LSIT Land Surveyor in Training Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: In coordinate geometry (COGO), the inverse computation determines:

Intersection of two bearing lines
Area of a polygon from coordinates
Unknown coordinates from a known point using bearing and distance
Distance and bearing between two known coordinate pairs (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Distance and bearing between two known coordinate pairs

The inverse problem computes direction (bearing/azimuth) and distance from the coordinates of two known points.

Question 2: A 'Point of Curvature' (PC) on a highway plan marks which location?

Where two curves of equal radius meet
Where a tangent transitions into a horizontal curve (Correct answer)
The highest point on a vertical curve
The center of a horizontal curve

Correct answer: Where a tangent transitions into a horizontal curve

The PC is the point where a straight tangent section ends and a circular horizontal curve begins.

Question 3: What is the law of cosines used for in surveying?

Only for area calculation
Solving triangles when you know two sides and the included angle or three sides (Correct answer)
Only right triangles
Only for bearing conversion

Correct answer: Solving triangles when you know two sides and the included angle or three sides

This law works for any triangle, not just right triangles.

Question 4: What does a 'match line' on a large-scale plan set indicate?

The line along which cut and fill volumes are equal
Where two different property surveys overlap
The boundary between two different zoning districts
Where the drawing continues on another sheet (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Where the drawing continues on another sheet

A match line shows where a large plan is split across multiple sheets, with the drawing continuing at the same location on the referenced sheet.

Question 5: A level rod reading of 8.72 ft is taken on a benchmark with a known elevation of 452.30 ft. The height of instrument (HI) is:

452.30 ft
460.00 ft
443.58 ft
461.02 ft (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 461.02 ft

HI = Benchmark elevation + backsight reading = 452.30 + 8.72 = 461.02 ft.

Question 6: Which map projection preserves true directions from a central point, making it useful for navigation charts?

Lambert Conformal Conic
Mercator
Gnomonic (Correct answer)
Albers Equal-Area Conic

Correct answer: Gnomonic

The Gnomonic projection is the only projection on which all great circles appear as straight lines, making directions from the center true.

Question 7: A surveyor uses a prism constant of –30 mm. If the EDM reads 125.340 m to the prism, what is the corrected distance?

125.340 m
125.370 m
124.340 m
125.310 m (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 125.310 m

Corrected distance = measured distance + prism constant = 125.340 + (–0.030) = 125.310 m.

Question 8: When restoring a lost PLSS corner, surveyors must follow the rules established by:

The Bureau of Land Management's Manual of Surveying Instructions (Correct answer)
The American Congress on Surveying and Mapping standards
Local county recorder guidelines
State statutes exclusively

Correct answer: The Bureau of Land Management's Manual of Surveying Instructions

The BLM's Manual of Surveying Instructions provides the authoritative procedures for restoring and reestablishing lost PLSS corners.

Question 9: NAD 27 was based on which reference ellipsoid?

Clarke 1866 (Correct answer)
International 1924
GRS80
WGS84

Correct answer: Clarke 1866

NAD27 used the Clarke 1866 ellipsoid with its origin fixed at Meades Ranch, Kansas.

Question 10: How is the "State Plane Coordinate System" used in land surveying?

To calculate the volume of materials for construction
To measure horizontal angles between survey points
To determine the elevation of a land parcel
To provide a local coordinate system for accurate mapping and surveying (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To provide a local coordinate system for accurate mapping and surveying

The State Plane Coordinate System (SPCS) is a set of geographic coordinate systems established by the National Geodetic Survey for each U.S. state. Its primary purpose in land surveying is to provide a consistent, high-accuracy, two-dimensional (northing and easting) coordinate system that minimizes distortion over smaller areas. This allows surveyors to perform precise measurements and mapping within a specific state, linking local surveys to a national geodetic framework.

Question 11: What is the purpose of a backsight when using an automatic level?

To measure horizontal distance to a benchmark
To establish a known elevation on the rod and compute the Height of Instrument (Correct answer)
To set the horizontal circle to zero
To check that the bubble is centered before reading

Correct answer: To establish a known elevation on the rod and compute the Height of Instrument

A backsight is taken on a benchmark or turning point of known elevation to compute the Height of Instrument (HI = elevation + rod reading).

Question 12: On a utility plan, the abbreviation 'INV EL' next to a pipe symbol refers to what?

Invert elevation of the pipe (Correct answer)
Interior vent elevation
Inverted elevation datum
Inlet valve elevation

Correct answer: Invert elevation of the pipe

INV EL denotes the invert elevation, which is the inside bottom elevation of a pipe or culvert at a given point.

Question 13: On an as-built or record drawing, dimensions shown in parentheses typically indicate what?

Approximate or estimated values
Metric equivalents of the primary dimensions
Original design dimensions that were not changed
Field-verified dimensions that may differ from the design (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Field-verified dimensions that may differ from the design

Parenthetical dimensions on as-built drawings typically show the actual constructed or field-measured values, which may differ from original design dimensions.

Question 14: What is construction staking?

Measuring structures
Placing stakes on ground to guide construction per design plans (Correct answer)
Removing old markers
Recording corners

Correct answer: Placing stakes on ground to guide construction per design plans

Design plans are transferred to the actual ground.

Question 15: The concept of 'riparian rights' is most associated with which property characteristic?

Subsurface mineral rights
Proximity to a government survey baseline
Ownership of land abutting a body of water (Correct answer)
Rights acquired through long-term adverse use

Correct answer: Ownership of land abutting a body of water

Riparian rights are the water-use and access rights held by landowners whose property borders a stream, river, or other body of water.

