Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS)
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1. A surveyor is performing a traverse survey and records the following
interior angles: 92°15′, 87°30′, 95°10′, and 85°05′. What is the sum of
the interior angles, and how does it compare to the theoretical sum for
a quadrilateral?
A. 360°00′, equal to theoretical sum
B. 360°00′, less than theoretical sum
C. 360°00′, greater than theoretical sum
D. 361°00′, equal to theoretical sum
Rationale: The sum of the recorded angles is 92°15′ + 87°30′ + 95°10′ +
85°05′ = 360°00′. The theoretical sum of interior angles for a quadrilateral
is also 360°, so the measured sum matches the theoretical value.
2. Which method is most appropriate for determining the elevation of
points along a gently rolling terrain where high accuracy is required?
A. Barometric leveling
B. Differential leveling
, C. Trigonometric leveling
D. GPS leveling
Rationale: Differential leveling provides precise elevation measurements
by comparing the height differences between points using a leveling
instrument and rod, making it ideal for gently rolling terrain.
3. In a traverse survey, a misclosure occurs. What is the standard
procedure for adjusting the traverse?
A. Apply all error to the longest side
B. Apply all error to the shortest side
C. Distribute the error proportionally along all traverse legs
D. Ignore the misclosure if it is small
Rationale: Traverse adjustment requires distributing the misclosure
proportionally according to the length of each leg to minimize the effect of
errors and ensure the traverse closes accurately.
4. A theodolite is set up over a known point to measure angles to two
unknown points. Which principle is primarily used?
A. Principle of least squares
B. Principle of triangulation
C. Principle of leveling
D. Principle of stadia
Rationale: Triangulation relies on measuring angles from a known point to
determine the positions of unknown points, forming triangles that can be
solved geometrically.
5. Which of the following best describes the purpose of a benchmark in
surveying?
A. To mark property corners
B. To indicate magnetic north
, C. To provide a reference for elevations
D. To define traverse directions
Rationale: Benchmarks are established reference points with known
elevations used as the basis for leveling operations in surveying.
6. A surveyor wants to measure a horizontal distance indirectly across a
river using trigonometric methods. Which instrument is most suitable?
A. Total station
B. Tape measure
C. Theodolite
D. GPS receiver
Rationale: A theodolite can measure horizontal angles and vertical angles
accurately, enabling indirect calculation of distances via trigonometry
across obstacles like rivers.
7. In a level circuit, systematic error caused by instrument misleveling is
encountered. What is the effect on the survey?
A. It causes random errors
B. It can be ignored for short distances
C. It causes a constant bias in elevation measurements
D. It only affects horizontal measurements
Rationale: Instrument misleveling produces a consistent bias in the
readings, affecting all measurements in the same direction, which must be
corrected to obtain accurate elevations.
8. What is the primary advantage of using EDM (Electronic Distance
Measurement) over traditional tape measurements?
A. Lower cost
B. Greater accuracy over long distances
C. Requires less training
D. Immune to environmental effects
, Rationale: EDM instruments measure distances using electromagnetic
waves, providing high accuracy over long distances where tapes would be
impractical or prone to stretching and sag.
9. In GPS surveying, the differential GPS (DGPS) technique is used to:
A. Measure angles between satellites
B. Correct errors due to atmospheric delays and satellite clock offsets
C. Replace leveling instruments entirely
D. Measure vertical angles only
Rationale: DGPS uses a reference receiver at a known location to provide
real-time corrections to the rover receiver, improving positional accuracy
by compensating for satellite and atmospheric errors.
10. When performing a topographic survey, contour lines are drawn
at a 2-meter interval. What does a closely spaced contour indicate?
A. Flat terrain
B. Steep slope
C. Water body
D. Road alignment
Rationale: Closely spaced contour lines represent a rapid change in
elevation over a short distance, which corresponds to a steep slope on the
terrain.
11. Which type of error is most likely caused by natural
environmental factors such as temperature and wind?
