Practice Test Geeks(CFS) Certified Floodplain Surveyor Practice Test
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Surveying Techniques & Data Documentation Flashcards

7 cards from real CFS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. When performing a cross-section survey for a flood study, at what minimum interval are cross-sections typically required in meandering stream reaches?

    Answer: At every bend apex and inflection point, plus additional sections to capture geometry changes

    In meandering reaches, cross-sections must capture the channel geometry at bend apexes and inflection points, with additional sections added wherever significant changes in shape or roughness occur.

  2. A surveyor uses a total station to measure a horizontal distance of 1,250 feet. The instrument displays a slope distance of 1,252.3 feet and a vertical angle of +2°10'. What is the correct horizontal distance?

    Answer: 1,249.3 feet

    Horizontal distance = slope distance × cos(vertical angle); 1252.3 × cos(2°10') ≈ 1249.3 feet.

  3. Which datum is required for all FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) elevations submitted after 2015?

    Answer: NAVD 88

    FEMA requires all FIRM elevations to be referenced to NAVD 88 for submissions after 2015.

  4. During a Level 2 structure survey for FEMA, what does the term 'LAG' refer to?

    Answer: Lowest Adjacent Grade to the structure

    LAG stands for Lowest Adjacent Grade, the lowest natural ground surface elevation adjacent to a structure, used in flood insurance rating.

  5. A surveyor establishes a benchmark network for a flood study using differential leveling. The allowable closure error for Third-Order leveling is:

    Answer: ±12 mm √K

    FGDC standards specify Third-Order leveling closure tolerance of ±12 mm √K, where K is the distance in kilometers.

  6. When documenting field survey data for a LOMR, which information is NOT required on a survey field sketch?

    Answer: Property owner's Social Security Number

    Personal identification such as Social Security Numbers is never required on field survey documentation; only professional and technical information is needed.

  7. What is the purpose of collecting 'overbank' cross-section data in a floodplain survey?

    Answer: To define the floodplain geometry that conveys flow during flood events beyond the main channel

    Overbank data defines the floodplain geometry on both sides of the main channel that carries floodwater during events exceeding bankfull discharge.