Techniques and Instruments Used in Surveying
1. Which of the following instruments is primarily used for measuring horizontal and vertical angles in surveying?
A. Theodolite
B. Leveling rod
C. Total station
D. GPS receiver
Answer: A
Explanation: A theodolite is a precision instrument used for measuring horizontal and vertical angles in surveying.
2. What is the main advantage of using a total station in surveying?
A. It eliminates the need for leveling
B. It can only measure distances, not angles
C. It combines angle and distance measurements with electronic data recording
D. It does not require a tripod
Answer: C
Explanation: A total station integrates electronic angle measurement, distance measurement, and data recording, making it essential for accurate land surveying.
3. Which type of survey is used for determining property boundaries?
A. Topographic survey
B. Hydrographic survey
C. Cadastral survey
D. Geodetic survey
Answer: C
Explanation: Cadastral surveys define land ownership boundaries and are crucial for property registration.
4. Which instrument is commonly used in hydrographic surveys to measure water depth?
A. Digital level
B. Sonar (Echo sounder)
C. Gyroscope
D. Plumb bob
Answer: B
Explanation: Sonar (echo sounder) is used in hydrographic surveys to measure water depths for navigation and environmental studies.
5. What is the purpose of a benchmark in surveying?
A. To serve as a reference point with a known elevation
B. To indicate the property boundaries of a site
C. To assist in angle measurements
D. To record rainfall data
Answer: A
Explanation: A benchmark is a permanent reference point with a known elevation, used as a starting point for leveling surveys.
6. Which surveying technique is most suitable for establishing control points over large areas using satellites?
A. Traverse surveying
B. Aerial photogrammetry
C. GPS surveying
D. Chain surveying
Answer: C
Explanation: GPS surveying utilizes satellite positioning to establish precise control points over large distances.
7. What type of survey accounts for the curvature of the Earth?
A. Plane surveying
B. Geodetic surveying
C. Hydrographic surveying
D. Topographic surveying
Answer: B
Explanation: Geodetic surveying is used for large-scale surveys where Earth's curvature is considered.
8. Which of the following is NOT a type of surveying method?
A. Plane surveying
B. Geodetic surveying
C. Orbital surveying
D. Topographic surveying
Answer: C
Explanation: Orbital surveying is not a recognized method; common surveying methods include plane, geodetic, and topographic surveying.
9. Which of the following is a common cause of systematic errors in surveying?
A. Human mistakes in reading measurements
B. Instrumental defects
C. Unpredictable environmental changes
D. Accidental disturbances
Answer: B
Explanation: Systematic errors occur due to flaws in the instrument or improper calibration.
10. Which method of surveying is most appropriate for mapping large-scale land developments such as highways?
A. Chain surveying
B. Traverse surveying
C. Compass surveying
D. Photogrammetric surveying
Answer: D
Explanation: Photogrammetric surveying uses aerial photography to map large land areas efficiently.
Measurement of Distances, Angles, and Elevations
11. Which of the following methods is used to measure horizontal distances in surveying?
A. Taping
B. Leveling
C. Triangulation
D. Stadia method
Answer: A
Explanation: Taping (or chaining) is a direct method used to measure horizontal distances.
12. Which principle is used in triangulation surveying?
A. Pythagorean theorem
B. Law of Sines
C. Newton’s law
D. Archimedes’ principle
Answer: B
Explanation: Triangulation is based on the Law of Sines to determine distances using angles.
13. In leveling, what is the term for the difference in elevation between two points?
A. Backsight
B. Height of instrument
C. Reduced level
D. Elevation difference
Answer: D
Explanation: Elevation difference is the vertical height change between two survey points.
14. Which type of error occurs due to refraction in the atmosphere?
A. Instrumental error
B. Systematic error
C. Natural error
D. Random error
Answer: C
Explanation: Natural errors occur due to environmental conditions, such as temperature and atmospheric refraction.
15. What is the standard length of a surveying tape measure used in metric surveying?
A. 10 m
B. 20 m
C. 30 m
D. 50 m
Answer: C
Explanation: In metric surveying, 30-meter tapes are commonly used for measuring distances.