Question 16: What is a traverse?

Legal boundary
Elevation method
Surveying instrument
Connected series of lines with measured angles and distances (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Connected series of lines with measured angles and distances

This creates a framework through connected measurements.

Question 17: A surveyor is offered a referral fee by a title company for each client he sends their way. What ethical principle is most directly implicated?

Duty to maintain technical competence
Prohibition on advertising
Independence and avoidance of conflicts of interest (Correct answer)
Confidentiality of client data

Correct answer: Independence and avoidance of conflicts of interest

Accepting referral fees can compromise a surveyor's objectivity and independence, creating a conflict of interest that must be disclosed or avoided.

Question 18: The 'sea-level correction' (or arc-to-chord correction) is applied in geodetic traverse computations to account for:

The difference between a measured ground distance at elevation and the corresponding distance at the ellipsoid (Correct answer)
Atmospheric refraction of EDM signals
Magnetic variation between stations
Vertical angle errors in slope reduction

Correct answer: The difference between a measured ground distance at elevation and the corresponding distance at the ellipsoid

The sea-level (ellipsoid reduction) correction converts a ground distance measured at elevation to its equivalent ellipsoidal distance for geodetic computations.

Question 19: A licensed surveyor discovers that a neighboring surveyor's recent boundary survey contains a significant mathematical error. What is the ethical obligation under NSPS and most state codes?

Contact the other surveyor's client directly and offer to redo the work
Correct the error privately without notifying anyone
Ignore it to avoid professional conflict
Report the error to the client and, if necessary, the state licensing board (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Report the error to the client and, if necessary, the state licensing board

Professional codes require surveyors to protect the public interest, which includes reporting known errors that could cause harm to clients or the public.

Question 20: Which map projection minimizes distortion for small-scale state surveys in the US and is the basis of the State Plane Coordinate System?

Gnomonic and Stereographic
Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) only
Albers Equal Area and Orthographic
Mercator and Lambert Conformal Conic (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Mercator and Lambert Conformal Conic

The State Plane Coordinate System uses either Transverse Mercator (for narrow N-S zones) or Lambert Conformal Conic (for wide E-W zones) projections.

Question 21: Which feature of an automatic level compensates for small residual tilts of the instrument?

Plate bubble
Pendulum-suspended optical compensator (Correct answer)
Foot screws
Striding level

Correct answer: Pendulum-suspended optical compensator

The automatic level uses a gravity-controlled pendulum compensator to keep the line of sight horizontal within its operating range.

Question 22: The scale factor at the central meridian of a Transverse Mercator projection used in State Plane is typically:

Greater than 1.0000
Variable depending on latitude
Less than 1.0000 (Correct answer)
Exactly 1.0000

Correct answer: Less than 1.0000

To minimize overall distortion, SPCS Transverse Mercator zones use a scale factor slightly less than 1 (e.g., 0.9999) at the central meridian.

Question 23: What is GPS/GNSS surveying?

Ground-based radio
Aerial photography
Compass navigation
Using satellite signals for precise 3D positions on earth (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Using satellite signals for precise 3D positions on earth

Satellites provide precise positioning from space.

Question 24: In the UTM system, what is the scale factor at the central meridian of each zone?

1.000000
0.999600 (Correct answer)
0.998600
1.000400

Correct answer: 0.999600

The UTM system uses a scale factor of 0.9996 at the central meridian to limit the maximum scale distortion within each zone to ±0.04%.

Question 25: What is the purpose of 'balancing in' a level circuit?

To ensure the rod is held perfectly vertical
To average multiple rod readings at each point
To verify the instrument's compensator is functioning
To make backsight and foresight distances equal, minimizing collimation and curvature errors (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To make backsight and foresight distances equal, minimizing collimation and curvature errors

Equal backsight and foresight distances cancel systematic errors from instrument collimation and Earth curvature.

Question 26: On a plan-profile sheet for a pipeline, the profile view shows what relationship?

The cross-sectional area of the trench
The horizontal alignment of the pipe in plan view
The soil classification along the pipeline route
The pipe elevation plotted against horizontal distance along the alignment (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The pipe elevation plotted against horizontal distance along the alignment

A profile view plots the pipe's vertical position (elevation) against horizontal distance, showing slopes, depths, and tie-ins to structures.

Question 27: A surveyor sets up an instrument at point A and measures an angle to point B as 42°15'30". After rotating 180° and measuring the same angle in face-right, the reading is 222°15'00". What is the best value for the angle?

42°15'00"
42°14'45"
42°15'30"
42°15'15" (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 42°15'15"

The mean angle is found by averaging: face-left = 42°15'30" and face-right = 222°15'00" − 180° = 42°15'00"; average = 42°15'15".

Question 28: What is coordinate geometry (COGO)?

A type of GPS
A drafting tool
A computer brand
Mathematical computation of coordinates, areas, distances, and directions from survey data (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Mathematical computation of coordinates, areas, distances, and directions from survey data

Mathematical computations from survey data produce coordinates.

Question 29: The difference between ellipsoidal height (h) and orthometric height (H) is called:

Scale factor
Deflection of the vertical
Meridian convergence
Geoid undulation (N) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Geoid undulation (N)

Geoid undulation (N) is the signed vertical distance between the ellipsoid and the geoid at a given point, expressed as h = H + N.

Question 30: What is the primary purpose of a benchmark (BM) in surveying?

