ETC ETC Surveying & Site Measurement

Question 1

What surveying instrument uses a rotating laser beam to establish a level reference plane on a job site?

Accepted Answer

Rotary laser level

Answer

A rotary laser level projects a 360-degree horizontal plane that workers use to check elevations and set grades across a site.

Question 2

What does the term benchmark refer to in engineering surveying?

Accepted Answer

A known point of established elevation used as a reference

Answer

A benchmark is a permanent, precisely established elevation point from which other elevations on a project are measured.

Question 3

In a field traverse, what does closure error refer to?

Accepted Answer

The discrepancy between the starting and ending points of a closed loop survey

Answer

Closure error is the distance between the calculated end point and the true starting point when a traverse loop fails to close perfectly.

Question 4

What unit is commonly used to express horizontal distances on US engineering drawings and surveys?

Accepted Answer

Feet and decimal feet (US survey foot)

Answer

US engineering drawings typically use feet expressed as decimal fractions (e.g., 150.75 ft) rather than feet-inches for precision.

Question 5

What does GPS stand for as used in modern surveying?

Accepted Answer

Global Positioning System

Answer

GPS is a US satellite-based navigation system that provides precise position and elevation data for surveying.

(ETC) Engineering Technician Certification Practice Test