LSIT Land Surveyor in Training Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Which systematic error in EDM instruments is best detected by measuring over a calibrated baseline of multiple lengths?

Reading error
Scale error (cyclic error) (Correct answer)
Pointing error
Plumbing error

Correct answer: Scale error (cyclic error)

Cyclic (scale) errors repeat over fixed distance intervals and are revealed by comparing EDM measurements to a known baseline at multiple distances.

Question 2: What are control surveys?

Managing personnel
Controlling site access
Establishing precisely located reference point networks for detailed surveys (Correct answer)
Controlling budget

Correct answer: Establishing precisely located reference point networks for detailed surveys

These create the reference framework for other surveys.

Question 3: A 'section corner' monument shown on a PLSS-based survey plat represents what?

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

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 4: A surveyor measures a slope distance of 250.00 ft at a vertical angle of +3°30'. What is the approximate horizontal distance?

248.66 ft
250.00 ft
247.11 ft
249.31 ft (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 249.31 ft

Horizontal distance = slope distance × cos(vertical angle) = 250.00 × cos(3°30') ≈ 249.31 ft.

Question 5: What is an easement?

Full ownership of a portion
Property tax type
Right to use another persons land for specific purpose without owning it (Correct answer)
Temporary permit

Correct answer: Right to use another persons land for specific purpose without owning it

This legal right allows use without ownership.

Question 6: Which legal doctrine holds that when a deed conveys land bounded by a highway or road, the grantee receives title to the centerline of that road, absent contrary intent?

Riparian doctrine
Easement by necessity
Highway centerline presumption (Correct answer)
Eminent domain

Correct answer: Highway centerline presumption

The highway centerline presumption (or centerline rule) holds that a conveyance abutting a road typically extends to the road's centerline unless the deed clearly states otherwise.

Question 7: What is an inverse calculation in surveying?

Computing bearing and distance between two known coordinate points (Correct answer)
Reversing a survey
Calculating the opposite of a result
Undoing a measurement

Correct answer: Computing bearing and distance between two known coordinate points

Known coordinates yield the direction and distance between them.

Question 8: What is the coordinate method for area?

Using boundary point coordinates with cross-multiplication formula (Correct answer)
Walking the perimeter
Aerial photo estimation
Grid square counting

Correct answer: Using boundary point coordinates with cross-multiplication formula

Mathematical formulas provide precise area from coordinates.

Question 9: When referencing a property corner, what information should a witness corner contain?

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

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 10: What is the effect of atmospheric refraction on a line of sight in leveling?

It bends the line of sight upward, causing the computed elevation to be too high (Correct answer)
It bends the line of sight downward toward Earth, causing rod readings to appear too low
It has no measurable effect at distances under 1,000 ft
It bends the line of sight upward away from Earth, causing rod readings to appear too high

Correct answer: It bends the line of sight upward, causing the computed elevation to be too high

Atmospheric refraction curves the line of sight upward, making distant objects appear higher than they are, so rod readings appear smaller and computed elevations appear too high.

Question 11: The tangent length (T) of a simple circular curve with radius R = 600 ft and central angle Δ = 38°20' is closest to:

214.5 ft
196.4 ft
208.8 ft (Correct answer)
202.3 ft

Correct answer: 208.8 ft

T = R × tan(Δ/2) = 600 × tan(19°10') = 600 × 0.34730 ≈ 208.8 ft.

Question 12: Which RTK GNSS technique uses a single fixed base station and can accumulate positional error with distance from the base?

Network RTK (NRTK)
PPP (Precise Point Positioning)
DGNSS (Differential GNSS)
Conventional RTK (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Conventional RTK

Conventional RTK uses one base station and accuracy degrades with baseline length (roughly 1 ppm), while Network RTK uses multiple reference stations to mitigate this effect.