A control point for GPS surveys only
A point of known horizontal position
A point of known elevation used as a reference (Correct answer)
A marker indicating property corners

Correct answer: A point of known elevation used as a reference

A benchmark is a permanent point with a known elevation that serves as a vertical datum reference for leveling surveys.

Question 31: The scale factor in a State Plane Coordinate System (SPCS) is applied to account for:

Elevation differences between survey stations
Temperature effects on steel tapes
Magnetic declination corrections
The difference between grid distances on the projection plane and geodetic distances on the ellipsoid (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The difference between grid distances on the projection plane and geodetic distances on the ellipsoid

The grid scale factor converts ellipsoidal geodetic distances to grid (plane) distances used in SPCS computations.

Question 32: A surveyor needs to convert 45°27'36" to decimal degrees. What is the result?

45.456°
45.463°
45.476°
45.460° (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 45.460°

27'/60 = 0.450°; 36"/3600 = 0.010°; total = 45 + 0.450 + 0.010 = 45.460°.

Question 33: Using the Law of Sines, in triangle ABC where angle A = 42°, angle B = 67°, and side a (opposite A) = 125.0 ft, what is side b (opposite B)?

180.2 ft
148.6 ft
172.1 ft (Correct answer)
163.4 ft

Correct answer: 172.1 ft

b = a × sin B / sin A = 125.0 × sin 67° / sin 42° = 125.0 × 0.9205 / 0.6691 ≈ 172.1 ft.

Question 34: What is 'parallax' in the context of surveying instruments, and how is it corrected?

The angular error caused by the telescope not being level; corrected by double-centering
The shift of the horizontal circle; corrected by calibrating the index error
The refraction of light through the lens; corrected with temperature tables
The apparent shift of the crosshair relative to the image when the eye moves; corrected by focusing the eyepiece then the objective lens (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The apparent shift of the crosshair relative to the image when the eye moves; corrected by focusing the eyepiece then the objective lens

Parallax is the apparent movement of the crosshair relative to the target when the observer's eye shifts; it is eliminated by focusing the eyepiece first, then sharpening the image with the objective focus.

Question 35: In the State Plane Coordinate System (SPCS), which projection is used for states or zones with a greater east-west extent?

Polyconic
Lambert Conformal Conic (Correct answer)
Transverse Mercator
Stereographic

Correct answer: Lambert Conformal Conic

Lambert Conformal Conic is used for zones elongated east-west, while Transverse Mercator is used for zones elongated north-south.

Question 36: Which of the following is a common legal requirement for land surveyors when preparing official property boundary maps?

Ensuring the map meets state-specific legal and technical standards (Correct answer)
Obtaining a license for commercial use of the map
Including a detailed historical account of the property’s previous owners
Submitting the map to a local real estate office for approval

Correct answer: Ensuring the map meets state-specific legal and technical standards

When preparing official property boundary maps, land surveyors are legally required to adhere to stringent state-specific legal and technical standards. These standards dictate everything from the accuracy of measurements and the types of monuments used, to the format, content, and scale of the map, as well as the required certifications and seals. Compliance ensures the map is legally defensible, accurate, and suitable for recording with local authorities.

Question 37: When performing a traverse survey, why is it important to close the traverse loop?

To confirm the accuracy of the measurements by ensuring that the starting and ending points match (Correct answer)
To ensure that all measurements are taken at equal intervals
To measure the volume of earth moved
To calculate the total area of the surveyed land

Correct answer: To confirm the accuracy of the measurements by ensuring that the starting and ending points match

Closing a traverse loop means that the survey measurements return to the starting point or connect to another known control point. This closure allows surveyors to calculate the misclosure, which indicates the overall error in the angular and linear measurements. By analyzing and adjusting this misclosure, the accuracy and precision of the entire survey can be confirmed and improved.

Question 38: The interior angles of a closed five-sided traverse sum to 540°. If four measured angles are 98°14', 112°33', 87°47', and 125°06', what is the fifth angle (assuming no angular error)?

117°20'
116°40'
115°20'
116°20' (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 116°20'

Sum of four angles = 423°40'; fifth angle = 540°00' − 423°40' = 116°20'.

Question 39: What is the significance of "northing" and "easting" in coordinate systems?

They are used to describe the distances north and east of a specific origin point in a coordinate system (Correct answer)
They represent the latitude and longitude of a specific location
They describe the angle of a surveyed line relative to true north
They indicate the elevation and slope of a surveyed point

Correct answer: They are used to describe the distances north and east of a specific origin point in a coordinate system

Northing and Easting are planar coordinates used in grid systems, such as UTM or State Plane Coordinate Systems. Northing measures the distance north from a specific origin point, while Easting measures the distance east from a central meridian or false origin. Together, these values provide a unique and precise two-dimensional location for any point within that particular coordinate system.

Question 40: What is a vertical curve?

A curve visible from above
A survey error
A circular road curve
A parabolic curve connecting two grades on a roadway profile (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A parabolic curve connecting two grades on a roadway profile

These curves provide smooth grade transitions in road design.

Question 41: NAD 83 is based on which reference ellipsoid?

Bessel 1841
GRS80 (Correct answer)
Clarke 1866
WGS84

Correct answer: GRS80

NAD83 uses the GRS80 (Geodetic Reference System 1980) ellipsoid, while NAD27 was based on the Clarke 1866 ellipsoid.

Question 42: Which line on a topographic map connects points of equal elevation?

A datum line
A gradient line
An isogonic line
A contour line (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A contour line

Contour lines connect all points of the same elevation above (or below) a defined datum on a topographic map.

