Mixed Deck — All FUNDAMENTAL SURVEYING Topics Flashcards
100 cards from real FUNDAMENTAL SURVEYING practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 20 Mixed Deck — All FUNDAMENTAL SURVEYING Topics flashcards as text
What is the most probable value (MPV) in surveying?
Answer: The arithmetic mean of a set of equally weighted observations
The MPV is the arithmetic mean, which minimizes the sum of the squares of the residuals under the method of least squares.
In differential leveling, what is a 'backsight' (BS)?
Answer: A rod reading taken on a point of known elevation
A backsight is a rod reading taken on a point of known elevation (like a BM or turning point) to establish the instrument's height of instrument (HI).
What is 'trigonometric leveling'?
Answer: Computing elevation differences from measured slope distances and vertical angles
Trigonometric leveling calculates elevation differences using V = S times sin(vertical angle), where S is the slope distance.
Which traverse adjustment method distributes closure errors in proportion to the length of each side?
Answer: Bowditch (Compass) Rule
The Bowditch (Compass) Rule distributes latitude and departure errors proportionally to the length of each traverse course.
What is a 'turning point' (TP) in differential leveling?
Answer: A temporary point used to carry elevation forward
A turning point is a temporary, solid point where both a foresight and backsight are taken, used to advance the level run when the instrument must be moved.
An 'equal-area' map projection preserves which property?
Answer: Areas of regions
An equal-area (equivalent) projection maintains correct area relationships between mapped regions, though shapes are distorted.
Which formula correctly expresses the tangent length (T) of a simple circular horizontal curve?
Answer: T = R × tan(Δ/2)
The tangent length T = R × tan(Δ/2) is derived from the right triangle formed by the radius, the PI, and the PC.
What is the 'departure' of a survey line?
Answer: The east-west (x-axis) component of the line
Departure is the east-west projection of a survey line, calculated as distance times sin(bearing).
The long chord (C) of a simple horizontal curve connecting PC to PT is given by:
Answer: C = 2R × sin(Δ/2)
The long chord C = 2R × sin(Δ/2), derived from the isosceles triangle formed by the two radii drawn to PC and PT and the chord itself.
Superelevation on a horizontal curve is designed primarily to:
Answer: Counteract the centrifugal force acting on vehicles navigating the curve
Superelevation tilts the roadway inward on a curve so that the component of gravity helps counteract centrifugal force, improving vehicle stability and safety.
Given coordinates N1000, E1000 and N1000, E1500, what is the bearing of the line?
Answer: N 90° E (due East)
Both points have the same northing but the easting increases, so the line runs due East (azimuth 90°, bearing N 90° E).
What is a 'section' in the US Public Land Survey System (PLSS)?
Answer: A 640-acre square parcel that is 1 mile by 1 mile
A section is a nominally 1 mile by 1 mile square of land containing 640 acres, and 36 sections make up one township.
The sum of interior angles of a closed polygon traverse with 5 sides should equal:
Answer: 540 degrees
Sum of interior angles = (n minus 2) times 180 = (5 minus 2) times 180 = 540 degrees.
A line has an azimuth of 225 degrees. What is its equivalent bearing?
Answer: S 45 W
225 degrees azimuth falls in the SW quadrant; bearing = 225 - 180 = 45, so the bearing is S 45 W.
What is a 'deed of dedication' in the context of a subdivision plat?
Answer: A legal instrument by which the developer offers streets and public areas to the government
A deed of dedication transfers ownership of streets, parks, and common areas from the developer to the governmental entity upon plat approval.
What is the difference between absolute accuracy and relative accuracy in surveying?
Answer: Absolute accuracy describes position accuracy relative to a datum; relative accuracy describes position accuracy between points in the survey
Absolute accuracy measures how close a position is to its true location on the datum, while relative accuracy measures how precisely positions relate to each other within the survey.
What is the purpose of an 'anti-vibration mount' on a survey prism pole?
Answer: To isolate the GNSS antenna from ground vibrations for better signal tracking
GNSS antenna mounts may use vibration isolation to reduce the effect of mechanical vibrations on signal tracking, particularly in mobile or machine-control applications.
What is the formula for the elevation of a point using a foresight reading?
Answer: Elevation = HI − FS
The elevation of the foresight point = HI − FS (Height of Instrument minus foresight rod reading).
What is a 'centerline' survey in highway construction?
Answer: A control survey establishing the designed alignment of a road for staking construction
A centerline survey stakes the horizontal and vertical alignment of a proposed road, including tangent, curve, and spiral elements at regular intervals.
Which adjustment method provides the statistically optimal solution for a traverse with weighted observations?
Answer: Least Squares Adjustment
Least squares adjustment is statistically optimal because it minimizes the weighted sum of squared residuals.