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Surveying MCQ Practice Set — 50 Questions with Answers

50 exam-oriented Surveying multiple-choice questions with the correct answer and a clear explanation for each. Frequently asked in AE Level Civil Engineering, JE Level Civil Engineering. Solve the full set below for free — no login required.

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  1. 1
    SurveyingMEDIUM

    A 'Digital Elevation Model' (DEM) is used in GIS for:

    AOnly road network data
    BTerrain analysis: slope, watershed delineation, viewshed, flood mapping, earthwork volumes — derived from elevation grid
    CAttribute data tables only
    DOnly underground utilities mapping

    Answer: B. Terrain analysis: slope, watershed delineation, viewshed, flood mapping, earthwork volumes — derived from elevation grid

    Explanation: DEM: raster representation of terrain elevation (one elevation value per grid cell). Applications: (1) Slope and aspect maps; (2) Watershed delineation (flow direction, flow accumulation, stream network extraction); (3) Viewshed analysis; (4) Solar radiation modelling; (5) Volume calculation for earthworks; (6) Flood inundation mapping. Sources: SRTM (90/30m), ASTER (30m), LiDAR (< 1m), Cartosat DEM (30m).

  2. 2
    SurveyingMEDIUM

    'Contour interval' selection for a topographic survey depends on:

    AOnly the surveyors'' experience
    BMap scale, terrain relief, and purpose — large scale detailed engineering survey uses small CI; small scale planning uses large CI
    CNumber of available survey instruments
    DOnly the drawing paper size

    Answer: B. Map scale, terrain relief, and purpose — large scale detailed engineering survey uses small CI; small scale planning uses large CI

    Explanation: Contour interval CI = difference in elevation between successive contours. Selection factors: (1) Scale of map (smaller scale → larger CI); (2) Nature of terrain (hilly = large CI, flat = small CI); (3) Purpose (detailed engineering = small CI 0.5–1 m; planning = 5–10 m); (4) Resources (time and cost). Typical: 1:1000 flat = 0.5–1 m CI; 1:50,000 hilly = 20 m CI. Small CI = more detail but more fieldwork.

  3. 3
    SurveyingEASY

    The 'EDM' (Electronic Distance Measurement) instrument measures distances using:

    AChain and tape stretched between two points
    BPhase difference (or time-of-flight) of modulated electromagnetic wave — accuracy ±3 mm + 2 ppm
    CAcoustic/ultrasonic signals under water
    DMagnetic field strength variation

    Answer: B. Phase difference (or time-of-flight) of modulated electromagnetic wave — accuracy ±3 mm + 2 ppm

    Explanation: EDM: measures distance by timing phase shift of modulated electromagnetic wave (carrier: infrared/laser for short range; microwave for long range through rain/fog). Distance = phase difference × modulation wavelength / (4π). Accuracy: ± (3 mm + 2 ppm × D). At D=1 km: accuracy ≈ ± 5 mm. Total station integrates EDM + theodolite. GNSS more accurate for longer distances but EDM used in precise construction layout.

  4. 4
    SurveyingMEDIUM

    The 'photogrammetric control' (ground control points) in aerial survey are required for:

    AOnly for taking photographs from aircraft
    BAbsolute orientation and georeferencing — known ground coordinates to convert model to real-world coordinate system
    CMeasuring pilot''s flight path
    DCalibrating the aircraft compass

    Answer: B. Absolute orientation and georeferencing — known ground coordinates to convert model to real-world coordinate system

    Explanation: Ground Control Points (GCPs): surveyed points on the ground with known X, Y, Z coordinates, identifiable on photos. Used for: absolute orientation of stereomodel (scaling, rotating, levelling the model to ground), georeferencing, orthorectification. Minimum 3–4 GCPs per stereomodel (for 6 exterior orientation parameters). With GNSS direct georeferencing: fewer GCPs needed. Accuracy of map = accuracy of GCPs.

  5. 5
    SurveyingMEDIUM

    The 'photogrammetric stereomodel' from two overlapping aerial photos allows determination of:

    AOnly 2D planimetric positions without height
    B3D ground coordinates (X, Y, Z) from parallax between two overlapping photos — enables DEM and full mapping
    COnly colour information
    DWind speed at flight altitude

    Answer: B. 3D ground coordinates (X, Y, Z) from parallax between two overlapping photos — enables DEM and full mapping

    Explanation: Stereoscopic model: two photos with overlap (endlap 60%, sidelap 30%) form stereomodel when viewed simultaneously. From parallax differences: 3D coordinates of ground points measurable. Output: DEM (Digital Elevation Model), orthophoto, planimetric map. Base-height ratio (B/H) determines height accuracy: Δh = H × Δp / (B) where Δp = parallax measurement error. Analytical photogrammetry → digital photogrammetry (SfM).

