NCEES MCQ Surveying 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A vertical curve connects a +3.5% grade to a –2.0% grade. The algebraic difference in grades (A) is:
- -5.5%
- +5.5% (Correct answer)
- -1.5%
- +1.5%
Correct answer: +5.5%
A = g2 – g1 = –2.0% – (+3.5%) = –5.5%; the absolute value |A| = 5.5%, and in parabolic curve design A is typically taken as |g2 – g1| = 5.5%.
Question 2: Which survey method is most appropriate for establishing precise horizontal control over a large area using angle and distance measurements between interconnected stations?
- Differential leveling
- Triangulation network
- Traverse survey (Correct answer)
- Resection
Correct answer: Traverse survey
A traverse survey uses sequential angle and distance measurements between connected stations and is the standard method for horizontal control networks over large areas.
Question 3: Atmospheric refraction causes a surveyed line of sight to be bent:
- Upward, away from the Earth's surface
- Downward, toward the Earth's surface (Correct answer)
- Laterally, due to wind
- Randomly, with no consistent direction
Correct answer: Downward, toward the Earth's surface
Because air density increases near the Earth's surface, lines of sight refract (bend) downward, making objects appear slightly higher than they truly are.
Question 4: A boundary surveyor discovers a junior deed that conflicts with a senior deed. Under common law priorities of boundary evidence, the junior deed:
- Takes precedence if it was recorded first
- Takes precedence if it is more recent
- Is subordinate to the senior deed (Correct answer)
- Is valid only if witnessed by two parties
Correct answer: Is subordinate to the senior deed
Under the 'first in time, first in right' doctrine, a senior (earlier) deed has legal priority over a junior (later) deed when boundaries conflict.
Question 5: Which of the following is the primary reason GPS heights (ellipsoidal heights) differ from leveled heights?
- GPS signals are affected by ionospheric delay
- The geoid and reference ellipsoid do not coincide (Correct answer)
- GPS cannot measure vertical components accurately
- Atmospheric pressure changes affect GPS altitude
Correct answer: The geoid and reference ellipsoid do not coincide
GPS measures height above the mathematical ellipsoid (h), while leveled heights are above the geoid (H); the difference is the geoid-ellipsoid separation N (h = H + N).
Question 6: A 5-second theodolite has a direct reading of 47°22'35" and a reverse (face-right) reading of 227°22'55". The mean angle and any collimation error (c) are:
- Mean = 47°22'45", c = +5" (Correct answer)
- Mean = 47°22'45", c = –5"
- Mean = 47°22'35", c = +10"
- Mean = 47°22'55", c = –10"
Correct answer: Mean = 47°22'45", c = +5"
Mean = (DR + FL – 180°) / 2 = (47°22'35" + 47°22'55") / 2 = 47°22'45"; collimation error c = (FL – DR – 180°) / 2 = (20") / 2 = +10" → half-angle error = +5".
Question 7: In construction staking, a 'cut' of 3.2 ft on a grade stake means the contractor must:
- Fill the area by 3.2 ft to reach design grade
- Excavate 3.2 ft of material to reach design grade (Correct answer)
- Place 3.2 ft of pavement base
- Move the stake 3.2 ft horizontally
Correct answer: Excavate 3.2 ft of material to reach design grade
A 'cut' indicates the existing ground is above design grade, so earthwork must be excavated (cut) by the specified amount to reach the design elevation.
NCEES MCQ Surveying 5
A vertical curve connects a +3.5% grade to a –2.0% grade.
The algebraic difference in grades (A) is: