Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: In traverse computation, the term 'departure' specifically refers to:

The north-south component of a course (positive north, negative south)
The east-west component of a course (positive east, negative west) (Correct answer)
The total straight-line distance from start to end of the traverse
The angular difference between two consecutive bearings

Correct answer: The east-west component of a course (positive east, negative west)

Departure is the horizontal east-west component of a traverse course; latitude is the north-south component.

Question 2: The doctrine of 'estoppel by deed' operates to:

Estop a grantee from challenging the deed description
Prevent an adjoining owner from disputing a shared boundary
Block a court from reforming a deed description
Prevent a grantor from later claiming title that they conveyed but did not then hold (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Prevent a grantor from later claiming title that they conveyed but did not then hold

Estoppel by deed (also called after-acquired title) prevents a grantor who conveys land they don't yet own from later claiming that title once they acquire it; the title automatically flows to the grantee.

Question 3: In a total station, what is meant by the 'Hz collimation error' (also called 'C error' or '2C')?

The misalignment between the optical plummet and the vertical axis
The deviation of the line of sight from perpendicularity to the trunnion axis in the horizontal plane (Correct answer)
The error in setting the horizontal circle to zero
The angle between the vertical axis and the plumb line

Correct answer: The deviation of the line of sight from perpendicularity to the trunnion axis in the horizontal plane

The horizontal collimation error (C) is the angle by which the line of sight deviates from being perpendicular to the trunnion (tilting) axis; it is determined and corrected by face-change observations.

Question 4: When computing the area of a parcel using the coordinate method (Gauss formula), the area equals:

One-half the base times height for each triangle formed
One-half the absolute value of the sum of cross-products of consecutive coordinates (Correct answer)
The product of the longest diagonal and average width
The sum of all course lengths multiplied by the average offset

Correct answer: One-half the absolute value of the sum of cross-products of consecutive coordinates

The coordinate (shoelace/Gauss) formula computes area as ½|Σ(Xᵢ(Yᵢ₊₁ − Yᵢ₋₁))|, i.e., half the absolute value of the sum of cross-products of coordinate pairs.

Question 5: What is the primary advantage of a robotic total station over a conventional total station?

It requires no calibration
It can be operated by a single person without a rodman (Correct answer)
It stores data in cloud format automatically
It measures angles more accurately

Correct answer: It can be operated by a single person without a rodman

Robotic total stations use servo motors and remote control so one surveyor can operate the instrument and hold the prism simultaneously.

Question 6: When running a differential level circuit, the purpose of using equal backsight and foresight distances is to eliminate the effect of:

Instrument centering error and parallax
Curvature of the earth and atmospheric refraction (Correct answer)
Temperature fluctuations on the rod
Rod settlement and atmospheric refraction only

Correct answer: Curvature of the earth and atmospheric refraction

Balancing backsight and foresight distances cancels systematic errors due to earth curvature and atmospheric refraction, since both affect the readings equally.

Question 7: The figure-closure condition in a triangulation network requires that the sum of angles in each triangle equal:

180°00'00" (Correct answer)
270°00'00"
360°00'00"
90°00'00"

Correct answer: 180°00'00"

Each plane triangle in a triangulation network must satisfy the geometric condition that its three interior angles sum to exactly 180°00'00".

Question 8: Under the Equal Footing Doctrine, when a new state is admitted to the Union, it acquires title to:

Mineral rights beneath all private land
Beds of navigable waters within its boundaries (Correct answer)
All PLSS sections numbered 16 and 36
All federal land within its borders

Correct answer: Beds of navigable waters within its boundaries

The Equal Footing Doctrine grants newly admitted states title to the beds of navigable waters, placing them on equal legal footing with the original thirteen states.

Question 9: What type of PLSS corner is set at the intersection of a township line and a range line at every 6-mile interval?

Section corner
Closing corner
Township corner (Correct answer)
Quarter-section corner

Correct answer: Township corner

Township corners are established at each 6-mile grid intersection where township lines cross range lines, defining the corners of each township.

Question 10: The 'double-meridian distance' (DMD) method is primarily used to compute:

Traverse angular closure
Elevation of bench marks
Area of a closed traverse (Correct answer)
GPS baseline length

Correct answer: Area of a closed traverse

The DMD method is a classical computational technique used to calculate the area enclosed by a closed traverse using latitudes and departures.

Question 11: For a professional surveyor, which scenario requires the longest occupation time when using GNSS static methods to achieve the highest accuracy?

Long baseline (>100 km) with marginal satellite availability and poor ionospheric conditions (Correct answer)
Urban canyon with clear sky view
Rapid static survey with 6 satellites at PDOP < 2
Short baseline (<10 km) with good satellite geometry

Correct answer: Long baseline (>100 km) with marginal satellite availability and poor ionospheric conditions

Long baselines under poor ionospheric conditions require extended observations (hours) to accumulate enough data for reliable ambiguity resolution and atmospheric modeling.

Question 12: Three-wire leveling improves precision by:

Using three separate leveling rods at each setup
Reading top, middle, and bottom stadia crosshairs to average the rod reading and detect errors (Correct answer)
Applying three independent benchmark checks on each circuit
Taking three independent measurements and averaging the HI

Correct answer: Reading top, middle, and bottom stadia crosshairs to average the rod reading and detect errors

Three-wire leveling reads all three horizontal crosshairs; the mean of the top and bottom wires should match the center wire, providing a check.

Question 13: A witness corner in the PLSS is set when:

Two survey lines intersect at an angle
A corner is lost and must be re-established
A true corner falls in a body of water or inaccessible location (Correct answer)
A township exterior exceeds the allowable error

Correct answer: A true corner falls in a body of water or inaccessible location

Witness corners are established on a survey line at a specific distance and direction from the true corner when that corner cannot be physically marked.