Question 13: The Federal Fair Housing Act has implications for surveyors when they are asked to:

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

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

The line along which cut and fill volumes are equal
The boundary between two different zoning districts
Where two different property surveys overlap
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 15: What ethical consideration is most critical when handling client information as a land surveyor?

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

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 16: What is a curve calculation in route surveying?

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

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

Road and rail design requires precise curve geometry.

Question 17: 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?

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

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 18: In the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) system, each zone spans how many degrees of longitude?

9°
12°
6° (Correct answer)
3°

Correct answer: 6°

The UTM system divides the world into 60 zones, each spanning 6° of longitude, for a total coverage of 360°.

Question 19: 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 20: In differential leveling, a backsight of 8.213 ft is taken on a benchmark (elev = 504.127 ft) and a foresight of 2.645 ft is taken on the next point. What is the elevation of the next point?

513.940 ft
509.695 ft (Correct answer)
495.559 ft
506.772 ft

Correct answer: 509.695 ft

HI = 504.127 + 8.213 = 512.340 ft; Elev = 512.340 − 2.645 = 509.695 ft.

Question 21: What trigonometric function relates opposite side to hypotenuse?

Cosine
Tangent
Sine (Correct answer)
Cotangent

Correct answer: Sine

Sine = opposite / hypotenuse in a right triangle.

Question 22: The term 'simultaneous conveyance' is important in boundary law because it means:

All deeds in a subdivision are recorded at exactly the same moment
Lots created from the same plat or subdivision have equal (co-equal) rights with no senior or junior priority among themselves (Correct answer)
Two adjoining owners exchange parcels in a single transaction
A grantor conveys land to multiple grantees sharing ownership

Correct answer: Lots created from the same plat or subdivision have equal (co-equal) rights with no senior or junior priority among themselves

Simultaneous conveyance means that lots platted together have co-equal rights, so the senior/junior deed priority rule does not apply among them.

Question 23: When performing a GPS survey to establish vertical control, the orthometric height (H) is derived by:

H = N − h
H = h − N (Correct answer)
H = h × N
H = h + N

Correct answer: H = h − N

Orthometric height H equals ellipsoidal height h minus the geoid undulation N (H = h − N).

Question 24: In stadia surveying, if the stadia interval factor (K) is 100 and the rod intercept (s) is 1.25 ft, what is the horizontal distance (assuming a horizontal sight)?

125.00 ft (Correct answer)
1250.00 ft
100.25 ft
12.50 ft

Correct answer: 125.00 ft

Stadia horizontal distance (level sight) = K × s = 100 × 1.25 = 125.00 ft (plus instrument constant C, usually negligible for modern instruments).

Question 25: Which legal doctrine provides that a deed recorded first in time generally prevails over a later deed from the same grantor in states without notice or race-notice statutes?

Race doctrine (pure race recording) (Correct answer)
Constructive notice doctrine
Race-notice doctrine
Notice doctrine

Correct answer: Race doctrine (pure race recording)

Under the pure race doctrine, the first party to record the deed wins regardless of their knowledge of prior conveyances, making recording speed determinative.

Question 26: What is the purpose of 'double centering' (double-direct) when turning angles with a total station?

To allow the instrument to be used in both direct and reversed positions simultaneously
To double the measured angle for greater precision
To check that the prism target is centered on the point
To eliminate or detect errors caused by non-perpendicularity of the horizontal and vertical axes (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To eliminate or detect errors caused by non-perpendicularity of the horizontal and vertical axes

Double centering turns the angle in both direct and reversed telescope positions; averaging the two readings eliminates systematic errors due to instrument axis misalignment.

Question 27: What is the primary difference between a 'monument' and a 'marker' in boundary surveying?

