient parcel, and the purpose of the easement Correct answer.
  2. The names of all adjoining property owners
  3. The construction schedule for the utility
  4. The assessed value of the servient parcel

Explanation

An easement exhibit must clearly show the location and extent of the easement, identify the parcel burdened by it, and state the purpose of the easement. Assessed value, adjoining owner names, and construction schedules are not essential to the boundary depiction. The exhibit serves as a graphic and descriptive record of the easement rights.

Question 47NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

A surveyor measures a horizontal angle with a total station and obtains a value of 45°30'00". The instrument has a stated accuracy of ±5". If the angle is observed six times and averaged, what is the expected standard error of the mean, assuming independent observations?

  1. Approximately ±2.0" Correct answer.
  2. Approximately ±1.0"
  3. Approximately ±5.0"
  4. Approximately ±30.0"

Explanation

The standard error of the mean equals the single-observation standard deviation divided by the square root of the number of observations. Here, 5" divided by the square root of 6 (approximately 2.449) gives about 2.0". Averaging independent observations reduces the random error by the square root of n.

Question 48NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

A surveyor must determine the volume of earthwork between two parallel cross sections using the average end area method. The areas are 120 square feet and 180 square feet, and the distance between sections is 50 feet. What is the volume in cubic yards?

  1. 556 cubic yards
  2. 833 cubic yards
  3. 278 cubic yards Correct answer.
  4. 417 cubic yards

Explanation

The average end area method computes volume as the average of the two areas times the distance: (120 + 180)/2 × 50 = 7,500 cubic feet. Dividing by 27 cubic feet per cubic yard gives approximately 277.8, which rounds to 278 cubic yards. The prismoidal method would give a slightly different result, but the average end area method is specified.

Question 49NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

A surveyor is analyzing a boundary dispute involving a river that has gradually changed course over many years, altering the position of the boundary. Under the doctrine of accretion, which of the following is the correct principle?

  1. The boundary remains fixed at the original meander line regardless of river movement
  2. The boundary follows the gradual, imperceptible movement of the river, and the riparian owner gains or loses land accordingly Correct answer.
  3. The boundary is determined by the state's ownership of the riverbed
  4. The boundary shifts only when the river changes course suddenly and perceptibly

Explanation

Accretion is the gradual and imperceptible addition of land by the action of water, and under the doctrine the boundary moves with the river. Avulsion, a sudden and perceptible change, does not move the boundary. Fixing the boundary at the meander line or relying on state ownership does not describe accretion.

Question 50NCEES PS exam content domains (not enumerated in source)

A surveyor is using a total station to observe a traverse and must apply a scale factor to convert ground distances to grid distances. The combined scale factor is 0.99992, and the ground distance is 2,500.00 feet. What is the grid distance, and what is the effect of the scale factor?

  1. 2,500.20 feet, and the grid distance is longer than the ground distance
  2. 2,500.00 feet, and the scale factor has no effect
  3. 2,499.80 feet, and the grid distance is longer than the ground distance
  4. 2,499.80 feet, and the grid distance is shorter than the ground distance Correct answer.

Explanation

Grid distance equals ground distance times the combined scale factor: 2,500.00 × 0.99992 = 2,499.80 feet. Because the factor is less than one, the grid distance is shorter than the ground distance. The direction of the effect must be stated correctly along with the numerical result.