SMQT Introduction to Surveying 5

Question 1

A 'total station' combines which two instruments into one device?

Accepted Answer

Electronic distance meter (EDM) and theodolite

Answer

A total station integrates an electronic distance meter for measuring distances and a theodolite for measuring angles into a single instrument.

Question 2

What is 'resection' in surveying?

Accepted Answer

Determining your instrument's position by observing angles to known control points

Answer

Resection is the process of determining the position of an unknown point (the instrument station) by measuring angles or distances to at least two known points.

Question 3

In surveying, what does the abbreviation 'NGS' stand for?

Accepted Answer

National Geodetic Survey

Answer

The National Geodetic Survey is the federal agency that defines and manages the National Spatial Reference System, including horizontal and vertical datums.

Question 4

What is the primary difference between NAD83 and NAD27 horizontal datums?

Accepted Answer

NAD83 is geocentric and based on the GRS80 ellipsoid, while NAD27 uses the Clarke 1866 ellipsoid

Answer

NAD83 is a geocentric datum based on the GRS80 ellipsoid and was defined using satellite data, while NAD27 is based on the Clarke 1866 ellipsoid with its origin at Meades Ranch, Kansas.

Question 5

Which surveying term describes the height of the instrument's line of sight above the datum?

Accepted Answer

Height of instrument (HI)

Answer

The height of instrument (HI) is the elevation of the telescope's line of sight, computed by adding the backsight rod reading to the known benchmark elevation.

SMQT - Surveyor Minimum Qualifications Test Practice Test

SMQT - Surveyor Minimum Qualifications Test Practice Test

SMQT Introduction to Surveying 5