There is no legal distinction between the two terms
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)
A monument is set by a surveyor; a marker is set by a government agency
A monument is a natural object; a marker is artificial

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 28: 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:

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

Correct answer: 461.02 ft

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

Question 29: 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:

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

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 30: In differential leveling, a 'backsight' reading is taken to:

Determine the elevation of the next point forward
Check the rod reading against a turning point
Close the level loop back to the starting BM
Establish the height of instrument (HI) from a known elevation (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Establish the height of instrument (HI) from a known elevation

A backsight is read on a point of known elevation to compute the height of instrument (HI = known elevation + BS reading).

Question 31: Which geoid model is the official vertical datum reference for the conterminous United States?

NAVD 88
GEOID18
GEOID12B (Correct answer)
EGM2008

Correct answer: GEOID12B

GEOID12B is the NGS model used to convert between ellipsoidal heights (GPS) and orthometric heights relative to NAVD 88.

Question 32: A leveling rod reading of 4.832 ft is taken at a point 500 ft from the instrument. What combined curvature and refraction correction should be applied?

Approximately 0.50 ft
Approximately 0.001 ft
Approximately 1.00 ft
Approximately 0.010 ft (negligible for most surveys) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Approximately 0.010 ft (negligible for most surveys)

Combined curvature and refraction ≈ 0.0206 × d² (miles); at 500 ft (~0.095 mi), correction ≈ 0.0002 ft, which is negligible.

Question 33: A vertical curve connects a +2.50% grade and a −1.50% grade. The algebraic difference in grades (A) is:

4.00% (Correct answer)
2.50%
1.00%
−4.00%

Correct answer: 4.00%

A = g₂ − g₁ = −1.50% − (+2.50%) = −4.00%; the absolute value |A| = 4.00%.

Question 34: A 'cul-de-sac' shown on a subdivision plat is characterized by which geometric feature?

A four-way intersection with a traffic circle
A curved street with no cross streets
A T-intersection with a turning lane
A dead-end street with a circular turnaround (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A dead-end street with a circular turnaround

A cul-de-sac is a dead-end street terminating in a circular bulb to allow vehicles to turn around.

Question 35: On a construction plan set, which sheet typically shows grading, drainage, and earthwork information?

Civil grading plan (Correct answer)
Structural framing plan
Electrical single-line diagram
Architectural floor plan

Correct answer: Civil grading plan

Civil grading plans depict proposed and existing elevations, cut/fill areas, drainage patterns, and related earthwork.

Question 36: 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 mathematical ellipsoid fitted to Earth's surface
The topographic surface of the land
A sphere with Earth's mean radius

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

Gnomonic (Correct answer)
Albers Equal-Area Conic
Mercator
Lambert Conformal 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 38: The parallax difference method in stereophotogrammetry is used to determine:

Camera tilt during aerial acquisition
Ground control point coordinates
Horizontal distances from a single photograph
Elevation differences between points using the change in x-parallax (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Elevation differences between points using the change in x-parallax

Height differences are calculated from the difference in x-parallax between the target point and a reference point using the parallax bar formula.

Question 39: A 'double proportionate measurement' in PLSS is used to restore which type of corner?

Interior quarter-section corner (Correct answer)
Section corner common to four townships
Quarter-section corner on a township line
Standard corner on a base line

Correct answer: Interior quarter-section corner

Double proportionate measurement applies to lost interior quarter-section corners, distributing error both east-west and north-south from the controlling corners.

Question 40: Under which scenario is a surveyor most likely to face a claim of professional negligence?

Charging a fee higher than a competitor's rate
Completing a survey faster than the industry average
Failing to locate an existing easement that was visible in public records (Correct answer)
Using GPS equipment instead of traditional total station instruments

Correct answer: Failing to locate an existing easement that was visible in public records

Failing to research and report on encumbrances such as easements that are discoverable in public records falls below the standard of care and can constitute professional negligence.

Question 41: The standard deviation of a single measurement where n repeated observations have a standard deviation of the mean (σm) is:

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

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 42: In a legal description using the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), a 'section' nominally contains how many acres?