Question 14: A surveyor establishes a baseline of 500.00 ft and measures angles from each end to an inaccessible point. Angle at station A is 64°30' and angle at station B is 71°15'. Which method is being employed?

Resection
Triangulation (intersection) (Correct answer)
Radiation
Trigonometric leveling

Correct answer: Triangulation (intersection)

Measuring angles to an unknown point from both ends of a known baseline to compute the point's location is the classical triangulation (intersection) method.

Question 15: Which quality assurance method is most commonly applied in topographic & contour mapping to verify that PS professional standards are being met?

Informal self-assessment without external validation
Structured audits, peer reviews, and performance metrics aligned with industry benchmarks (Correct answer)
Relying on client satisfaction surveys as the sole measure of quality
Annual reviews conducted exclusively by non-technical management

Correct answer: Structured audits, peer reviews, and performance metrics aligned with industry benchmarks

Structured audits, peer reviews, and performance metrics aligned with industry benchmarks are the most effective quality assurance methods in topographic & contour mapping, providing objective, measurable evidence that PS standards are consistently met.

Question 16: A horizontal curve has a radius of 1,200 ft and a delta angle of 24°30'. What is the tangent length (T)?

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

Correct answer: 261.5 ft

T = R × tan(Δ/2) = 1200 × tan(12°15') = 1200 × 0.21736 ≈ 260.8 ft, approximately 261.5 ft.

Question 17: Which legal concept allows a long-term, open, notorious, and hostile possessor to gain title to land without a deed?

Adverse possession (Correct answer)
Eminent domain
Prescriptive easement
Dedication

Correct answer: Adverse possession

Adverse possession allows a claimant who openly, continuously, notoriously, and hostilely possesses another's land for the statutory period to acquire fee title by operation of law.

Question 18: A deed conveys property 'bounded on the north by the south line of Elm Street.' The street is later vacated. The grantee generally acquires:

Only a prescriptive easement over the former street
Nothing; vacated street land reverts to the municipality
Title to the centerline of the former street (Correct answer)
Title to the full width of the former street

Correct answer: Title to the centerline of the former street

When a street is vacated, abutting owners typically acquire fee title to the centerline of the former right-of-way under the general rule that a street-boundary call goes to the center.

Question 19: What should a surveyor do if they suspect unethical practices in a project?

Continue with the project regardless.
Ignore the practices to avoid confrontation.
Allow others to deal with it.
Report the unethical practices to the relevant authorities (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Report the unethical practices to the relevant authorities

Surveyors have a professional and ethical obligation to uphold the integrity of their profession. If they suspect unethical practices, ignoring them could perpetuate harm, compromise the quality of work, or lead to legal issues. Reporting such practices to licensing boards or professional organizations is crucial for maintaining standards, protecting the public, and ensuring accountability within the surveying community.

Question 20: When performing a two-peg test on an automatic level, what condition indicates the instrument is in adjustment?

The rod readings are equal at both pegs
The difference in rod readings from both setups is the same, confirming the line of sight is truly horizontal (Correct answer)
The compensator deflects equally in both directions
The bubble remains centered throughout the test

Correct answer: The difference in rod readings from both setups is the same, confirming the line of sight is truly horizontal

The two-peg test compares height differences from two instrument positions; if both give the same Δh, the collimation error is zero and the line of sight is horizontal.

Question 21: In photogrammetric bundle adjustment, what is the 'camera calibration' or 'interior orientation' parameters set?

The position and orientation of the camera at each exposure station
The coordinate system and datum used for the output model
Focal length, principal point offset, and lens distortion coefficients that describe the camera's imaging geometry (Correct answer)
The GSD and overlap percentage for the flight plan

Correct answer: Focal length, principal point offset, and lens distortion coefficients that describe the camera's imaging geometry

Interior orientation defines the mathematical model of the camera lens system, including focal length, principal point, and radial/tangential distortion, essential for accurate 3D reconstruction.

Question 22: The coordinate (Gauss/shoelace) method computes double the polygon area using which formula?

2A = Perimeter² / (4π)
2A = Σ(Xₙ + Yₙ)
2A = ΣLat × ΣDep
2A = Σ[Xₙ(Yₙ₊₁ − Yₙ₋₁)] (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 2A = Σ[Xₙ(Yₙ₊₁ − Yₙ₋₁)]

The shoelace formula states 2A = Σ[Xₙ(Yₙ₊₁ − Yₙ₋₁)], where coordinates are cycled through all polygon vertices.

Question 23: A PS professional encounters an unfamiliar situation while performing legal descriptions & deed interpretation duties. What is the most appropriate first action?

Skip the task entirely and move to the next assignment
Apply a solution from an unrelated field without verification
Consult relevant standards, guidelines, or a qualified supervisor before proceeding (Correct answer)
Proceed based on general assumptions to avoid delays

Correct answer: Consult relevant standards, guidelines, or a qualified supervisor before proceeding

When facing unfamiliar situations in legal descriptions & deed interpretation, the most appropriate action is to consult relevant standards, guidelines, or a qualified supervisor. This ensures safety, accuracy, and compliance while building professional knowledge.

Question 24: The legal concept of 'estoppel by deed' prevents a grantor from later claiming that:

They held title to land they purported to convey but did not own at the time of the deed (Correct answer)
The purchase price was inadequate consideration
The deed was recorded after the statutory deadline
A survey error on the plat was the surveyor's fault

Correct answer: They held title to land they purported to convey but did not own at the time of the deed

Estoppel by deed (estoppel in pais) bars a grantor who conveyed land they did not yet own from later denying the grantee's title if the grantor subsequently acquires that title.