Question 43: How do you convert bearings to azimuths?

Multiply by 2
They are the same
Subtract 90
NE bearings equal the bearing angle; SE bearings = 180 minus bearing; SW = 180 plus bearing; NW = 360 minus bearing (Correct answer)

Correct answer: NE bearings equal the bearing angle; SE bearings = 180 minus bearing; SW = 180 plus bearing; NW = 360 minus bearing

The conversion depends on the quadrant of the bearing.

Question 44: How is area calculated using the coordinate method?

Counting grid squares
Sum of cross products of coordinates divided by 2 (Correct answer)
Measuring with a ruler on a map
Length times width only

Correct answer: Sum of cross products of coordinates divided by 2

Cross-multiplication of coordinates produces precise area.

Question 45: A surveyor accepts a project but later realizes the scope exceeds his current competence in a specialized area. What is the ethically correct course of action?

Withdraw from the project or associate with a competent specialist (Correct answer)
Complete the work anyway to avoid disappointing the client
Subcontract the entire project without the client's knowledge
Request that the client lower the project standards

Correct answer: Withdraw from the project or associate with a competent specialist

Ethical codes require surveyors to practice only within their areas of competence, and to disclose limitations or bring in qualified assistance when needed.

Question 46: A surveyor measures a horizontal angle by repetition six times, obtaining a total arc of 643°12'18". What is the mean angle?

107°11'53"
107°32'03"
107°12'03" (Correct answer)
106°12'03"

Correct answer: 107°12'03"

Mean angle = 643°12'18" ÷ 6 = 107°12'03".

Question 47: What is a curve calculation in route surveying?

Bending survey instruments
Calculating curvature of the earth
Measuring curved walls
Determining elements of horizontal and vertical curves for road and railway design (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Determining elements of horizontal and vertical curves for road and railway design

Road and rail design requires precise curve geometry.

Question 48: Under common law, a landowner who conveys a parcel by a deed with a specific description generally cannot later convey overlapping land to another party because of the principle known as:

Riparian rights
Adverse possession
Dominant tenement
Estoppel by deed (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Estoppel by deed

Estoppel by deed prevents a grantor from claiming rights in property they have already conveyed to another.

Question 49: What is a benchmark?

Surveying instrument
Permanent point of known elevation used as height reference (Correct answer)
Temporary stake
Legal description

Correct answer: Permanent point of known elevation used as height reference

These reference points have precisely known heights.

Question 50: The National Spatial Reference System (NSRS) is maintained by which U.S. agency?

NGS (National Geodetic Survey) (Correct answer)
USGS (U.S. Geological Survey)
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)
BLM (Bureau of Land Management)

Correct answer: NGS (National Geodetic Survey)

The NGS, a division of NOAA, is responsible for maintaining the NSRS, which defines the national horizontal and vertical control networks.

Question 51: A total station's EDM measures a slope distance of 452.38 ft at a vertical angle of +6°24'. What is the horizontal distance?

452.38 ft
450.01 ft
448.92 ft
449.64 ft (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 449.64 ft

Horizontal distance = slope distance × cos(vertical angle) = 452.38 × cos(6°24') ≈ 449.64 ft.

Question 52: Which of the following best describes a 'call' in a deed description?

A verbal agreement between buyer and seller at closing
Any element in a deed description such as a course, distance, monument, or adjoiner (Correct answer)
A surveyor's field note entry
A reference to a neighboring owner's name only

Correct answer: Any element in a deed description such as a course, distance, monument, or adjoiner

A call is any element referenced in a deed description, including bearings, distances, monuments, and adjoiners, used to locate a boundary.

Question 53: What is a topographic survey?

Boundary-only survey
Underground utility survey
Building interior survey
Determines positions and elevations of features to create contour maps (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Determines positions and elevations of features to create contour maps

This survey captures the shape of the land and features.

Question 54: A surveyor uses a total station that measures slope distance as 487.34 ft at a vertical angle of +5°22'. The horizontal distance is approximately:

487.34 ft
483.67 ft
489.18 ft
485.51 ft (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 485.51 ft

HD = SD × cos(vertical angle) = 487.34 × cos(5°22') = 487.34 × 0.9956 ≈ 485.51 ft.

Question 55: What is the main purpose of the 'Transit Rule' in adjusting traverse misclosure?

Distribute error proportionally to each course length
Apply equal correction to all latitudes and departures
Assign all closure error to the longest course
Distribute error proportionally to the absolute values of latitudes and departures of each course (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Distribute error proportionally to the absolute values of latitudes and departures of each course

The Transit Rule distributes closure error in latitude proportionally to the absolute latitude of each course, and similarly for departures, rather than by course length as in the Compass Rule.

Question 56: What legal doctrine holds that a long-term, open, notorious, hostile, and continuous use of another's land for a specific purpose can create a legal right to continue that use?

Prescriptive easement (Correct answer)
Easement by implication
Adverse possession
Easement by necessity

Correct answer: Prescriptive easement

A prescriptive easement grants the right of use (not ownership) after meeting the required elements of open, notorious, hostile, and continuous use for the statutory period.

Question 57: What is 'normal tension' in tape surveying?

The maximum safe tension before permanent deformation
The tension that stretches the tape to its nominal length at standard temperature
The standard 20-lb pull applied to all steel tapes
The applied tension at which the effects of sag and tape elongation exactly cancel (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The applied tension at which the effects of sag and tape elongation exactly cancel

Normal tension is the specific pull at which tape sag shortening is offset by elastic elongation, yielding the tape's nominal length without a sag correction.

