RPLS Mathematics and Geodesy 5

Question 1

In geodesy, the 'normal section' azimuth and the 'geodesic' azimuth between two points differ due to:

Accepted Answer

The curvature of the ellipsoid

Answer

On an ellipsoid, normal sections and geodesics follow slightly different paths due to ellipsoidal curvature, causing a small difference in azimuth.

Question 2

A surveyor needs to convert an orthometric height (H = 245.32 m) to an ellipsoidal height. The geoid undulation N = −28.47 m. What is the ellipsoidal height h?

Accepted Answer

216.85 m

Answer

h = H + N = 245.32 + (−28.47) = 216.85 m; the ellipsoidal height is less where the geoid is below the ellipsoid.

Question 3

The PDOP (Position Dilution of Precision) in GPS surveying is a dimensionless number that quantifies:

Accepted Answer

The geometric strength of the satellite configuration

Answer

PDOP reflects how satellite geometry amplifies ranging errors into positional error; a lower PDOP indicates a stronger, more favorable geometry.

Question 4

Which of the following correctly describes the 'Laplace equation' used in geodetic surveying?

Accepted Answer

It relates astronomical azimuth to geodetic azimuth using deflection of the vertical components

Answer

The Laplace equation corrects an astronomically observed azimuth to a geodetic azimuth using the east component of deflection of the vertical (η) and the latitude.

Question 5

In a closed-loop traverse with 6 sides, what is the maximum allowable angular misclosure if the specifications require closure within 12√n arc-seconds?

Accepted Answer

29.4"

Answer

Allowable closure = 12√6 = 12 × 2.449 = 29.4 arc-seconds for a 6-sided traverse.

(RPLS) Registered Professional Land Surveyor Practice Test

(RPLS) Registered Professional Land Surveyor Practice Test

RPLS Mathematics and Geodesy 5