Question 25: In the DMD area method, 2A (double area) for the entire traverse equals:

Σ(Latitude + Departure) × DMD for all courses
The absolute value of Σ(Latitude × DMD) for all courses (Correct answer)
Σ(Latitude × Departure) for all courses
Σ(Departure × DMD) for all courses

Correct answer: The absolute value of Σ(Latitude × DMD) for all courses

The DMD method yields 2A = |Σ(Lat × DMD)|; divide by 2 for the actual area of the traverse.

Question 26: A legal description calls for 'the southerly line of Interstate 40 right-of-way.' Which document would a retracing surveyor primarily consult to locate this line?

The PLSS original field notes only
The county zoning ordinance
The state DOT's recorded right-of-way plans or taking maps (Correct answer)
The tax assessor's parcel map

Correct answer: The state DOT's recorded right-of-way plans or taking maps

State Department of Transportation right-of-way plans or recorded taking maps are the primary source documents that define the location and limits of a highway right-of-way.

Question 27: When converting ground coordinates to State Plane coordinates, which factor accounts for the difference in elevation between the survey and the reference ellipsoid?

Scale factor
Elevation (sea-level) factor (Correct answer)
Grid factor
Convergence factor

Correct answer: Elevation (sea-level) factor

The elevation factor (also called sea-level factor) reduces ground distances to the ellipsoid by dividing by the ratio of the earth's radius to the mean radius plus the elevation.

Question 28: In GPS surveying, the term 'PDOP' refers to:

Phase Difference of Oscillation Period
Primary Data Output Protocol
Pseudo-range Differential Observation Point
Position Dilution of Precision (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Position Dilution of Precision

PDOP (Position Dilution of Precision) is a dimensionless factor that quantifies the effect of satellite geometry on the combined horizontal and vertical position accuracy.

Question 29: What is the purpose of the NGS NADCON5 tool?

Adjusting GPS baselines for ionospheric delay
Converting between US survey feet and international feet
Computing geoid heights from ellipsoidal heights
Transforming horizontal coordinates between NAD27, NAD83 realizations, and NATRF2022 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Transforming horizontal coordinates between NAD27, NAD83 realizations, and NATRF2022

NADCON5 provides transformation grids for converting horizontal positions between NAD27, various NAD83 realizations, and the upcoming NATRF2022.

Question 30: Which of the following is a fundamental principle of geodetic datums & coordinate systems as it applies to Professional Licensed Surveyor?

Relying solely on personal experience without reference to guidelines
Prioritizing speed of completion over accuracy and compliance
Systematic evaluation and adherence to established industry standards (Correct answer)
Avoiding documentation to streamline workflow efficiency

Correct answer: Systematic evaluation and adherence to established industry standards

A fundamental principle of geodetic datums & coordinate systems in Professional Licensed Surveyor is the systematic evaluation and adherence to established industry standards, which ensures consistency, quality, and regulatory compliance across all professional activities.

Question 31: When a deed description has a conflict between a bearing call and a distance call, which generally prevails under common law rules of construction?

Distance prevails over bearing (Correct answer)
The court must decide without any preference
Bearing prevails over distance
Both are discarded and the monument controls

Correct answer: Distance prevails over bearing

Under the common law priority of calls, distances generally prevail over bearings because linear measurements are considered more reliable than angular ones when monuments are absent.

Question 32: The accuracy standard for topographic maps specifies that no more than 10% of tested points may be in error by more than what amount (for Class 1 vertical accuracy at 1:24,000 scale with 10-ft contour interval)?

20 feet
2.5 feet
5 feet (Correct answer)
10 feet

Correct answer: 5 feet

ASPRS Class 1 vertical accuracy at 1:24,000 scale with a 10-foot contour interval requires that no more than 10% of points have errors exceeding half the contour interval, which is 5 feet.

Question 33: What is the false easting assigned to the central meridian in each UTM zone to avoid negative easting values?

500,000 meters (Correct answer)
1,000,000 meters
250,000 meters
0 meters

Correct answer: 500,000 meters

UTM assigns a false easting of 500,000 m to the central meridian of each zone so that all points within the zone have positive easting values.

Question 34: Which statement best describes passive remote sensing?

The sensor emits energy and measures the signal reflected back from the target
The system operates only in darkness using artificial illumination from ground-based sources
The platform must be within 500 m of the target surface for effective data collection
The sensor detects naturally available energy such as reflected solar radiation or thermally emitted energy from Earth's surface (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The sensor detects naturally available energy such as reflected solar radiation or thermally emitted energy from Earth's surface

Passive sensors record energy from natural sources—primarily reflected sunlight or long-wave thermal emission—without generating their own illumination, unlike active sensors such as LiDAR or RADAR.

Question 35: Which of the following is a fundamental principle of traverse & leveling calculations as it applies to Professional Licensed Surveyor?

Systematic evaluation and adherence to established industry standards (Correct answer)
Avoiding documentation to streamline workflow efficiency
Relying solely on personal experience without reference to guidelines
Prioritizing speed of completion over accuracy and compliance

Correct answer: Systematic evaluation and adherence to established industry standards

A fundamental principle of traverse & leveling calculations in Professional Licensed Surveyor is the systematic evaluation and adherence to established industry standards, which ensures consistency, quality, and regulatory compliance across all professional activities.

Question 36: The phrase 'practice surveying' as defined in most state licensing acts typically includes:

Drafting topographic maps for environmental studies only
Operating GPS equipment for construction staking under an engineer's supervision
Determining the location of boundaries and preparing plats for public record (Correct answer)
Performing soil borings for geotechnical reports

Correct answer: Determining the location of boundaries and preparing plats for public record

Most state licensing laws define the practice of surveying as including boundary determination, land description preparation, and plat preparation for recordation.

Question 37: During culvert layout, the surveyor must set the flow-line elevation at the inlet. The design calls for the culvert to have a 0.5% grade over a 120-ft run. What is the elevation difference between inlet and outlet?