160 acres
320 acres
640 acres (Correct answer)
40 acres

Correct answer: 640 acres

A standard PLSS section is nominally 1 mile × 1 mile = 640 acres, though boundary sections may vary due to convergence of meridians and survey errors.

Question 43: Using the coordinate method, a triangle has vertices at (0,0), (6,0), and (3,4). What is its area in square units?

10
14
12 (Correct answer)
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 44: What is the hierarchy of boundary evidence?

Area strongest
Natural monuments, artificial monuments, distances, directions, area (Correct answer)
All equal weight
Distances always control

Correct answer: Natural monuments, artificial monuments, distances, directions, area

There is a specific ranking of evidence strength.

Question 45: Under the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), who holds legal authority to establish section corners that are lost and cannot be restored by evidence?

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) under federal law (Correct answer)
The county assessor's office
The original homesteader's successors
Any licensed surveyor working in that county

Correct answer: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) under federal law

Under 43 U.S.C. § 772, only the BLM (or its predecessor GLO) has legal authority to officially re-establish lost PLSS corners through dependent resurveys.

Question 46: The Compass (Bowditch) Rule for traverse adjustment distributes the misclosure:

Proportional to the angle at each traverse station
Only to the legs with the largest measured angles
Proportional to the length of each traverse leg (Correct answer)
Equally among all traverse legs

Correct answer: Proportional to the length of each traverse leg

The Compass Rule apportions latitude and departure corrections to each leg in proportion to that leg's length relative to the total traverse length.

Question 47: Orthometric height is defined as the:

Height above the geoid, measured along the plumb line direction (Correct answer)
Height determined by trigonometric leveling above a local benchmark
Height above the Clarke 1866 ellipsoid used in NAD27
GPS-derived height above the WGS84 ellipsoid

Correct answer: Height above the geoid, measured along the plumb line direction

Orthometric height (H) is the distance from the geoid to the point, measured along the curved plumb line, and represents the standard definition of elevation.

Question 48: What is the method of least squares?

Measuring smallest areas
Reducing measurements needed
Minimizing sum of squared residuals to find best-fit survey values (Correct answer)
Finding shortest distance

Correct answer: Minimizing sum of squared residuals to find best-fit survey values

This optimally distributes errors across all measurements.

Question 49: The combined scale factor for converting ground distances to grid distances is computed as:

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

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 50: A surveyor discovers that the recorded deed calls conflict with the physical occupation lines on the ground. Which evidence generally takes the highest priority in resolving the conflict?

Occupation lines and senior rights of adjoining owners
Recorded plat distances
Original survey monuments on the ground (Correct answer)
Written deed calls (metes and bounds)

Correct answer: Original survey monuments on the ground

Original monuments set by the original survey take highest priority because they represent the intent of the original surveyor; calls, distances, and area follow in descending order.

Question 51: A surveyor uses a total station to measure an azimuth of 214°33' to a target. What is the equivalent bearing?

S 55°27' W
N 34°33' W
S 34°33' E
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 52: In the method of least squares adjustment, the condition minimized is:

The sum of the absolute values of the residuals
The largest single residual
The sum of the residuals
The sum of the squares of the residuals (v'Pv) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The sum of the squares of the residuals (v'Pv)

Least squares minimizes Σ(p·v²), the weighted sum of squared residuals, to produce the most probable solution.

Question 53: When using a total station, 'face left' and 'face right' observations are averaged primarily to eliminate:

Scale factor errors in the EDM
Atmospheric refraction effects
Instrument leveling errors
Collimation error and vertical axis tilt (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Collimation error and vertical axis tilt

Observing in both face-left and face-right positions and averaging the results cancels out systematic errors such as collimation error and horizontal axis tilt.

Question 54: A traverse has a departure closure error of +0.42 ft and a latitude closure error of -0.56 ft. What is the linear closure error?

