RPLS Mathematics and Geodesy 2

Question 1

A geodetic survey uses the GRS80 ellipsoid. What is the semi-major axis (a) of this ellipsoid?

Accepted Answer

6,378,137.0 m

Answer

The GRS80 ellipsoid has a semi-major axis of 6,378,137.0 m, which is also used by WGS84.

Question 2

In a traverse computation, the angular closure error is distributed equally among all angles. This method is called:

Accepted Answer

Equal angular distribution

Answer

Equal angular distribution divides the total angular closure error equally among all measured angles in the traverse.

Question 3

What is the geodetic azimuth from Point A to Point B if the back-azimuth from B to A is 47°30'15"?

Accepted Answer

227°30'15"

Answer

The forward azimuth is found by adding or subtracting 180° from the back-azimuth: 47°30'15" + 180° = 227°30'15".

Question 4

The term 'geoid undulation' (N) refers to the separation between which two surfaces?

Accepted Answer

The geoid and the ellipsoid

Answer

Geoid undulation N is the vertical distance between the geoid and the reference ellipsoid at any given point.

Question 5

A surveyor measures a horizontal angle by repetition six times and obtains a total accumulated reading of 521°12'36". What is the mean angle?

Accepted Answer

86°52'06"

Answer

Dividing 521°12'36" by 6 gives 86°52'06" as the mean measured angle.

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