6.00 ft
0.60 ft (Correct answer)
60.0 ft
0.06 ft

Correct answer: 0.60 ft

Elevation difference = grade × length = 0.005 × 120 = 0.60 ft, so the outlet is 0.60 ft lower than the inlet.

Question 38: A surveyor sets up a total station over a control point using an optical plummet and then notices the instrument is off-center after leveling. What is the correct procedure?

Replace the optical plummet with a laser plummet and start over
Shift the instrument on the tripod head to re-center, then re-level, repeating until both centered and level (Correct answer)
Re-level the instrument using the foot screws and ignore the off-center condition
Accept the offset and apply a mathematical correction to all measurements

Correct answer: Shift the instrument on the tripod head to re-center, then re-level, repeating until both centered and level

Centering and leveling are interdependent; the correct procedure is to iteratively shift the instrument over the point and re-level until both conditions are simultaneously satisfied.

Question 39: A backsight reading of 4.52 ft and a foresight reading of 7.18 ft are taken with a level. The elevation of the foresight turning point is:

Benchmark elevation − 11.70 ft
Benchmark elevation − 2.66 ft (Correct answer)
Benchmark elevation + 11.70 ft
Benchmark elevation + 2.66 ft

Correct answer: Benchmark elevation − 2.66 ft

The elevation difference is FS − BS = 7.18 − 4.52 = +2.66, so the foresight point is 2.66 ft lower than the benchmark (subtract from HI).

Question 40: Using the same two points (A: N 5,432.18, E 3,217.45 and B: N 4,891.32, E 3,648.72), what is the horizontal distance AB?

692.0 ft (Correct answer)
540.9 ft
431.3 ft
825.4 ft

Correct answer: 692.0 ft

Distance = √(ΔN² + ΔE²) = √(540.86² + 431.27²) = √478,523 ≈ 692.0 ft.

Question 41: An unlicensed employee of a surveying firm prepares a boundary survey without oversight. The licensed principal who signs the plat is subject to discipline because:

The principal failed to adequately supervise the work they certified (Correct answer)
The employee must be licensed before doing any field tasks
Employees cannot prepare surveys under any circumstances
The state board requires all preparers to be named on the plat

Correct answer: The principal failed to adequately supervise the work they certified

A licensed surveyor is responsible for adequately supervising all work performed under their license; failure to do so while certifying the product constitutes misconduct.

Question 42: The combined effect of Earth curvature and atmospheric refraction on a sight distance of 1 mile is approximately:

0.09 ft
0.21 ft
1.33 ft
0.57 ft (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 0.57 ft

Combined curvature and refraction correction ≈ 0.574 M² ft (M in miles), giving about 0.57 ft at 1 mile.

Question 43: A deed that describes property as 'Lot 12, Block 4, Sunrise Subdivision as recorded in Plat Book 22, Page 10' is an example of which description type?

Geodetic description
Lot and block (Correct answer)
Metes and bounds
PLSS description

Correct answer: Lot and block

Lot and block (or recorded plat) descriptions reference a recorded subdivision plat by book and page number to identify a specific parcel.

Question 44: A surveyor finds a bearing of N 45°30'00" E in an old deed referencing a local magnetic meridian with a known declination of 5°15' E. The true bearing of that line is:

N 50°45'00" E (Correct answer)
S 45°30'00" W
N 45°30'00" E
N 40°15'00" E

Correct answer: N 50°45'00" E

When magnetic declination is east, true north is west of magnetic north, so add the eastward declination to the magnetic bearing to get the true bearing: 45°30' + 5°15' = 50°45' E.

Question 45: Which exception in a deed conveyance most accurately reserves a strip of land from the grant?

Easement
Exception (Correct answer)
Reservation
Condition

Correct answer: Exception

An exception withholds a specific portion of land from the grant, meaning that parcel was never conveyed and title remains with the grantor.

Question 46: How does the use of GPS improve land measurement in surveying?

It provides approximate measurements.
It replaces the need for physical surveys.
It only works for topographic surveys.
It increases accuracy, reduces time, and provides geospatial data (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It increases accuracy, reduces time, and provides geospatial data

GPS technology revolutionized surveying by providing highly accurate, real-time positioning data anywhere on Earth. It significantly increases the accuracy of measurements, reduces the time required for field data collection compared to traditional methods, and allows for the efficient collection of vast amounts of geospatial data. This data is crucial for mapping, navigation, and various land management applications, making surveys faster and more reliable.

Question 47: In a network RTK system, what is the role of the 'Virtual Reference Station' (VRS)?

A fixed reference monument used to validate RTK accuracy
A backup base station activated when the primary fails
A computed synthetic base station whose corrections are generated at the rover's approximate location from the network data (Correct answer)
A physical base station closer than 10 km to the rover

Correct answer: A computed synthetic base station whose corrections are generated at the rover's approximate location from the network data

VRS interpolates correction data from surrounding physical CORS stations and sends the rover a simulated data stream as if a base station were located nearby, extending network coverage.

Question 48: Which doctrine holds that a grantor who conveys land bounded by a road also conveys the fee interest to the road's centerline (if the grantor owned it)?

Strip and gore doctrine (Correct answer)
Estoppel by deed doctrine
Cy-pres doctrine
Ad coelum doctrine

Correct answer: Strip and gore doctrine

The strip and gore doctrine presumes a grantor does not intend to retain a thin, unusable strip of land along a road, so the fee passes to the road's centerline.

Question 49: Why are drones increasingly used in surveying?

For basic property boundary surveys.
For capturing aerial images of large areas (Correct answer)
To measure underground utilities.
For calculating land value.

