ASCE ASCE Surveying and Geomatics

Question 1

What does a total station instrument measure?

Accepted Answer

Horizontal angles, vertical angles, and slope distances simultaneously

Answer

Only horizontal distances

Answer

Only vertical elevations

Answer

Only GPS coordinates

Question 2

In surveying, what is a benchmark?

Accepted Answer

A point of known elevation used as a reference for leveling surveys

Answer

A property corner monument

Answer

A horizontal control point with known coordinates

Answer

A temporary construction stake

Question 3

What is the purpose of closing a traverse in plane surveying?

Accepted Answer

To check the accuracy of angle and distance measurements

Answer

To establish a new benchmark

Answer

To determine magnetic declination

Answer

To calculate cut and fill volumes

Question 4

Which coordinate system is commonly used in US state plane coordinate systems?

Accepted Answer

Lambert Conformal Conic or Transverse Mercator projections

Answer

Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM)

Answer

Geographic (latitude/longitude)

Answer

Albers Equal Area

Question 5

What is the primary error source in GPS surveying that is largely eliminated by differential GPS (DGPS)?

Accepted Answer

Selective availability and atmospheric errors

Answer

Receiver clock errors

Answer

Multipath errors

Answer

Satellite geometry errors

Question 6

In leveling, what is the difference between a backsight and a foresight?

Accepted Answer

A backsight is a rod reading on a point of known elevation; a foresight is a rod reading on a new point

Answer

A backsight looks backward along the traverse; a foresight looks forward

Answer

A backsight is taken before moving the instrument; a foresight is taken after

Answer

A backsight measures angles; a foresight measures distances