SMQT Fundamentals of Surveying 5

Question 1

What is 'precision' in surveying measurements?

Accepted Answer

The degree of consistency or repeatability among repeated measurements

Answer

Precision describes how well repeated measurements agree with each other, while accuracy describes how close they are to the true value — a precise measurement can still be inaccurate.

Question 2

Which type of survey is used to re-establish previously established property corners?

Accepted Answer

Retracement (cadastral) survey

Answer

A retracement survey follows the original surveyor's footsteps using deed descriptions, field notes, and physical evidence to reestablish existing boundary corners.

Question 3

What is the 'height of instrument' (HI) in differential leveling?

Accepted Answer

The elevation of the line of sight through the level instrument

Answer

The height of instrument (HI) is the elevation of the instrument's line of sight, calculated as the known elevation of the backsight point plus the backsight rod reading.

Question 4

In GPS/GNSS surveying, what is 'dilution of precision' (DOP)?

Accepted Answer

A dimensionless number indicating how satellite geometry affects positional accuracy

Answer

DOP describes how the geometry of visible satellites amplifies or reduces ranging errors; a low DOP (close to 1) indicates favorable geometry and better positional accuracy.

Question 5

What is the primary advantage of using 'least squares adjustment' over simpler traverse adjustments?

Accepted Answer

It provides statistically optimal estimates and detects blunders by minimizing the sum of the squares of the residuals

Answer

Least squares adjustment produces the most probable solution by minimizing residual errors in a statistically rigorous way and allows detection of gross errors through residual analysis.

SMQT - Surveyor Minimum Qualifications Test Practice Test

SMQT - Surveyor Minimum Qualifications Test Practice Test

SMQT Fundamentals of Surveying 5