Correct answer: For capturing aerial images of large areas

Drones, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), are increasingly used in surveying because they can efficiently capture high-resolution aerial imagery and data over large or difficult-to-access areas. Equipped with cameras or LiDAR sensors, drones enable surveyors to perform photogrammetry or LiDAR scans, creating detailed maps, 3D models, and elevation data much faster and often more cost-effectively than traditional methods. They offer flexibility and access to challenging terrains.

Question 50: Which tool is commonly used for land boundary determination?

Measuring tape.
Compass.
Total Station (Correct answer)
GPS only.

Correct answer: Total Station

A Total Station is a sophisticated electronic/optical instrument used by surveyors for measuring angles and distances with high precision. It provides highly accurate data crucial for precise land boundary determination, making it an essential tool for professional surveying. While GPS is also utilized, a Total Station offers superior accuracy for specific boundary points.

Question 51: An easement appurtenant runs with the land, meaning:

It requires re-recording every time either parcel is sold
It belongs to the individual who created it and ends at their death
It transfers automatically to successors of both the dominant and servient estates (Correct answer)
It applies only to the specific parties named in the original grant

Correct answer: It transfers automatically to successors of both the dominant and servient estates

An easement appurtenant is attached to the land, not to the individuals; it passes automatically to subsequent owners of both the benefiting (dominant) and burdened (servient) parcels.

Question 52: The 'scale factor' applied in state plane coordinate (SPC) computations accounts for the difference between:

Grid distance and ground distance (Correct answer)
NAD83 and NAD27 datum origins
Astronomic latitude and geodetic latitude
Magnetic azimuth and grid azimuth

Correct answer: Grid distance and ground distance

The SPC scale factor (k) converts between ground distance and grid distance: Grid Distance = Ground Distance × k, correcting for the distortion introduced by map projection.

Question 53: What is the BLM publication that governs the procedures for conducting, retracing, and re-establishing PLSS surveys on federal lands?

Standards for PLSS Surveys
Manual of Surveying Instructions (Correct answer)
Public Land Survey Handbook
Federal Land Policy and Management Act

Correct answer: Manual of Surveying Instructions

The BLM Manual of Surveying Instructions (most recently revised in 2009) is the authoritative guide for all PLSS survey procedures on federal lands.

Question 54: A riparian landowner's rights along a non-navigable stream generally extend to:

The low-water mark on the opposite bank
The full width of the floodplain
Only the ordinary high-water mark of the near bank
The centerline (thread) of the stream (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The centerline (thread) of the stream

Under the ad medium filum aquae rule, riparian owners of non-navigable streams own to the thread (centerline) of the stream.

Question 55: In LiDAR-based topographic mapping, what does the term 'bare-earth DEM' mean?

A DEM created without GPS control
A DEM derived from satellite imagery alone
A DEM at 1-meter resolution or finer
A DEM representing only the ground surface after removing vegetation and structures (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A DEM representing only the ground surface after removing vegetation and structures

A bare-earth DEM is produced by filtering out LiDAR returns from vegetation, buildings, and other above-ground objects, leaving only ground-level elevations.

Question 56: A surveyor uses a client's confidential property information to purchase adjacent land before the survey is completed. This action violates which ethical principle?

Competence
Record-keeping standards
Conflict of interest and confidentiality (Correct answer)
Continuing education requirements

Correct answer: Conflict of interest and confidentiality

Using confidential client information for personal gain constitutes a conflict of interest and breach of confidentiality, core violations of professional ethics codes.

Question 57: What type of map projection is used by USGS 7.5-minute quadrangle maps?

Albers Equal-Area Conic
Polyconic
Lambert Conformal Conic
Transverse Mercator (NAD 83) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Transverse Mercator (NAD 83)

Modern USGS 7.5-minute quadrangle maps use the Transverse Mercator projection referenced to NAD 83.

Question 58: A plat note states 'bearing basis: N 00°10'22" W along the west line of Section 10.' This means:

The surveyor used magnetic north for all directions
All bearings on the plat are referenced to true north
All plat bearings are oriented relative to that specific measured line (Correct answer)
Bearings are based on GPS azimuth only

Correct answer: All plat bearings are oriented relative to that specific measured line

The bearing basis establishes the reference direction for all bearings on the plat; every other direction on the survey is mathematically rotated relative to that stated line.

Question 59: A closed traverse has ΣLat = +0.42 ft and ΣDep = −0.31 ft. What is the linear error of closure (LEC)?

0.73 ft
0.52 ft (Correct answer)
0.42 ft
0.11 ft

Correct answer: 0.52 ft

LEC = √(0.42² + 0.31²) = √(0.1764 + 0.0961) = √0.2725 ≈ 0.52 ft.

Question 60: Trigonometric leveling computes the elevation difference between instrument station and target as:

Δh = D·sin(α)
Δh = HI + D·cos(α) − RR
Δh = D·tan(α) + HI − RR (Correct answer)
Δh = D / cos(α)

Correct answer: Δh = D·tan(α) + HI − RR

Trigonometric leveling: Δh = D·tan(α) + HI − RR, where D is horizontal distance, α is vertical angle, HI is instrument height, RR is rod/reflector height.

Question 61: The horizontal distance between two contour lines on a map is called the:

Map scale
Horizontal equivalent (Correct answer)
Contour interval
Relief

Correct answer: Horizontal equivalent

The horizontal equivalent is the plan (map) distance between adjacent contour lines, which varies inversely with slope steepness.

Question 62: A total station using the EDM measures slope distance. To obtain horizontal distance, the surveyor must also measure the:

Zenith azimuth
Index error
Magnetic declination
Vertical angle (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Vertical angle

Horizontal distance = Slope distance × cos(vertical angle); the vertical angle is required to reduce slope distance to horizontal distance.

Question 63: A surveyor who is found guilty of gross negligence in performing a boundary survey may face which of the following consequences?

