Free SMQT Introduction to Surveying Questions and Answers

Question 1

Surveyors use this for fixed points of reference that are known to be elevated above or below a specific datum.

Accepted Answer

A benchmark

Answer

A benchmark is the standard surveying term for a permanent fixed point of known elevation relative to a datum, used as a reference. 'Survey mark' and 'reference tag' are vaguer markers not tied specifically to a known elevation, and 'P.O.R' is not the established term for an elevation reference point.

Question 2

_______________________ surveying works with small-scale regions and makes the assumption that the earth's surface is a plane, meaning that no adjustments for the curvature of the earth are required.

Accepted Answer

Plane

Answer

Plane surveying covers small areas and assumes the earth's surface is flat, so no curvature corrections are made. Geodetic surveying is the opposite—it accounts for curvature over large areas—while GPS and topographic refer to methods and feature mapping rather than this flat-earth assumption.

Question 3

Determining the dimensions and form of the earth is the focus of __________________ surveying. Large areas, such as a state or county, would be surveyed using this type.

Accepted Answer

Geodetic

Answer

Geodetic surveying focuses on determining the size and shape of the earth and is used for very large areas like states or counties, where curvature matters. Plane surveying ignores curvature and suits only small areas, while topographic and GPS describe what is mapped or the tool used, not the large-scale, curvature-accounting purpose.

Question 4

The measurement and mapping of the earth's physical features—both natural and man-made—are the focus of __________________________ surveys.

Accepted Answer

Topographic

Answer

Topographic surveys measure and map the physical features of the land—both natural (rivers, hills) and man-made (roads, buildings). Plane and geodetic refer to whether curvature is considered, and GPS is a positioning technology, so none of them specifically mean mapping the land's physical features.

Question 5

Which two purposes does surveying serve?

Accepted Answer

To determine the existing relative horizontal and vertical positions and to establish marks to control construction or to indicate land boundaries

Answer

Surveying serves two core purposes: determining the existing relative horizontal and vertical positions of points, and establishing marks to control construction or indicate land boundaries. The other options describe only partial or specific tasks (acreage, latitude/longitude, shape and elevation) rather than these two fundamental functions.

SMQT - Surveyor Minimum Qualifications Test Practice Test

SMQT - Surveyor Minimum Qualifications Test Practice Test

Free SMQT Introduction to Surveying Questions and Answers