Missouri Professional Land Surveyor PS
Exam Practice Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
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1. Which federal system governs the original subdivision of land in most
western U.S. states?
A. Metes and bounds system
B. Rectangular survey system
C. Spanish land grant system
D. Lot and block system
Correct answer: B
The rectangular survey system, also known as the Public Land Survey
System (PLSS), governs land division in most western U.S. states and
organizes land into townships and sections.
2. In surveying, what is a “bearing”?
A. A horizontal angle measured from a reference meridian
, B. A vertical angle from ground level
C. A linear distance between two points
D. A magnetic field reading
Correct answer: A
A bearing is a horizontal angle measured clockwise or
counterclockwise from a reference meridian such as true north or
magnetic north.
3. Which instrument is primarily used for measuring horizontal and
vertical angles?
A. Level
B. Theodolite
C. Chain
D. Planimeter
Correct answer: B
A theodolite is designed to measure both horizontal and vertical
angles with high precision in surveying applications.
4. What does a “section” in the PLSS typically measure?
A. 320 acres
B. 640 acres
C. 480 acres
D. 1,280 acres
Correct answer: B
, A standard PLSS section contains 640 acres and is one square mile in
size.
5. What is the primary purpose of a control survey?
A. To determine property taxes
B. To establish high-accuracy reference points
C. To map soil types
D. To design road signage
Correct answer: B
Control surveys establish precise reference points that serve as the
framework for other surveying and mapping projects.
6. Which term refers to the angular difference between true north and
magnetic north?
A. Grid convergence
B. Declination
C. Azimuth
D. Bearing offset
Correct answer: B
Declination is the angle between true north and magnetic north at a
given location.
7. What is a “benchmark” in surveying?
A. A temporary stake
B. A reference elevation point
C. A boundary marker
, D. A GPS satellite coordinate
Correct answer: B
A benchmark is a fixed reference point with a known elevation used
for vertical measurements.
8. Which law governs boundary disputes involving long-term
occupation?
A. Criminal law
B. Adverse possession
C. Tort law
D. Maritime law
Correct answer: B
Adverse possession allows a person to claim ownership of land under
specific conditions of continuous and open use.
9. What is the main function of a total station?
A. Measure soil density
B. Combine electronic distance and angle measurements
C. Record temperature changes
D. Measure wind speed
Correct answer: B
A total station integrates electronic distance measurement and angle
measurement for precise surveying.
10. What is “triangulation” used for in surveying?
A. Measuring soil moisture
Exam Practice Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. Which federal system governs the original subdivision of land in most
western U.S. states?
A. Metes and bounds system
B. Rectangular survey system
C. Spanish land grant system
D. Lot and block system
Correct answer: B
The rectangular survey system, also known as the Public Land Survey
System (PLSS), governs land division in most western U.S. states and
organizes land into townships and sections.
2. In surveying, what is a “bearing”?
A. A horizontal angle measured from a reference meridian
, B. A vertical angle from ground level
C. A linear distance between two points
D. A magnetic field reading
Correct answer: A
A bearing is a horizontal angle measured clockwise or
counterclockwise from a reference meridian such as true north or
magnetic north.
3. Which instrument is primarily used for measuring horizontal and
vertical angles?
A. Level
B. Theodolite
C. Chain
D. Planimeter
Correct answer: B
A theodolite is designed to measure both horizontal and vertical
angles with high precision in surveying applications.
4. What does a “section” in the PLSS typically measure?
A. 320 acres
B. 640 acres
C. 480 acres
D. 1,280 acres
Correct answer: B
, A standard PLSS section contains 640 acres and is one square mile in
size.
5. What is the primary purpose of a control survey?
A. To determine property taxes
B. To establish high-accuracy reference points
C. To map soil types
D. To design road signage
Correct answer: B
Control surveys establish precise reference points that serve as the
framework for other surveying and mapping projects.
6. Which term refers to the angular difference between true north and
magnetic north?
A. Grid convergence
B. Declination
C. Azimuth
D. Bearing offset
Correct answer: B
Declination is the angle between true north and magnetic north at a
given location.
7. What is a “benchmark” in surveying?
A. A temporary stake
B. A reference elevation point
C. A boundary marker
, D. A GPS satellite coordinate
Correct answer: B
A benchmark is a fixed reference point with a known elevation used
for vertical measurements.
8. Which law governs boundary disputes involving long-term
occupation?
A. Criminal law
B. Adverse possession
C. Tort law
D. Maritime law
Correct answer: B
Adverse possession allows a person to claim ownership of land under
specific conditions of continuous and open use.
9. What is the main function of a total station?
A. Measure soil density
B. Combine electronic distance and angle measurements
C. Record temperature changes
D. Measure wind speed
Correct answer: B
A total station integrates electronic distance measurement and angle
measurement for precise surveying.
10. What is “triangulation” used for in surveying?
A. Measuring soil moisture