0.98 ft
0.49 ft
0.70 ft (Correct answer)
0.14 ft

Correct answer: 0.70 ft

Linear closure = √(0.42² + 0.56²) = √(0.1764 + 0.3136) = √0.49 = 0.70 ft.

Question 55: A slope distance of 542.30 ft is measured on a grade of 3.75%. What is the horizontal distance?

540.12 ft
538.47 ft
541.91 ft (Correct answer)
542.68 ft

Correct answer: 541.91 ft

Horizontal distance = slope distance × cos(arctan(0.0375)) ≈ 542.30 × 0.99930 ≈ 541.91 ft.

Question 56: Which type of property description is considered the weakest and most prone to causing boundary disputes?

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

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 57: 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)?

116°40'
117°20'
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 58: On a survey map legend, a symbol showing a filled circle at a corner followed by a pipe description typically represents what?

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

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 59: What is a metes and bounds description?

Building height method
Soil classification
Tracing boundaries using directions, distances, and landmarks from a point of beginning (Correct answer)
Coordinate system

Correct answer: Tracing boundaries using directions, distances, and landmarks from a point of beginning

This method walks around the property boundary.

Question 60: The geodetic datum NAD 83 is referenced to which ellipsoid?

Clarke 1866
Bessel 1841
WGS 84
GRS 80 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: GRS 80

NAD 83 is based on the Geodetic Reference System 1980 (GRS 80) ellipsoid, though it is nearly identical to the WGS 84 ellipsoid used by GPS.

Question 61: A digital elevation model (DEM) is most commonly used in GIS-based surveying to:

Store attribute data about land ownership parcels
Record GPS satellite orbital parameters
Display aerial photograph mosaics
Represent the bare-earth terrain surface for topographic analysis (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Represent the bare-earth terrain surface for topographic analysis

A DEM represents the bare-earth surface as a raster grid of elevation values, enabling slope, aspect, watershed, and visibility analyses.

Question 62: Which of the following constitutes an 'encumbrance' on real property that a surveyor may be expected to locate and show on a survey plat?

The owner's homeowner's insurance policy
The property owner's mortgage balance
State income tax obligations of the owner
A utility easement crossing the parcel (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A utility easement crossing the parcel

Utility easements are encumbrances — rights held by others that burden the property — and surveyors are typically required to locate and depict them on survey plats.

Question 63: What is a coordinate transformation?

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

Correct answer: Converting positions between different coordinate systems

Positions must sometimes be expressed in different reference systems.

Question 64: Which feature of an automatic level compensates for small residual tilts of the instrument?

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

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 65: What is a plat map?

Topographic map
Contour map
Soil map
Scaled diagram of land divided into lots, blocks, streets (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Scaled diagram of land divided into lots, blocks, streets

This map shows subdivision of land into parcels.

Question 66: Which map projection is used by the US State Plane Coordinate System for states with a predominantly east-west extent?

Lambert Conformal Conic (Correct answer)
Azimuthal Equidistant
Albers Equal-Area Conic
Transverse Mercator

Correct answer: Lambert Conformal Conic

Lambert Conformal Conic is used for east-west oriented states/zones because it minimizes distortion along parallels.

Question 67: In differential leveling, what is the formula for the elevation of a new point?

Elevation = Backsight + Foresight
Elevation = Backsight − HI
Elevation = HI + Foresight
Elevation = HI − Foresight (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Elevation = HI − Foresight

The new elevation equals the Height of Instrument (HI) minus the foresight rod reading: Elev = HI − FS.

Question 68: The term 'latitudes and departures' in traverse calculations refers to:

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

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 69: What is error of closure?

Discrepancy between calculated end position and known start of closed traverse (Correct answer)
Completion time
Survey cost
Final measurement

Correct answer: Discrepancy between calculated end position and known start of closed traverse

This measures how well the survey returns to its starting point.

Question 70: What is an azimuth?

