SMQT Fundamentals of Surveying 3

Question 1

What is the relationship between a 'foresight' and a 'backsight' in differential leveling?

Accepted Answer

The backsight is on a known elevation; the foresight establishes a new elevation

Answer

In leveling, the backsight is taken on a point of known elevation to set the height of instrument, and the foresight is taken on an unknown point to determine its elevation.

Question 2

A total station instrument combines which two primary measurement capabilities?

Accepted Answer

Electronic distance measurement (EDM) and electronic angle measurement

Answer

A total station integrates an EDM for distance and an electronic theodolite for horizontal and vertical angles into one instrument.

Question 3

What does the term 'azimuth' describe in surveying?

Accepted Answer

A horizontal angle measured clockwise from north (0°) through 360°

Answer

An azimuth is a horizontal direction measured clockwise from a reference meridian (usually north) ranging from 0° to 360°.

Question 4

Which error source is classified as a 'systematic' error in surveying?

Accepted Answer

An instrument that consistently reads 0.01 ft too short due to miscalibration

Answer

Systematic errors follow a consistent pattern (always too long, always too short) and can often be corrected with calibration or mathematical adjustment.

Question 5

What is meant by 'parallax' in instrument sighting?

Accepted Answer

An apparent shift of the cross-hairs relative to the target when the observer's eye moves

Answer

Parallax occurs when the cross-hair image and target image are not focused at the same plane, causing apparent movement and reading errors as the eye shifts.

SMQT - Surveyor Minimum Qualifications Test Practice Test

SMQT - Surveyor Minimum Qualifications Test Practice Test

SMQT Fundamentals of Surveying 3