SMQT Fundamentals of Surveying 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of a control survey?
- To map property boundaries
- To establish a network of accurately located points used as a reference framework (Correct answer)
- To measure building heights
- To determine soil composition
Correct answer: To establish a network of accurately located points used as a reference framework
Control surveys establish precise horizontal and/or vertical reference points (control points) that other surveys are tied to for consistency and accuracy.
Question 2: Which angle measurement system divides a circle into 400 equal units?
- Degrees
- Radians
- Gradians (Grads) (Correct answer)
- Mils
Correct answer: Gradians (Grads)
The gradian (grad) system divides a full circle into 400 grads, with a right angle equaling exactly 100 grads.
Question 3: What does 'differential leveling' determine?
- Horizontal distances between points
- Elevation differences between two or more points (Correct answer)
- Magnetic declination at a site
- Angular positions of celestial bodies
Correct answer: Elevation differences between two or more points
Differential leveling uses a level instrument and rod readings to determine the difference in elevation between a benchmark and other points.
Question 4: In surveying, what is a 'backsight'?
- A measurement taken toward the rear of the survey line to a known point (Correct answer)
- A measurement taken in the forward direction
- A check measurement repeated at the end of a traverse
- An observation of the magnetic north
Correct answer: A measurement taken toward the rear of the survey line to a known point
A backsight is a rod or angle reading taken on a point of known elevation or position, used to establish the instrument's position or elevation.
Question 5: What is the closure error in a closed traverse?
- The angular error at the starting point
- The difference between the computed and known position of the final point (Correct answer)
- The maximum allowable distance between control monuments
- The error introduced by atmospheric refraction
Correct answer: The difference between the computed and known position of the final point
Closure error is the linear distance between the computed ending position and the actual starting point of a closed traverse, indicating accumulated survey error.
Question 6: Which of the following best defines 'datum' in surveying?
- A type of survey instrument
- Any reference surface or point from which measurements are made (Correct answer)
- The legal description of a parcel
- A method of resolving boundary disputes
Correct answer: Any reference surface or point from which measurements are made
A datum is any reference surface, point, or set of points from which elevations, depths, or horizontal positions are measured.
Question 7: What is the function of a 'benchmark' in vertical control surveying?
- It marks the corner of a property parcel
- It provides a permanent point of known elevation used as a reference for leveling surveys (Correct answer)
- It indicates the magnetic north direction
- It marks the center of a geodetic control network
Correct answer: It provides a permanent point of known elevation used as a reference for leveling surveys
A benchmark (BM) is a permanent, stable point with a precisely determined elevation published for use as a vertical reference by surveyors.
SMQT Fundamentals of Surveying 2
What is the primary purpose of a control survey?