A verbal warning from the county recorder only
Automatic referral to the federal government
A mandatory peer review with no further action
License suspension or revocation by the state licensing board (Correct answer)

Correct answer: License suspension or revocation by the state licensing board

State licensing boards have authority to suspend or revoke a license when a surveyor is found to have committed gross negligence.

Question 64: In trigonometric leveling, when measuring elevation differences over long distances, the surveyor must apply corrections for:

Temperature and humidity effects on the EDM only
Earth curvature and atmospheric refraction (Correct answer)
Solar radiation and wind drift
Magnetic declination and instrument height only

Correct answer: Earth curvature and atmospheric refraction

Over long sight distances, the combined correction for earth curvature (+0.0206 × d²) and atmospheric refraction (−0.0028 × d²) must be applied, yielding a net correction of about +0.0178 × d² (d in miles).

Question 65: Which map projection property is sacrificed in the Lambert Conformal Conic projection?

Conformality
Shape preservation
Equal area (Correct answer)
Angle preservation

Correct answer: Equal area

As a conformal projection, LCC preserves angles and shapes but distorts area, which grows increasingly toward the poles and map edges.

Question 66: Which method is commonly used for measuring large distances in surveying?

Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM) (Correct answer)
Mechanical compasses.
Visual triangulation.
Optical range finders.

Correct answer: Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM)

Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM) is a commonly used method for accurately measuring large distances in surveying. EDM instruments use electromagnetic waves to determine the distance between two points with high precision and speed. This technology has largely replaced traditional chain and tape measurements for extensive areas, significantly improving efficiency and accuracy in modern surveying practices.

Question 67: Sidelap between adjacent aerial flight strips is typically maintained at what percentage for standard mapping projects?

20–30% (Correct answer)
70–80%
5–10%
50–60%

Correct answer: 20–30%

A sidelap of 20–30% is the standard specification for aerial mapping; this ensures complete ground coverage with no gaps between strips while keeping the total number of flight lines and mission cost manageable.

Question 68: A contour line crosses a stream valley in what characteristic shape?

Circular closed loop
Straight line across the valley
V-shape pointing upstream (Correct answer)
U-shape opening downstream

Correct answer: V-shape pointing upstream

Contour lines form V-shapes that point upstream (uphill) when crossing stream valleys because the stream cuts downward into the terrain.

Question 69: On a topographic map, two contour lines of different elevations may touch but never cross because:

A single point on Earth cannot simultaneously have two different elevations (Correct answer)
Crossing contours indicate map errors only in flat terrain
It would make the map too difficult to read
Cartographic standards prohibit it

Correct answer: A single point on Earth cannot simultaneously have two different elevations

Each contour line represents a unique elevation, so two different contours crossing would imply one ground point has two elevations, which is physically impossible.

Question 70: A surveyor is hired by a developer but learns the project will destroy a protected wetland. Under professional ethics, the surveyor should:

Report immediately to the EPA before telling the client
Withdraw without any explanation to preserve confidentiality
Advise the client of regulatory requirements and potential violations (Correct answer)
Proceed because the developer is the client

Correct answer: Advise the client of regulatory requirements and potential violations

Surveyors must advise clients of applicable legal requirements and cannot knowingly assist in activities that violate environmental regulations.

Question 71: A surveyor who stamps a boundary survey as a 'topographic survey' to avoid triggering a state's minimum technical standards for boundary surveys is:

Permitted if the client requests the labeling
Following standard practice when boundary data is secondary to topo data
Compliant if a disclaimer is added to the title block
Engaging in misrepresentation and violation of professional standards (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Engaging in misrepresentation and violation of professional standards

Mislabeling a survey to evade regulatory requirements is misrepresentation and professional misconduct regardless of client preference or added disclaimers.

Question 72: In the PLSS, section 6 is always located in which corner of a township?

Southwest corner
Northwest corner (Correct answer)
Southeast corner
Northeast corner

Correct answer: Northwest corner

In PLSS townships, sections are numbered starting with Section 1 in the northeast corner and serpentining to Section 36 in the southeast, placing Section 6 in the northwest corner.

Question 73: When documenting activities related to topographic & contour mapping, which practice is considered essential for PS certification holders?

Completing documentation only when requested by auditors or supervisors
Recording only outcomes while omitting the methods and processes used
Keeping documentation in personal notes that are not accessible to other team members
Maintaining comprehensive records that include procedures, observations, results, and any anomalies (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Maintaining comprehensive records that include procedures, observations, results, and any anomalies

Comprehensive documentation that includes procedures, observations, results, and any anomalies is essential in topographic & contour mapping. This supports quality assurance, enables peer review, and satisfies regulatory and audit requirements.

Question 74: With an HI of 321.07 ft and a foresight (FS) of 5.63 ft on TP-1, what is the elevation of TP-1?

315.44 ft (Correct answer)
310.19 ft
326.70 ft
321.07 ft

Correct answer: 315.44 ft

Elevation of TP-1 = HI − FS = 321.07 − 5.63 = 315.44 ft.

Question 75: In photogrammetric topographic mapping, what is the principal purpose of ground control points (GCPs)?

To identify cultural features on the ground
To set the contour interval for the map
To georeference and scale aerial imagery to real-world coordinates (Correct answer)
To define the map border coordinates

Correct answer: To georeference and scale aerial imagery to real-world coordinates

GCPs are surveyed points with known coordinates used to georeference aerial or satellite imagery, enabling accurate measurement of positions and elevations.

Question 76: What is the statute of limitations for professional liability claims against surveyors generally intended to protect?

Only the title insurance companies
The state licensing board's investigative timeline
Only the surveyor's financial assets
Both the public's right to seek redress and the surveyor's right to finality (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Both the public's right to seek redress and the surveyor's right to finality

Statutes of limitations balance the public's right to pursue legitimate claims with the surveyor's right to certainty that old work cannot be challenged indefinitely.

