RPLS Documentation and Reporting 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which element is required on a plat to establish legal enforceability of a subdivision dedication?
- The surveyor's seal and signature
- A notarized owner's certificate of dedication (Correct answer)
- The county assessor's parcel number
- A vicinity map showing the subdivision location
Correct answer: A notarized owner's certificate of dedication
A notarized owner's certificate of dedication is the legal instrument by which the owner dedicates public areas such as streets and utilities to the appropriate jurisdiction.
Question 2: When a boundary survey reveals a conflict between a deed call and a monument found in the field, how should this discrepancy be documented in the survey report?
- Ignore the monument and report only the deed call
- Report only the monument location without referencing the deed
- Describe both the record call and the field evidence with a resolution explanation (Correct answer)
- Defer documentation until the client resolves the conflict
Correct answer: Describe both the record call and the field evidence with a resolution explanation
Professional practice requires documenting both the record information and field evidence, then explaining the surveyor's resolution of the conflict per applicable priority rules.
Question 3: What is the purpose of a 'basis of bearing' notation on a survey plat?
- To identify the brand of surveying instrument used
- To indicate which direction is true north
- To define the reference from which all bearings on the survey are derived (Correct answer)
- To record the date the field work was performed
Correct answer: To define the reference from which all bearings on the survey are derived
The basis of bearing establishes the directional reference system used for all bearings shown on the plat, enabling other surveyors to reproduce or extend the survey.
Question 4: A land surveyor is preparing a Record of Survey. Which of the following items is LEAST likely to be required?
- Monuments set or found
- Legal description of the parcel surveyed
- Client's financial information (Correct answer)
- Name and license number of the surveyor
Correct answer: Client's financial information
Financial information about the client is not a required element of a Record of Survey; the document must contain professional, technical, and legal data about the survey itself.
Question 5: Which type of survey document is specifically used to resolve conflicting ownership claims by graphically depicting deed overlaps and gaps?
- ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey
- Boundary retracement survey plat
- Gap and overlap analysis exhibit (Correct answer)
- Subdivision plat
Correct answer: Gap and overlap analysis exhibit
A gap and overlap analysis exhibit is prepared to visually illustrate where ownership claims derived from separate deeds conflict, aiding in legal resolution.
Question 6: Under most state statutes, when must a licensed surveyor file a Record of Survey with the county?
- After every topographic survey
- When monuments are set to establish or re-establish property corners (Correct answer)
- Only when ordered by a court
- Whenever a client requests a boundary opinion
Correct answer: When monuments are set to establish or re-establish property corners
Most state laws require a Record of Survey to be filed when a surveyor sets monuments to establish or re-establish property corners, creating a public record of the monument locations.
Question 7: What does a 'curve table' on a plat typically provide?
- Contour intervals and elevation data
- Delta angle, radius, arc length, chord bearing, and chord length for each curve (Correct answer)
- Zoning classification for curved road frontages
- Magnetic declination corrections for curved boundaries
Correct answer: Delta angle, radius, arc length, chord bearing, and chord length for each curve
A curve table lists the geometric elements (delta, radius, arc length, chord bearing, and chord length) needed to precisely define and reproduce each curved boundary or easement line.
RPLS Documentation and Reporting 2
Which element is required on a plat to establish legal enforceability of a subdivision dedication?