Question 58: A 'gore' in land surveying refers to:

A discrepancy in deed bearing versus measured bearing
An overlap between two adjacent parcels
A type of easement running along a road
A triangular or irregular strip of land left unintentionally between two surveys (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A triangular or irregular strip of land left unintentionally between two surveys

A gore is a thin, often triangular strip of land inadvertently omitted between two surveys or conveyances.

Question 59: In a curve layout using deflection angles, the deflection angle from the PC to any point on the curve equals:

The full central angle to that point
Half the central angle subtended from the PC to that point (Correct answer)
One-quarter of the central angle
The tangent angle at that point

Correct answer: Half the central angle subtended from the PC to that point

The deflection angle to any chord from the tangent at the PC equals half the central angle subtended by that arc.

Question 60: Under the Statute of Frauds, which of the following documents MUST be in writing to be legally enforceable in a real property conveyance?

A verbal license to cross a neighbor's property
An oral agreement to sell land made between family members
A handshake agreement for a short-term lease under one year
A deed transferring fee simple title (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A deed transferring fee simple title

The Statute of Frauds requires that transfers of real property interests, including deeds, be in writing and signed to be enforceable.

Question 61: In a court case involving a disputed boundary, survey testimony is most likely to be admitted as which type of evidence?

Circumstantial evidence
Expert opinion evidence (Correct answer)
Hearsay evidence
Character evidence

Correct answer: Expert opinion evidence

Licensed surveyors are qualified as expert witnesses, and their professional opinion testimony regarding boundary location is admitted as expert evidence in court.

Question 62: What is the formula for slope distance to horizontal distance?

HD = SD × sin(vertical angle)
HD = SD + elevation
HD = SD / 2
HD = SD × cos(vertical angle) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: HD = SD × cos(vertical angle)

Cosine of the vertical angle converts slope to horizontal.

Question 63: The standard deviation of a single measurement where n repeated observations have a standard deviation of the mean (σm) is:

σ = σm / √n
σ = σm × n
σ = σm²
σ = σm × √n (Correct answer)

Correct answer: σ = σm × √n

The standard deviation of a single observation σ = σm × √n, because the mean is more precise than any individual measurement by a factor of √n.

Question 64: A surveyor uses a total station to measure an azimuth of 214°33' to a target. What is the equivalent bearing?

S 34°33' E
S 55°27' W
N 34°33' W
S 34°33' W (Correct answer)

Correct answer: S 34°33' W

Azimuths between 180° and 270° are in the SW quadrant; bearing = azimuth − 180° = 214°33' − 180° = S 34°33' W.

Question 65: Which of the following best describes the 'three-wire leveling' technique?

Reading the top, middle, and bottom stadia wires on the rod to check accuracy and compute distances (Correct answer)
Running three parallel level loops and averaging the results
Leveling with three separate instruments to reduce error
Using three level vials to ensure instrument is truly level

Correct answer: Reading the top, middle, and bottom stadia wires on the rod to check accuracy and compute distances

Three-wire leveling reads all three horizontal crosshairs (top, middle, bottom stadia wires) on the leveling rod; the middle wire gives the elevation reading and the outer wires provide a check.

Question 66: What is a monument in surveying?

Physical marker at a survey point to permanently mark location (Correct answer)
Historical building
Surveying instrument
Mathematical point only

Correct answer: Physical marker at a survey point to permanently mark location

These physical objects mark important points on the ground.

Question 67: In a geodetic survey, the 'deflection of the vertical' refers to:

The difference in elevation between benchmarks
The angle between true north and grid north
The angular difference between the normal to the ellipsoid and the direction of gravity (Correct answer)
The error in astronomic azimuth due to gyroscope drift

Correct answer: The angular difference between the normal to the ellipsoid and the direction of gravity

Deflection of the vertical is the angle between the ellipsoidal normal and the local plumb line (direction of gravity), affecting astronomic vs. geodetic positions.

Question 68: When a surveyor is hired by both a buyer and seller in the same transaction, what ethical step is MOST important?

Charge double the normal fee to compensate for the conflict
Decline the project since dual representation is always prohibited
Proceed normally since both parties benefit from an accurate survey
Obtain written informed consent from both parties disclosing the dual engagement (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Obtain written informed consent from both parties disclosing the dual engagement

Dual engagements require full disclosure and written informed consent from all parties; without this, a surveyor faces an unmanaged conflict of interest.

Question 69: What is the purpose of a north arrow on a survey map?

To indicate magnetic south for compass calibration
To mark the direction of the prevailing wind
To orient the map with respect to true, magnetic, or grid north (Correct answer)
To show the direction of increasing lot numbers

Correct answer: To orient the map with respect to true, magnetic, or grid north

A north arrow establishes the map's orientation and typically specifies whether it references true, magnetic, or grid north.

Question 70: What is the key distinction between 'geographic north' and 'magnetic north' that a surveyor must account for?

Geographic north is the direction of the Earth's rotational axis; magnetic north varies with location and time due to the Earth's magnetic field (Correct answer)
Geographic north is used only in GPS surveys; magnetic north in all other surveys
Geographic north points to the north magnetic pole; magnetic north points to true north
They are the same direction at all points on Earth

Correct answer: Geographic north is the direction of the Earth's rotational axis; magnetic north varies with location and time due to the Earth's magnetic field

Geographic (true) north aligns with Earth's rotational axis, while magnetic north varies spatially and temporally; the difference is called magnetic declination.

Question 71: In horizontal curve design, what does the term 'degree of curve' (arc definition) represent?