Ground slope
Horizontal angle measured clockwise from north, 0-360 degrees (Correct answer)
Foundation depth
Vertical angle

Correct answer: Horizontal angle measured clockwise from north, 0-360 degrees

This goes completely around the compass from north.

Question 71: A surveyor distributes a closure error of 0.96 ft over a 4-course traverse using the compass (Bowditch) rule. Course 1 has a length of 400 ft and the total traverse length is 1,600 ft. What correction is applied to Course 1's latitude?

0.48 ft
0.24 ft (Correct answer)
0.06 ft
0.12 ft

Correct answer: 0.24 ft

Correction = (course length / total length) × total error = (400/1600) × 0.96 = 0.25 × 0.96 = 0.24 ft.

Question 72: What does 'index error' refer to in theodolite/total station usage?

The angular error caused by instrument tilt
The difference between face-left and face-right horizontal readings
The error introduced by an off-center optical plummet
The deviation of the vertical circle index from 0° when the bubble is centered (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The deviation of the vertical circle index from 0° when the bubble is centered

Index error is the amount by which the vertical circle reads something other than 0° (or 90°) when the instrument is leveled.

Question 73: A surveyor needs to convert 45°27'36" to decimal degrees. What is the result?

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

Correct answer: 45.460°

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

Question 74: In PLSS, 'lot' parcels are typically found in which sections of a township?

Sections in the interior of the township
Sections along the north and west boundaries (Correct answer)
Only in Section 16
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 75: A surveyor is asked to certify that a building complies with a setback requirement, but field measurements show a slight encroachment. The client asks the surveyor to 'round' the measurement to show compliance. The surveyor should:

Round the measurement if the error is within typical survey tolerance
Report the encroachment only on an internal memo and certify compliance publicly
Seek a second opinion from another surveyor before reporting
Refuse to falsify findings and accurately report the encroachment (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Refuse to falsify findings and accurately report the encroachment

Falsifying or manipulating survey data to achieve a desired result violates professional ethics codes and potentially constitutes fraud.

Question 76: A transit-stadia measurement gives a rod intercept of 1.240 ft with a stadia constant K = 100 and C = 1.0. What is the horizontal distance (for a horizontal sight)?

126.0 ft
124.0 ft
125.0 ft (Correct answer)
123.4 ft

Correct answer: 125.0 ft

Horizontal distance = K × s + C = 100 × 1.240 + 1.0 = 124.0 + 1.0 = 125.0 ft.

Question 77: What is the key distinction between 'geographic north' and 'magnetic north' that a surveyor must account for?

They are the same direction at all points on Earth
Geographic north points to the north magnetic pole; magnetic north points to true north
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

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 78: What is coordinate geometry (COGO)?

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

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

Mathematical computations from survey data produce coordinates.

Question 79: Earth-Centered, Earth-Fixed (ECEF) coordinates represent positions as:

State Plane Coordinates on a flat projection surface
Geodetic coordinates referenced to a local datum origin
3D Cartesian coordinates (X, Y, Z) with origin at Earth's center of mass (Correct answer)
Geographic coordinates (latitude, longitude, ellipsoidal height)

Correct answer: 3D Cartesian coordinates (X, Y, Z) with origin at Earth's center of mass

ECEF is a 3D Cartesian system whose X, Y, and Z axes originate at Earth's center of mass, with the Z-axis directed toward the North Pole.

Question 80: In GNSS surveying, what does PDOP (Position Dilution of Precision) measure?

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

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 81: 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 82: A traverse leg has a latitude of −312.44 ft and a departure of +184.76 ft. What is the bearing of this leg?

N 30°37' W
S 30°37' E (Correct answer)
S 59°23' E
S 30°37' W

Correct answer: S 30°37' E

Bearing angle = arctan(|departure|/|latitude|) = arctan(184.76/312.44) = 30°37'; negative latitude and positive departure → S 30°37' E.

Question 83: Which of the following best describes a 'deed of trust' in the context of land records research?

