Equipment Operation Flashcards
7 cards from real CST practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Equipment Operation flashcards as text
How is a tribrach's optical plummet checked?
Answer: Rotate the tribrach 120 degrees at a time and see if the plummet stays on the same point
If the plummet mark moves off the point as the tribrach is rotated, the optical plummet is out of adjustment.
What does 'resection' (free station) allow a total station operator to do?
Answer: Determine the instrument's coordinates by observing two or more known points from an unknown location
A resection computes the instrument's position from angle and/or distance measurements to known control points.
When a digital level reads a bar-coded rod, which condition can stop it from getting a reading?
Answer: Strong backlighting or shadows falling across part of the bar code
Digital levels need a clear, evenly lit view of the bar code, so uneven lighting or an obstructed section can cause read failures.
What is the benefit of a robotic total station with automatic target recognition (ATR)?
Answer: It aims at the prism precisely and can track it, so one person can operate it from the pole
ATR detects and centers on the prism automatically, allowing single-person surveys with remote control from the rod.
Before starting traverse observations, why should a technician observe the backsight and then check a second known point?
Answer: To verify the setup and orientation against independent control
A check to a second known point confirms that the occupied point, backsight, and orientation are correct.
Which handling practice best preserves the accuracy of a fiberglass leveling rod?
Answer: Keeping the joints clean, closing it carefully, and storing it dry in its case
Clean joints and careful storage keep sections seated at the correct lengths and protect graduations.
Why should batteries, data cards, and the data collector be checked before going to the field?
Answer: To avoid lost productivity and data loss from power failures or full storage
A pre-field equipment check prevents downtime and lost data from dead batteries or full memory.