The total deflection angle of the curve
The angle between the two tangent lines
The central angle subtended by a 100-ft chord
The central angle subtended by a 100-ft arc (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The central angle subtended by a 100-ft arc

Under the arc definition, degree of curve (D) is the central angle subtending a 100-ft arc; radius R = 5729.58 / D.

Question 72: A surveyor uses a steel tape that is 100.02 ft long instead of exactly 100.00 ft. After measuring a 500 ft line, the corrected distance is:

499.98 ft
500.02 ft
499.90 ft
500.10 ft (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 500.10 ft

Correction per tape length = +0.02 ft; for 5 tape lengths: 5 × 0.02 = +0.10 ft; corrected distance = 500.00 + 0.10 = 500.10 ft.

Question 73: The combined scale factor for converting ground distances to grid distances is computed as:

The elevation factor multiplied by the grid (projection) scale factor (Correct answer)
Meridian convergence multiplied by the projection distortion factor
Orthometric height divided by ellipsoidal height
The grid scale factor divided by the elevation factor

Correct answer: The elevation factor multiplied by the grid (projection) scale factor

CSF = (elevation factor) × (grid scale factor), where the elevation factor accounts for height above the ellipsoid and the grid scale factor comes from the map projection.

Question 74: Which type of level is most affected by atmospheric refraction and Earth's curvature over long sights?

Profile leveling
Differential leveling
Reciprocal leveling
Trigonometric leveling (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Trigonometric leveling

Trigonometric leveling uses vertical angles over long distances, making it most susceptible to refraction and curvature errors.

Question 75: On a survey map legend, a symbol showing a filled circle at a corner followed by a pipe description typically represents what?

A traffic signal pole
A water well location
A utility manhole
A found or set iron pipe or monument (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A found or set iron pipe or monument

Filled circles or squares with pipe/rod descriptions in a legend denote survey monuments, either found during fieldwork or set by the surveyor.

Question 76: What is a coordinate transformation?

Converting positions between different coordinate systems (Correct answer)
Moving physical markers
Updating software
Changing map colors

Correct answer: Converting positions between different coordinate systems

Positions must sometimes be expressed in different reference systems.

Question 77: What does the term "bench mark" refer to in surveying?

A method for calculating the area of a surveyed land
A reference point of known elevation used for leveling (Correct answer)
A marker indicating the boundary of a land parcel
A standard tool used for measuring angles

Correct answer: A reference point of known elevation used for leveling

A bench mark is a permanent physical marker, often a brass disk set in concrete, whose exact elevation above a specific datum (like sea level) has been precisely determined. Surveyors use these established points as a starting or reference point for leveling operations. This ensures consistency and accuracy when determining the relative elevations of other points on the land.

Question 78: Which of the following best describes 'closure error' in a traverse?

The angle sum minus 180°
The difference between computed and starting coordinates after the loop is closed (Correct answer)
The maximum allowable precision for a survey
The error in a single horizontal angle measurement

Correct answer: The difference between computed and starting coordinates after the loop is closed

Closure error is the linear distance between the computed end position and the starting position when a closed traverse is calculated.

Question 79: A surveyor computes the area of a closed traverse using the DMD (Double Meridian Distance) method. The DMD of a course equals the DMD of the preceding course, plus the departure of the preceding course, plus the departure of the current course. What is the DMD of the first course if its departure is +152.30 ft?

304.60 ft
152.30 ft (Correct answer)
76.15 ft
0.00 ft

Correct answer: 152.30 ft

By convention, the DMD of the first course equals its own departure, which is +152.30 ft.

Question 80: In Bowditch (Compass Rule) traverse adjustment, the correction to each course's latitude is proportional to:

The inverse of that course's bearing
The magnitude of that course's latitude
The angle subtended by that course
The length of that course divided by the total traverse perimeter (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The length of that course divided by the total traverse perimeter

Bowditch Rule distributes closure errors in proportion to each course's length relative to the total traverse length.

Question 81: What is the primary difference between a 'monument' and a 'marker' in boundary surveying?

A monument is set by a surveyor; a marker is set by a government agency
There is no legal distinction between the two terms
A monument is a natural object; a marker is artificial
A monument is a physical object occupying the true position of a corner; a marker is placed near but not at the corner (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A monument is a physical object occupying the true position of a corner; a marker is placed near but not at the corner

A monument occupies the exact corner position and controls the boundary, while a marker (or witness post) is placed nearby to help find the monument.

Question 82: Which type of property description is considered the weakest and most prone to causing boundary disputes?

Metes and bounds description
Lot and block (recorded plat) description
Government rectangular survey description
Strip or acreage description with no monuments or bearings (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Strip or acreage description with no monuments or bearings

Descriptions that lack monuments, bearings, or distances and rely solely on acreage or informal strip references are legally weak and highly prone to boundary disputes.

Question 83: In PLSS, 'lot' parcels are typically found in which sections of a township?

Sections in the interior of the township
Only in Section 16
Sections along the north and west boundaries (Correct answer)
Sections along the south and east boundaries

Correct answer: Sections along the north and west boundaries

Fractional lots resulting from subdivision adjustments are typically found along the north and west boundaries of a township where closure errors accumulate.

Question 84: What is RTK GNSS surveying?

An aerial survey method
A mapping software
A type of compass
Real-time kinematic positioning providing centimeter accuracy using base-rover system (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Real-time kinematic positioning providing centimeter accuracy using base-rover system

This GNSS technique achieves very high accuracy in real time.

