RPLS Public Land Survey System (PLSS) 3

Question 1

In PLSS surveying, what distinguishes a 'lost corner' from an 'obliterated corner'?

Accepted Answer

A lost corner has no remaining physical evidence, while an obliterated corner can be relocated from remaining evidence and reliable testimony

Answer

A lost corner was never originally set, while an obliterated corner was set and then removed

Answer

A lost corner is a section corner; an obliterated corner is a quarter-section corner

Answer

A lost corner requires a court order to restore, while an obliterated corner does not

Question 2

What is the primary authoritative manual used for restoring lost corners in the PLSS?

Accepted Answer

Manual of Instructions for the Survey of the Public Lands of the United States

Answer

BLM Cadastral Survey Procedures Manual

Answer

National Geodetic Survey Geodetic Control Standards

Answer

ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey Standards and Requirements

Question 3

A 'meander line' in a PLSS survey:

Accepted Answer

Approximates the mean high water line of a navigable water body for area calculation purposes, but is not the legal boundary

Answer

Establishes the legal boundary of a riparian land grant

Answer

Marks the dividing line between federal and state-owned riverbeds

Answer

Follows the thalweg (center) of a navigable stream

Question 4

Which method is used to restore a lost interior section corner when the surrounding section and quarter-section corners are found?

Accepted Answer

Double proportionate measurement using two pairs of opposite corners

Answer

Single proportionate measurement from the nearest found corner

Answer

Record distance method strictly from original field notes

Answer

Photogrammetric measurement from aerial survey photographs

Question 5

What is a 'witness corner' in PLSS surveying?

Accepted Answer

An auxiliary monument set to reference the true corner position when that location is physically inaccessible

Answer

A corner set at the exact intersection of two section lines

Answer

A corner whose establishment was observed by two licensed surveyors

Answer

A corner marked by a bearing tree instead of a physical monument

Question 6

Under PLSS retracement principles, which evidence holds the highest legal priority when locating an original corner?

Accepted Answer

The original monument as physically placed by the original surveyor

Answer

The original field notes of the GLO surveyor

Answer

Deed descriptions from adjoining landowners

Answer

GPS-calculated positions based on the original field note bearings and distances

Question 7

In PLSS original field notes, 'bearing trees' (also called 'witness trees') were recorded to:

Accepted Answer

Provide bearing and distance references from the corner to nearby trees, aiding future corner relocation

Answer

Mark corner positions with living trees instead of iron posts

Answer

Establish magnetic north during the original survey using tree growth rings

Answer

Document timber volumes along meander lines for General Land Office records