CST CST Legal Descriptions & Boundary Surveys

Question 1

Which type of legal description traces the perimeter of a parcel starting from a Point of Beginning?

Accepted Answer

Metes and bounds

Answer

Metes and bounds descriptions trace parcel boundaries using courses and distances starting from a designated Point of Beginning.

Question 2

In the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), a standard township is divided into how many sections?

Accepted Answer

36

Answer

A standard PLSS township is a 6-mile square subdivided into 36 sections, each nominally one square mile (640 acres).

Question 3

What is the purpose of a retracement survey?

Accepted Answer

To re-establish original boundary locations set by a prior survey

Answer

A retracement survey follows the footsteps of the original surveyor to re-establish previously established boundary corners and lines.

Question 4

In the PLSS, sections are numbered starting in which corner of a township?

Accepted Answer

Northeast corner

Answer

PLSS section numbering begins in the northeast corner of the township with Section 1 and proceeds in a boustrophedon (back-and-forth) pattern.

Question 5

What term describes a monument placed by a surveyor at an offset from an inaccessible corner to preserve its position?

Accepted Answer

Witness corner

Answer

A witness corner is set at a measured offset from a true corner when the true corner location is inaccessible or likely to be destroyed.

CST - Certified Survey Technician Practice Test