Question 85: In most U.S. states, a surveyor's signed and sealed plat constitutes which type of professional output?

A legal document that can be recorded in public land records (Correct answer)
An informal advisory opinion with no legal standing
A preliminary sketch subject to client modification
A confidential report protected by attorney-client privilege

Correct answer: A legal document that can be recorded in public land records

A signed and sealed survey plat is a legal document that may be recorded in the public land records and carries the full professional responsibility of the surveyor.

Question 86: In a road curve, the 'degree of curve' using the chord definition is defined as the central angle subtended by a chord of:

100 ft (Correct answer)
1 station (100 ft arc)
200 ft
50 ft

Correct answer: 100 ft

Under the chord definition, the degree of curve is the central angle subtended by a 100-ft chord; this definition is commonly used in railroad surveying.

Question 87: In GPS surveying, 'PDOP' (Position Dilution of Precision) is a measure of:

The effect of satellite geometry on positional accuracy (Correct answer)
Signal-to-noise ratio of satellite signals
The multipath error at the receiver
Atmospheric delay corrections applied

Correct answer: The effect of satellite geometry on positional accuracy

PDOP quantifies how satellite geometry affects positional accuracy; a lower PDOP value indicates better geometry and potentially more accurate positions.

Question 88: The legal principle that a grantor cannot convey more title than they actually possess is known as:

Stare decisis
Res ipsa loquitur
Nemo dat quod non habet (Correct answer)
Caveat emptor

Correct answer: Nemo dat quod non habet

'Nemo dat quod non habet' means 'one cannot give what one does not have,' which is fundamental to property title conveyance law.

Question 89: A horizontal curve has a radius of 1,200 ft and a central angle (Δ) of 24°30'. The tangent length T equals:

512.4 ft
523.0 ft
261.5 ft (Correct answer)
130.8 ft

Correct answer: 261.5 ft

T = R × tan(Δ/2) = 1200 × tan(12°15') = 1200 × 0.2174 ≈ 261.5 ft.

Question 90: What does the term 'closure error' refer to when checking a traverse on a plan?

The angular error introduced by magnetic declination
The difference between grid and ground distances
The discrepancy between the computed start and end coordinates when traversing a closed polygon (Correct answer)
The error in reading a contour interval

Correct answer: The discrepancy between the computed start and end coordinates when traversing a closed polygon

Closure error is the distance between the computed end point and the known start point of a closed traverse, indicating accumulated measurement errors.

Question 91: What does the term 'geoid' represent in geodesy?

The reference frame for GPS measurements
The topographic surface of the Earth
The equipotential surface of Earth's gravity field approximating mean sea level (Correct answer)
The mathematical ellipsoid approximating Earth's shape

Correct answer: The equipotential surface of Earth's gravity field approximating mean sea level

The geoid is the irregular equipotential surface of Earth's gravity field that approximates mean sea level and defines orthometric (physical) heights.

Question 92: The Federal Fair Housing Act has implications for surveyors when they are asked to:

Follow state licensing renewal requirements
Calculate lot areas in minority neighborhoods differently than in majority-white neighborhoods (Correct answer)
Determine property corner depth below frost line
Use metric units instead of U.S. customary units

Correct answer: Calculate lot areas in minority neighborhoods differently than in majority-white neighborhoods

Applying different survey standards or refusing service based on neighborhood demographics would constitute discrimination prohibited by the Fair Housing Act.

Question 93: In GNSS surveying, what does PDOP (Position Dilution of Precision) measure?

The time error between receiver and satellite clock
The number of satellites visible above the horizon
The strength of the satellite signal
The combined geometric effect of satellite distribution on 3D position accuracy (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The combined geometric effect of satellite distribution on 3D position accuracy

PDOP quantifies how satellite geometry affects 3D position error; a low PDOP (≤3) indicates good geometry and better positional accuracy.

Question 94: In a geodetic survey, the geoid is best described as:

The equipotential surface of Earth's gravity field approximating mean sea level (Correct answer)
A sphere with Earth's mean radius
A mathematical ellipsoid fitted to Earth's surface
The topographic surface of the land

Correct answer: The equipotential surface of Earth's gravity field approximating mean sea level

The geoid is the equipotential gravity surface that approximates mean sea level and serves as the vertical datum reference.

Question 95: When a surveyor sets an azimuth from a sun observation, what correction accounts for the angular radius of the sun's disk?

Declination correction
Semi-diameter correction (Correct answer)
Parallax correction
Refraction correction

Correct answer: Semi-diameter correction

The semi-diameter correction adjusts for the fact that the observed limb (edge) of the sun is offset from its center by approximately 16 arcminutes, the sun's semi-diameter.

Question 96: A 'section corner' monument shown on a PLSS-based survey plat represents what?

The corner of a one-mile-square section established by the US Public Land Survey System (Correct answer)
The corner of a private lot within a subdivision
The center point of a township
A corner shared between two states

Correct answer: The corner of a one-mile-square section established by the US Public Land Survey System

Section corners are the controlling monuments established by the USPLSS that define the one-mile-square sections of the survey grid.

Question 97: A circular curve has a radius of 800 ft and a central angle (Δ) of 24°30'. What is the arc length?

352.00 ft
325.40 ft
336.90 ft
341.75 ft (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 341.75 ft

Arc length = R × Δ (radians) = 800 × (24.5° × π/180) = 800 × 0.42760 ≈ 341.75 ft.

Question 98: Using the coordinate method, a triangle has vertices at (0,0), (6,0), and (3,4). What is its area in square units?