A security instrument using real property as collateral for a loan (Correct answer)
A plat recorded to subdivide a parcel
A document transferring fee-simple ownership
A court order correcting a legal description

Correct answer: A security instrument using real property as collateral for a loan

A deed of trust is a security instrument in which a borrower conveys title to a trustee to hold as collateral for a lender until the loan is repaid.

Question 84: A closed traverse has 5 sides. The sum of interior angles should equal:

540° (Correct answer)
360°
900°
720°

Correct answer: 540°

Sum of interior angles = (n - 2) × 180° = (5 - 2) × 180° = 540°.

Question 85: In a closed traverse, the angular closure error is distributed by the Compass Rule. What does this rule assume?

Errors are proportional to the latitude and departure of each course
The traverse starts and ends at the same point
Errors are proportional to the length of each course (Correct answer)
All angles are equally reliable

Correct answer: Errors are proportional to the length of each course

The Compass Rule (Bowditch Rule) distributes closure error in proportion to each course's length relative to the total traverse length.

Question 86: In photogrammetry, the principal distance (c) of a camera is most accurately defined as:

The baseline distance between two exposure stations
The distance from the camera to the ground
The focal length printed on the camera body
The perpendicular distance from the rear nodal point of the lens to the image plane (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The perpendicular distance from the rear nodal point of the lens to the image plane

Principal distance (calibrated focal length) is the distance from the rear nodal point to the principal point on the image plane, determined by calibration.

Question 87: A horizontal curve has a radius of 1,200 ft and a central angle (Δ) of 24°30'. The tangent length T equals:

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

Correct answer: 261.5 ft

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

Question 88: What is the purpose of a backsight when using an automatic level?

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

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

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

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 90: 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?

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

Correct answer: 449.64 ft

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

Question 91: What is a legal description of property?

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

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

Standardized systems uniquely define property boundaries.

Question 92: What is the significance of "northing" and "easting" in coordinate systems?

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

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 93: Which of the following best describes "adverse possession"?

A procedure for modifying property boundaries through mutual agreement
A method to resolve property disputes through arbitration
A legal right to access land owned by another for specific purposes
A legal principle allowing a person to claim ownership of land by continuous, open, and hostile possession over a certain period (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A legal principle allowing a person to claim ownership of land by continuous, open, and hostile possession over a certain period

Adverse possession is a legal doctrine that allows an individual to acquire title to another's land by occupying it openly, notoriously, continuously, exclusively, and hostilely for a statutory period, without the owner's permission. This principle is significant in land surveying as it can lead to changes in property boundaries and ownership, requiring surveyors to be aware of its implications when researching and delineating property lines.

Question 94: Difference between accuracy and precision?

Accuracy: closeness to true value; Precision: consistency of measurements (Correct answer)
Identical concepts
Accuracy is speed
Precision always more important

Correct answer: Accuracy: closeness to true value; Precision: consistency of measurements

One measures correctness, the other consistency.

Question 95: On a topographic map, which feature is represented by contour lines that form a V-shape pointing uphill?

A ridge
A valley or drainage (Correct answer)
A depression
A cliff

Correct answer: A valley or drainage

V-shaped contours pointing uphill indicate a valley, stream channel, or drainage course.

Question 96: What does a dashed line typically represent on a survey plat?

A contour line
A section line
A recorded easement or right-of-way (Correct answer)
A property line with a known bearing

Correct answer: A recorded easement or right-of-way

Dashed lines on survey plats commonly denote easements, rights-of-way, or other encumbrances that affect but do not define ownership boundaries.

Question 97: What is EDM?

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

Correct answer: Technology using electromagnetic waves to measure distances accurately

Electromagnetic waves determine distance between points.

Question 98: Which instrument is most appropriate for transferring elevations across a wide river where direct leveling is impractical?