A. Instrumental error
B. Natural error
C. Personal error
D. Systematic error
Exam Practice Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationale 2026 Q&A| Instant Download
1. A surveyor is performing a traverse survey and records the following
interior angles: 92°15′, 87°30′, 95°10′, and 85°05′. What is the sum of
the interior angles, and how does it compare to the theoretical sum for
a quadrilateral?
A. 360°00′, equal to theoretical sum
B. 360°00′, less than theoretical sum
C. 360°00′, greater than theoretical sum
D. 361°00′, equal to theoretical sum
Rationale: The sum of the recorded angles is 92°15′ + 87°30′ + 95°10′ +
85°05′ = 360°00′. The theoretical sum of interior angles for a quadrilateral
is also 360°, so the measured sum matches the theoretical value.
2. Which method is most appropriate for determining the elevation of
points along a gently rolling terrain where high accuracy is required?
A. Barometric leveling
B. Differential leveling
, C. Trigonometric leveling
D. GPS leveling
Rationale: Differential leveling provides precise elevation measurements
by comparing the height differences between points using a leveling
instrument and rod, making it ideal for gently rolling terrain.
3. In a traverse survey, a misclosure occurs. What is the standard
procedure for adjusting the traverse?
A. Apply all error to the longest side
B. Apply all error to the shortest side
C. Distribute the error proportionally along all traverse legs
D. Ignore the misclosure if it is small
Rationale: Traverse adjustment requires distributing the misclosure
proportionally according to the length of each leg to minimize the effect of
errors and ensure the traverse closes accurately.
4. A theodolite is set up over a known point to measure angles to two
unknown points. Which principle is primarily used?
A. Principle of least squares
B. Principle of triangulation
C. Principle of leveling
D. Principle of stadia
Rationale: Triangulation relies on measuring angles from a known point to
determine the positions of unknown points, forming triangles that can be
solved geometrically.
5. Which of the following best describes the purpose of a benchmark in
surveying?
A. To mark property corners
B. To indicate magnetic north
, C. To provide a reference for elevations
D. To define traverse directions
Rationale: Benchmarks are established reference points with known
elevations used as the basis for leveling operations in surveying.
6. A surveyor wants to measure a horizontal distance indirectly across a
river using trigonometric methods. Which instrument is most suitable?
A. Total station
B. Tape measure
C. Theodolite
D. GPS receiver
Rationale: A theodolite can measure horizontal angles and vertical angles
accurately, enabling indirect calculation of distances via trigonometry
across obstacles like rivers.
7. In a level circuit, systematic error caused by instrument misleveling is
encountered. What is the effect on the survey?
A. It causes random errors
B. It can be ignored for short distances
C. It causes a constant bias in elevation measurements
D. It only affects horizontal measurements
Rationale: Instrument misleveling produces a consistent bias in the
readings, affecting all measurements in the same direction, which must be
corrected to obtain accurate elevations.
8. What is the primary advantage of using EDM (Electronic Distance
Measurement) over traditional tape measurements?
A. Lower cost
B. Greater accuracy over long distances
C. Requires less training
D. Immune to environmental effects
, Rationale: EDM instruments measure distances using electromagnetic
waves, providing high accuracy over long distances where tapes would be
impractical or prone to stretching and sag.
9. In GPS surveying, the differential GPS (DGPS) technique is used to:
A. Measure angles between satellites
B. Correct errors due to atmospheric delays and satellite clock offsets
C. Replace leveling instruments entirely
D. Measure vertical angles only
Rationale: DGPS uses a reference receiver at a known location to provide
real-time corrections to the rover receiver, improving positional accuracy
by compensating for satellite and atmospheric errors.
10. When performing a topographic survey, contour lines are drawn
at a 2-meter interval. What does a closely spaced contour indicate?
A. Flat terrain
B. Steep slope
C. Water body
D. Road alignment
Rationale: Closely spaced contour lines represent a rapid change in
elevation over a short distance, which corresponds to a steep slope on the
terrain.
11. Which type of error is most likely caused by natural
environmental factors such as temperature and wind?
A. Instrumental error
B. Natural error
C. Personal error
D. Systematic error