14
12 (Correct answer)
10
8

Correct answer: 12

Area = ½|x₁(y₂−y₃)+x₂(y₃−y₁)+x₃(y₁−y₂)| = ½|0(0−4)+6(4−0)+3(0−0)| = ½×24 = 12.

Question 99: What is a legal description of property?

Written description uniquely identifying land using metes/bounds, lot/block, or rectangular survey (Correct answer)
Property photograph
Verbal description
Property address

Correct answer: Written description uniquely identifying land using metes/bounds, lot/block, or rectangular survey

Standardized systems uniquely define property boundaries.

Question 100: In a boundary survey, what is the purpose of conducting a "title search"?

To find historical records and legal descriptions of property boundaries (Correct answer)
To measure the current land elevation
To analyze the soil composition for construction purposes
To determine the geographical features of the land

Correct answer: To find historical records and legal descriptions of property boundaries

A title search is a crucial step in a boundary survey, involving a thorough examination of public records. Its purpose is to uncover the chain of ownership, easements, and most importantly, the legal descriptions and historical documents that define the precise limits of a property. This research helps the surveyor accurately re-establish and confirm the property lines according to legal documentation.

Question 101: What is EDM?

Technology using electromagnetic waves to measure distances accurately (Correct answer)
Software program
Angle-only method
GPS receiver type

Correct answer: Technology using electromagnetic waves to measure distances accurately

Electromagnetic waves determine distance between points.

Question 102: The term 'latitudes and departures' in traverse calculations refers to:

Bearing and distance of each leg
North-south and east-west components of a traverse course (Correct answer)
Horizontal and vertical distance components
Geographic coordinates of latitude and longitude

Correct answer: North-south and east-west components of a traverse course

Latitude is the north-south component and departure is the east-west component of each traverse course, used to compute coordinate changes.

Question 103: What ethical consideration is most critical when handling client information as a land surveyor?

Using the information to market surveying services
Providing the information to government agencies for public use
Sharing the information with other surveyors without consent
Maintaining client confidentiality and using the information solely for its intended purpose (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Maintaining client confidentiality and using the information solely for its intended purpose

Client confidentiality is a cornerstone of ethical professional practice for land surveyors, just as it is in many other professions. Surveyors often handle sensitive information about property ownership, financial details, and personal plans. Ethically, they are obligated to protect this information, ensuring it is not disclosed without consent and is used strictly for the purpose of the surveying services agreed upon, thereby building trust and upholding professional integrity.

Question 104: What is the SIT/LSIT role?

Replacing licensed surveyor
Managing equipment
Teaching courses
Gaining supervised experience under licensed surveyor toward licensure (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Gaining supervised experience under licensed surveyor toward licensure

This role involves learning under supervision.

Question 105: In LiDAR surveys, the point density is most directly controlled by:

Receiver GPS update rate only
The wavelength of the laser
Pulse repetition frequency, scan angle, and aircraft speed and altitude (Correct answer)
Number of return pulses per shot

Correct answer: Pulse repetition frequency, scan angle, and aircraft speed and altitude

Point density is a function of pulse repetition rate, scan angle width, aircraft speed, and flying height — all adjustable mission parameters.

Question 106: When referencing a property corner, what information should a witness corner contain?

Only the PLSS township and range
Only the bearing and distance to the true corner
Bearing, distance, and description of the true corner location (Correct answer)
The deed book and page number

Correct answer: Bearing, distance, and description of the true corner location

A witness corner (reference monument) must record bearing, distance, and a complete description so the true corner can be relocated.

Question 107: What is the primary purpose of using trigonometry in land surveying?

To determine distances and angles between points (Correct answer)
To analyze the weather conditions
To calculate the cost of construction materials
To measure soil composition

Correct answer: To determine distances and angles between points

Trigonometry is fundamental to land surveying because it provides the mathematical tools to calculate unknown distances, angles, and elevations from known measurements. Surveyors use trigonometric functions (sine, cosine, tangent) to solve triangles formed by survey points, allowing them to precisely determine the relative positions of features on the Earth's surface. This is essential for mapping, boundary determination, and construction layout.

Question 108: Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) primarily support:

Spirit leveling campaigns for vertical datum maintenance
Real-time weather forecasting for field survey planning
High-accuracy GPS/GNSS positioning through continuous reference data (Correct answer)
Tidal gauge monitoring for sea level change analysis

Correct answer: High-accuracy GPS/GNSS positioning through continuous reference data

CORS stations provide continuous GPS/GNSS tracking data that surveyors access to perform high-accuracy positioning and control surveys.

Question 109: A surveyor measures vertical angles to a distant target from both faces of a total station: Face Left = +12°18'24" and Face Right = –12°17'48". What is the corrected vertical angle and index error?

Corrected angle = +12°18'06", index error = +18" (Correct answer)
Corrected angle = +12°18'12", index error = +36"
Corrected angle = +12°18'06", index error = –18"
Corrected angle = +12°17'36", index error = +24"

Correct answer: Corrected angle = +12°18'06", index error = +18"

Mean vertical angle = (FL + (180° – |FR|)) / 2 = (+12°18'24" + 12°17'48") / 2 = +12°18'06"; index error = FL – mean = +18".

LSIT Land Surveyor in Training Exam

The LSIT Land Surveyor in Training Exam assesses competency in surveying fundamentals, measurement technology, legal and boundary principles, mathematics for surveying, geomatics, legal and ethical issues, plan and map reading, and surveying principles and practices.

110

Questions

240 min

Time Limit

70%

To Pass

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