Total station using trigonometric leveling with reciprocal observations (Correct answer)
Automatic level with a long rod
Hand level and measuring tape
Laser level with a rotating beam

Correct answer: Total station using trigonometric leveling with reciprocal observations

Reciprocal trigonometric leveling with a total station cancels refraction and curvature errors when observations are exchanged from both banks.

Question 99: Which curve element represents the distance along the arc from the PC to the PT?

Length of Curve (L) (Correct answer)
Long Chord (LC)
Middle Ordinate (M)
External Distance (E)

Correct answer: Length of Curve (L)

The Length of Curve (L) is the arc distance from the Point of Curvature (PC) to the Point of Tangency (PT), calculated as L = (Δ/360°) × 2πR.

Question 100: A 'gore' in land surveying refers to:

An overlap between two adjacent parcels
A type of easement running along a road
A discrepancy in deed bearing versus measured bearing
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 101: A vertical curve connects a +3.5% grade with a -2.5% grade. The algebraic difference of grades (A) equals:

6.0% (Correct answer)
-6.0%
1.0%
-1.0%

Correct answer: 6.0%

A = g1 - g2 = +3.5% - (-2.5%) = +6.0%, indicating a crest (sag) vertical curve.

Question 102: A map scale of 1:24,000 means that one inch on the map equals how many feet on the ground?

2,000 feet (Correct answer)
24,000 feet
240 feet
2,400 feet

Correct answer: 2,000 feet

At 1:24,000, one inch equals 24,000 inches on the ground, which converts to 2,000 feet (24,000 ÷ 12 = 2,000).

Question 103: Two points A and B have elevations of 1,245.82 ft and 1,189.37 ft respectively, and a horizontal distance of 830.0 ft. What is the percent grade from A to B?

−5.60%
+6.80%
+5.60%
−6.80% (Correct answer)

Correct answer: −6.80%

Grade = (elev B − elev A) / horizontal distance × 100 = (1189.37 − 1245.82) / 830.0 × 100 = −6.80%.

Question 104: When reading a cadastral map, what does the term "parcel" refer to?

A small section of a larger property that is intended for agricultural use
A unit of land that has been surveyed and mapped, often for legal or ownership purposes (Correct answer)
A geographic feature such as a river or mountain
A historical boundary line that is no longer in use

Correct answer: A unit of land that has been surveyed and mapped, often for legal or ownership purposes

On a cadastral map, which focuses on property boundaries and ownership, a 'parcel' refers to a distinct unit of land. This unit is typically defined by its legal description, ownership, and boundaries as determined by a survey. Cadastral maps and parcels are fundamental for property management, taxation, and legal transactions related to land.

Question 105: Which legal concept allows a property owner to claim ownership of land that has gradually and imperceptibly been added to their parcel by natural water deposit?

Accretion (Correct answer)
Avulsion
Erosion
Reliction

Correct answer: Accretion

Accretion is the gradual and imperceptible accumulation of land through natural processes (typically water-borne sediment deposit), and the new land belongs to the riparian owner.

Question 106: A 'Point of Curvature' (PC) on a highway plan marks which location?

The center of a horizontal curve
Where two curves of equal radius meet
Where a tangent transitions into a horizontal curve (Correct answer)
The highest point on a vertical 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 107: Which of the following is a common legal requirement for land surveyors when preparing official property boundary maps?

Obtaining a license for commercial use of the map
Including a detailed historical account of the property’s previous owners
Ensuring the map meets state-specific legal and technical standards (Correct answer)
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 108: A surveyor measures a slope distance of 250.00 ft at a vertical angle of +5°. What is the approximate horizontal distance?

248.98 ft (Correct answer)
245.11 ft
249.05 ft
250.95 ft

Correct answer: 248.98 ft

Horizontal distance = slope distance × cos(vertical angle) = 250.00 × cos(5°) ≈ 250.00 × 0.99619 ≈ 248.98 ft.

Question 109: 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:

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

Correct answer: Estoppel by deed

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

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%

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