Practice Test Geeks(PS) Professional Licensed Surveyor Practice Test
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Construction Layout & Staking Flashcards

7 cards from real PS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Construction Layout & Staking flashcards as text

  1. When setting slope stakes for a highway cut section, which measurement is critical for determining the catch point?

    Answer: Horizontal distance from centerline to where the cut slope meets natural ground

    The catch point is where the cut slope intersects natural ground surface, found by measuring horizontal distance from centerline at the calculated slope ratio.

  2. A retaining wall footing must be set at elevation 412.75. The instrument HI is 418.32. What rod reading is needed to set the footing elevation?

    Answer: 5.57

    The required rod reading = HI − desired elevation = 418.32 − 412.75 = 5.57 ft.

  3. For bridge pier layout, which technique is most reliable for establishing pier centerlines over water?

    Answer: Intersection from two shore control points using total station

    Intersecting lines of sight from two shore-based control points using a total station provides precise pier centerline location over water without direct access.

  4. In road construction staking, what does a blue-top stake indicate?

    Answer: Subgrade elevation has been reached at that point

    A blue-top stake is driven so its top is flush with the design subgrade elevation, giving the grading contractor a visual target.

  5. A storm drain inlet is to be located 42.5 ft right of centerline station 18+75. Which field operation locates it correctly?

    Answer: Measure along the perpendicular from the centerline stake at 18+75 to 42.5 ft offset

    Construction offsets are always measured perpendicular to the baseline at the specified station.

  6. When staking a building corner using coordinate geometry, the surveyor computes an angle and distance from a control point. What is this layout method called?

    Answer: Polar stakeout

    Polar stakeout (also called radial stakeout) uses a computed bearing and distance from a known control point to locate a design point.

  7. A grade rod reading taken at a proposed manhole rim elevation of 487.30 gives a reading of 3.46. What is the HI of the level?

    Answer: 490.76

    HI = elevation + rod reading = 487.30 + 3.46 = 490.76 ft.

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  1. ncees.org — Test delivery, eligibility, fees, passing score, retake policy, score release, exam format, time limit · verified Oct 2026