Question 77: Point A has coordinates N 5,432.18, E 3,217.45 and Point B has coordinates N 4,891.32, E 3,648.72. What is the departure (ΔE) from A to B?

−540.86 ft
−431.27 ft
+431.27 ft (Correct answer)
+540.86 ft

Correct answer: +431.27 ft

Departure ΔE = E_B − E_A = 3,648.72 − 3,217.45 = +431.27 ft (eastward).

Question 78: Under the Public Trust Doctrine, the state holds tidal and navigable waters in trust for the public. This doctrine most directly affects surveyors when:

Establishing boundaries adjacent to tidal or navigable waters (Correct answer)
Computing areas for subdivision plats
Setting corners for inland agricultural parcels
Locating PLSS section corners in the Great Plains

Correct answer: Establishing boundaries adjacent to tidal or navigable waters

The Public Trust Doctrine means the boundary between private upland and publicly held tidelands/navigable riverbeds must be carefully established, often at the ordinary high-water mark.

Question 79: A surveyor retracing an old deed encounters a discrepancy where the bearing calls are consistent but all distances are proportionally short by 3%. The most likely explanation is:

The original survey used a chain that was too long (Correct answer)
The deed was prepared from an erroneous tax map
The scribe made a typographical error in every distance
The original survey used a chain that was too short

Correct answer: The original survey used a chain that was too long

If all distances are proportionally short, the original chain was too long, causing each measured 100 feet to actually be slightly more, resulting in deed distances shorter than ground distances.

Question 80: Reciprocal leveling is primarily used to:

Reduce the total number of backsight readings required
Carry elevations across wide obstacles such as rivers where a balanced setup is impossible (Correct answer)
Eliminate the need for turning points on long lines
Check the collimation error of the level instrument

Correct answer: Carry elevations across wide obstacles such as rivers where a balanced setup is impossible

Reciprocal leveling makes setups on both sides of an obstacle and averages results, largely canceling curvature and refraction errors.

Question 81: When a surveyor is asked to serve as an expert witness, the primary duty of the expert is to:

Refuse to testify against other licensed surveyors
Only testify about matters explicitly listed in their license
Advocate for the client who retained them
Provide impartial, objective opinion based on professional knowledge (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Provide impartial, objective opinion based on professional knowledge

Expert witnesses must provide impartial and objective testimony based on their professional expertise, regardless of which party retained them.

Question 82: Which of the following is a fundamental principle of boundary law & riparian rights as it applies to Professional Licensed Surveyor?

Prioritizing speed of completion over accuracy and compliance
Relying solely on personal experience without reference to guidelines
Systematic evaluation and adherence to established industry standards (Correct answer)
Avoiding documentation to streamline workflow efficiency

Correct answer: Systematic evaluation and adherence to established industry standards

A fundamental principle of boundary law & riparian rights in Professional Licensed Surveyor is the systematic evaluation and adherence to established industry standards, which ensures consistency, quality, and regulatory compliance across all professional activities.

Question 83: A 6-sided closed traverse has measured interior angles summing to 721°30'. What is the angular misclosure?

2°00'
0°30'
1°30' (Correct answer)
1°00'

Correct answer: 1°30'

Theoretical interior angle sum for a hexagon = (6−2)×180° = 720°; misclosure = 721°30' − 720°00' = 1°30'.

Question 84: In stadia surveying, the horizontal distance formula using a horizontal line of sight is:

D = K × s + C (Correct answer)
D = K × s² + C
D = K / s + C
D = s / K + C

Correct answer: D = K × s + C

The stadia formula for horizontal distance is D = K × s + C, where K is the stadia interval factor (typically 100), s is the rod intercept, and C is the stadia constant.

Question 85: The t-T correction (second term correction) in State Plane coordinate computations accounts for:

Conversion between NAD27 and NAD83
Scale factor variation across the zone
The difference between the geodetic azimuth and the grid azimuth for long lines (Correct answer)
Atmospheric refraction in angular observations

Correct answer: The difference between the geodetic azimuth and the grid azimuth for long lines

The t-T correction adjusts for the angular difference between the curved geodesic on the ellipsoid and the straight grid line in SPCS for long survey lines.

Question 86: Which component of a digital level is responsible for converting the bar-code rod image into a height reading?

Phase detection circuit
Compensator pendulum
Electrolevel bubble
CCD or CMOS image sensor (Correct answer)

Correct answer: CCD or CMOS image sensor

Digital levels use a CCD or CMOS sensor to capture the bar-code pattern on the rod and correlate it to a stored reference pattern to compute the reading.

Question 87: A surveyor must offset around an obstacle on a straight line. After placing a 90° angle and measuring 30 ft perpendicular to the line, how far must the surveyor offset back to return to the original line?

45 ft
30 ft (Correct answer)
15 ft
60 ft

Correct answer: 30 ft

To return to the original line after a perpendicular offset of 30 ft, the surveyor must offset the same 30 ft back in the opposite direction at the far end of the obstacle.

Question 88: Which statement best describes a surveyor's obligation when a client instructs them to omit a known encroachment from the final plat?

The surveyor may comply if the encroachment is less than 0.1 feet
The surveyor can add a disclaimer note and then omit the feature
The surveyor must refuse, as omitting material facts violates professional ethics and may constitute fraud (Correct answer)
The surveyor should follow client instructions since the client owns the property

Correct answer: The surveyor must refuse, as omitting material facts violates professional ethics and may constitute fraud

Knowingly omitting material survey findings at a client's direction is a breach of professional ethics, and a plat with intentional omissions could constitute fraud.

Question 89: Which EDM (Electronic Distance Measurement) technique uses the phase difference between emitted and returned electromagnetic waves to determine distance?

