CST Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CST facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What type of scale is most appropriate for platting small properties? → Large scale
2. What is the first step before starting any field survey procedure? → Review the project scope and equipment
3. What does 'record distance' mean when comparing field measurements to deed records? → The distance stated in the recorded deed or plat
4. What is a benchmark in surveying? → A fixed point of known elevation
5. Which of the following best describes professional conduct? → Maintaining ethical, honest, and legal behavior
6. What inspection procedure is essential for code compliance? → Systematic inspection following established checklists and standards
7. Which bearing call correctly describes a line running from the northeast toward the southwest? → S 45° W
8. How should equipment be maintained for maintenance protocols operations? → Follow manufacturer-recommended preventive maintenance schedules
9. What is the most critical safety requirement in environmental standards? → Following all applicable safety regulations and wearing required PPE
10. What environmental protection measure applies to environmental standards? → Proper handling, storage, and disposal of materials according to environmental regulations
11. What inspection procedure is essential for material selection? → Systematic inspection following established checklists and standards
12. What is the primary limiting factor that determines the maximum practical baseline length for reliable RTK GPS surveys? → Ionospheric conditions and the distance-dependent difference between base and rover
13. What code compliance requirement applies to safety procedures? → All work must comply with applicable local, state, and national codes
14. What information is recorded in a 'control traverse' field book entry? → Station names, instrument angles, distances, and instrument/target heights
15. What does a coordinate system help establish in land surveying? → Precise spatial locations
16. What is the most critical safety requirement in code compliance? → Following all applicable safety regulations and wearing required PPE
17. How should equipment be maintained for material selection operations? → Follow manufacturer-recommended preventive maintenance schedules
18. What environmental protection measure applies to equipment operation? → Proper handling, storage, and disposal of materials according to environmental regulations
19. What file format is most commonly used to exchange CAD survey drawings between different software platforms? → DXF
20. How should hazardous conditions be handled during quality inspection work? → Stop work, secure the area, report the hazard, and follow safety protocols
21. What does a title block typically include on a plat? → Project and survey info
22. What is ephemeris error in GPS, and what causes it? → Inaccuracy in the broadcast satellite orbital position and velocity data
23. What term describes a monument placed by a surveyor at an offset from an inaccessible corner to preserve its position? → Witness corner
24. How should hazardous conditions be handled during safety procedures work? → Stop work, secure the area, report the hazard, and follow safety protocols
25. What is the minimum number of satellites a GPS receiver must track simultaneously to compute a 3D position fix? → 4 satellites
26. Which GPS error source is caused by satellite signals reflecting off buildings or other surfaces before reaching the receiver antenna? → Multipath error
27. What is the most critical safety requirement in safety procedures? → Following all applicable safety regulations and wearing required PPE
28. What does the bearing N45°E indicate? → 45 degrees east of north
29. How should equipment be maintained for environmental standards operations? → Follow manufacturer-recommended preventive maintenance schedules
30. How does the ionosphere primarily affect GPS signal accuracy? → It slows the signal and introduces ranging errors proportional to electron content