16. Which method is most accurate for measuring very long distances in surveying?
A. Direct taping
B. Pacing
C. Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM)
D. Odometer wheel
Answer: C
Explanation: EDM uses laser or electromagnetic waves to accurately measure long distances.
17. What is the purpose of a backsight reading in leveling?
A. To determine the starting reference elevation
B. To measure the horizontal distance
C. To calculate horizontal angles
D. To establish a new benchmark
Answer: A
Explanation: Backsight readings help establish the initial elevation reference point.
18. What is the main function of a plumb bob in surveying?
A. To measure horizontal distances
B. To ensure vertical alignment
C. To determine angular deflection
D. To measure slope angles
Answer: B
Explanation: A plumb bob ensures that an instrument or pole is perfectly vertical.
19. Which angle measurement is used in transit surveying?
A. Zenith angle
B. Bearing angle
C. Deflection angle
D. Horizontal angle
Answer: D
Explanation: Transit surveys primarily measure horizontal angles for land mapping.
20. What is the term for a leveling error caused by the curvature of the Earth?
A. Instrumental error
B. Collimation error
C. Earth curvature error
D. Human error
Answer: C
Explanation: Earth curvature error occurs in long-distance leveling due to the planet’s shape.
Topographic and Construction Surveying
21. What is the primary purpose of a topographic survey?
A. To determine property boundaries
B. To measure the elevation and features of the land
C. To locate underground utilities
D. To establish construction site layouts
Answer: B
Explanation: A topographic survey is conducted to map elevations, natural features, and man-made structures on a given land area.
22. Which of the following instruments is most commonly used in topographic surveys to measure elevation differences?
A. Theodolite
B. Dumpy level
C. Total station
D. GPS receiver
Answer: B
Explanation: A dumpy level is commonly used in topographic surveys for leveling and elevation measurements.
23. In a contour map, what does it mean when contour lines are spaced very close together?
A. The land has a steep slope
B. The land is perfectly flat
C. The land is underwater
D. The land has no elevation changes
Answer: A
Explanation: Closely spaced contour lines indicate a steep slope, while widely spaced lines indicate a gentle slope.
24. Which surveying method is commonly used in construction projects to ensure proper alignment and elevation?
A. Topographic surveying
B. Traversing
C. Construction surveying
D. Hydrographic surveying
Answer: C
Explanation: Construction surveying ensures accurate positioning of structures, roads, and utilities on-site.
25. What is the primary purpose of a grade stake in construction surveying?
A. To mark underground utilities
B. To indicate elevation and slope on-site
C. To measure angles
D. To calculate distances
Answer: B
Explanation: Grade stakes are used to indicate elevation changes, slopes, and construction reference points.
26. Which type of survey is used to determine if a construction site is level before beginning foundation work?
A. Boundary survey
B. Control survey
C. Rough grading survey
D. Final grading survey
Answer: C
Explanation: A rough grading survey helps determine site elevations and earthwork requirements before construction begins.
27. What type of benchmarks are used as permanent reference points in construction surveys?
A. Temporary benchmarks
B. Arbitrary benchmarks
C. Fixed benchmarks
D. Floating benchmarks
Answer: C
Explanation: Fixed benchmarks are permanent, stable reference points used for accurate elevation measurements.
28. Which construction survey is conducted after the completion of a project to verify that it meets design specifications?
A. Preliminary survey
B. As-built survey
C. Site reconnaissance survey
D. Route survey
Answer: B
Explanation: An as-built survey is performed to ensure that a completed project matches design plans.
29. What is the primary concern of cut and fill calculations in construction surveying?
A. Determining property ownership
B. Ensuring safety regulations are met
C. Balancing the volume of excavated and filled earth
D. Identifying underground utilities
Answer: C
Explanation: Cut and fill calculations determine the amount of earth that needs to be excavated or added to create a level surface.
30. What type of leveling is used in construction to transfer elevation from a known point to another location?
A. Trigonometric leveling
B. Differential leveling
C. Reciprocal leveling
D. Profile leveling
Answer: B
Explanation: Differential leveling is used to transfer elevations between points on a construction site.