Interferometric ranging
Pulse (time-of-flight) ranging
Doppler ranging
Phase comparison ranging (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Phase comparison ranging

Phase comparison EDMs measure the phase shift of a continuous modulated wave after it travels to the reflector and back, computing distance from the fractional wavelength difference.

Question 90: A building is to be laid out with corners at known state plane coordinates. The first step after setting up over a control point is to:

Orient the instrument by backsighting another control point of known coordinates (Correct answer)
Establish a local grid parallel to the building walls
Set up a temporary benchmark for elevation control
Measure the building diagonal to check squareness

Correct answer: Orient the instrument by backsighting another control point of known coordinates

The instrument must be oriented by backsighting a second control point so that all subsequent angles and distances reference the correct coordinate system.

Question 91: A surveyor discovers that a record bearing of N 88°45'00" E should be N 88°45'00" W based on field retracement. This type of error is called:

A systematic instrument error introduced by magnetic declination drift
A random blunder caused by atmospheric refraction during the original survey
A scale error resulting from incorrect chain length calibration
A cardinal error (reversed bearing quadrant), likely a transcription mistake in the deed (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A cardinal error (reversed bearing quadrant), likely a transcription mistake in the deed

Reversing a cardinal direction (E vs. W) is a common transcription error known as a cardinal error, and courts often correct it when the overall deed description is otherwise consistent.

Question 92: Which datum adjustment method was used to establish NAD83 and involved over 250,000 control points?

Helmert transformation
Bowditch (compass) rule
Three-parameter Molodensky transformation
Minimum-constraint least squares adjustment (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Minimum-constraint least squares adjustment

NAD83 was established using a minimum-constraint least squares adjustment holding one point (Meades Ranch area) and one azimuth fixed.

Question 93: A licensed surveyor accepts a project but realizes mid-project that the complexity exceeds their expertise. The ethical course of action is to:

Associate with or refer to a more qualified surveyor and inform the client (Correct answer)
Immediately withdraw and forfeit all fees
Complete the project and note limitations in the final report
Continue and purchase additional errors and omissions insurance

Correct answer: Associate with or refer to a more qualified surveyor and inform the client

When a surveyor lacks sufficient competency for a project, ethics require informing the client and either associating with qualified help or referring the work out.

Question 94: The astronomic azimuth of a line is determined by observing:

A celestial body such as the sun or Polaris (Correct answer)
Magnetic north and applying declination corrections
A GPS baseline direction
A gyroscope attached to the instrument

Correct answer: A celestial body such as the sun or Polaris

Astronomic azimuth is determined by observing celestial bodies (sun, Polaris, or other stars) and computing the direction based on time, location, and the body's ephemeris data.

Question 95: When using the Compass (Bowditch) Rule to balance a traverse, the correction to each course is distributed proportionally to:

An equal share among all courses regardless of length
The length of each individual course relative to the total perimeter (Correct answer)
The latitude magnitude of each course relative to the sum of all latitudes
The bearing angle of each course

Correct answer: The length of each individual course relative to the total perimeter

The Compass Rule assumes that angular and linear errors are equally likely, so it distributes corrections proportionally to course length.

Question 96: When using the Transit Rule to balance a traverse, the correction applied to the latitude of a course is proportional to:

The absolute value of that course's latitude divided by the sum of all absolute latitudes (Correct answer)
The course length divided by the total traverse perimeter
An equal correction applied to every course
The absolute value of that course's departure

Correct answer: The absolute value of that course's latitude divided by the sum of all absolute latitudes

The Transit Rule weights latitude corrections by each course's absolute latitude relative to the total sum of absolute latitudes.

Question 97: In the context of construction layout & staking, what role does continuous professional development play for PS practitioners?

It is optional and only needed for career advancement
It is required only during the first year of certification
It serves primarily as a networking opportunity with no practical benefit
It ensures practitioners remain current with evolving standards, technologies, and best practices (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It ensures practitioners remain current with evolving standards, technologies, and best practices

Continuous professional development is essential in construction layout & staking because it ensures PS practitioners remain current with evolving standards, technologies, and best practices, maintaining competency throughout their careers.

Question 98: A 'junior surveyor' working under a licensed professional surveyor may legally:

Provide expert testimony about boundary locations in court
Perform field measurements and calculations under the licensee's direct supervision (Correct answer)
Negotiate boundary agreements with adjoining landowners on behalf of clients
Seal and certify plats independently if they have 5 years of experience

Correct answer: Perform field measurements and calculations under the licensee's direct supervision

Unlicensed survey technicians may perform technical tasks — fieldwork and calculations — only under the direct supervision of a licensed professional surveyor.

Question 99: What arithmetic check verifies differential leveling notes for a closed loop returning to the starting benchmark?

ΣBS − ΣFS should equal zero (Correct answer)
Each turning-point elevation must be a whole-foot value
ΣBS + ΣFS should equal the total loop distance
The count of BS readings must exceed FS readings by one

Correct answer: ΣBS − ΣFS should equal zero

For a closed leveling loop, ΣBS − ΣFS = 0 confirms arithmetic; for an open line it equals the net elevation change.

Question 100: When documenting activities related to gnss & rtk survey technology, which practice is considered essential for PS certification holders?

Keeping documentation in personal notes that are not accessible to other team members
Recording only outcomes while omitting the methods and processes used
Completing documentation only when requested by auditors or supervisors
Maintaining comprehensive records that include procedures, observations, results, and any anomalies (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Maintaining comprehensive records that include procedures, observations, results, and any anomalies

Comprehensive documentation that includes procedures, observations, results, and any anomalies is essential in gnss & rtk survey technology. This supports quality assurance, enables peer review, and satisfies regulatory and audit requirements.

Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) Exam

The PS exam assesses a candidate's understanding of the principles and practices of land surveying, covering legal, technical, and ethical aspects required for professional licensure.

100

Questions

300 min

Time Limit

70%

To Pass

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