  6. 6
    SurveyingMEDIUM

    The 'corrections' applied to measured chain/tape lengths include all EXCEPT:

    ATemperature correction for thermal expansion
    BColour correction (no such correction exists in chain/tape surveying — this is a distractor)
    CSag correction for tape hanging between supports
    DSlope correction to reduce inclined to horizontal

    Answer: B. Colour correction (no such correction exists in chain/tape surveying — this is a distractor)

    Explanation: Tape corrections applied: (1) Temperature correction (thermal expansion); (2) Pull (tension) correction (elastic stretch above/below standard); (3) Sag correction (tape sags under gravity — reduces measured length); (4) Slope correction (measured along slope, reduce to horizontal). NOT applied: Colour correction (no such thing in surveying). All corrections may be + or − depending on field condition vs standard.

  7. 7
    SurveyingMEDIUM

    The 'levelling staff' reading is corrected for 'curvature and refraction' by the formula:

    ACurvature correction alone 0.0785 D² without refraction
    BCombined C−R = 0.0673 D² (metres, D in km) — curvature raises apparent staff reading, refraction partially offsets it
    CNo correction needed for any distance
    D0.0673 D (linear, not squared)

    Answer: B. Combined C−R = 0.0673 D² (metres, D in km) — curvature raises apparent staff reading, refraction partially offsets it

    Explanation: Combined correction for curvature (C) and refraction (R): C−R = 0.0673 D² (metres) where D = distance in km (combined, net correction is positive — staff reading too high due to curved Earth minus refraction bending ray down). Curvature alone: 0.0785 D². Refraction correction: −0.0112 D². Net: 0.0673 D². Important for precise levelling over long sights (> 200 m). Eliminated by equal backsight and foresight lengths.

  8. 8
    SurveyingMEDIUM

    In GIS, a 'raster' data model differs from a 'vector' model in that raster:

    AOnly stores points, not areas
    BUses regular grid cells for continuous spatial data; vector uses points/lines/polygons for discrete features
    CCannot store elevation data
    DCan only be used for road networks

    Answer: B. Uses regular grid cells for continuous spatial data; vector uses points/lines/polygons for discrete features

    Explanation: Raster: divides space into regular grid cells (pixels), each with attribute value. Good for: continuous data (DEM, satellite imagery, slope, rainfall). Resolution = cell size. Vector: represents features as points, lines, polygons with precise coordinates. Good for: discrete features (roads, buildings, boundaries). Raster: fast overlay analysis, requires more storage for fine resolution; Vector: compact, precise boundaries.

  9. 9
    SurveyingMEDIUM

    'Structure from Motion' (SfM) photogrammetry using a drone (UAV) automatically produces:

    AOnly 2D planimetric map without height
    BDense 3D point cloud, DEM, and orthophoto automatically from overlapping drone photos — cm accuracy with GCPs
    COnly video recording without measurement
    DThermal infrared images of ground

    Answer: B. Dense 3D point cloud, DEM, and orthophoto automatically from overlapping drone photos — cm accuracy with GCPs

    Explanation: SfM photogrammetry: drone captures overlapping photos from multiple viewpoints; software (Agisoft Metashape, Pix4D) automatically: (1) Extracts feature points (SIFT algorithm); (2) Matches across photos; (3) Computes camera positions (bundle adjustment); (4) Generates dense point cloud; (5) Creates DEM + orthophoto. With few GCPs: cm-level accuracy. Rapid, cost-effective replacement for manned aircraft survey for small areas.

  10. 10
    SurveyingMEDIUM

    The 'Global Navigation Satellite System' (GNSS) positioning accuracy can be improved by:

    AUsing only one satellite
    BDGPS correction from reference station, RTK (cm accuracy), or dual-frequency for ionospheric correction
    CTurning off atmospheric corrections
    DReducing the number of visible satellites

    Answer: B. DGPS correction from reference station, RTK (cm accuracy), or dual-frequency for ionospheric correction

    Explanation: GNSS accuracy improvement: (1) DGPS (Differential GPS): reference station computes correction; broadcasts to rover (sub-metre accuracy); (2) RTK (Real-Time Kinematic): carrier-phase corrections from base to rover by radio (centimetre accuracy); (3) PPP (Precise Point Positioning): global correction service (few cm); (4) SBAS (Satellite-Based Augmentation: GAGAN for India — 1–3 m); (5) Dual-frequency to correct ionospheric error.

  11. 11
    SurveyingEASY

    The 'GLONASS' satellite navigation system is operated by:

    AUSA (same as GPS)
    BRussia — GLONASS constellation, uses FDMA (different frequency per satellite) vs GPS''s CDMA
    CEuropean Union (this is Galileo)
    DIndia (this is NavIC/IRNSS)

    Answer: B. Russia — GLONASS constellation, uses FDMA (different frequency per satellite) vs GPS''s CDMA

    Explanation: GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite System): Russian counterpart to US GPS. Operational from 1995. 24 satellites in 3 orbital planes. Frequency division multiple access (FDMA) — different frequency per satellite (vs GPS: CDMA — same frequency, different code). GNSS receivers often combine GPS + GLONASS for better availability. Other systems: Galileo (EU), BeiDou (China), NavIC/IRNSS (India — 7 satellites, South Asia coverage).

  12. 12
    SurveyingEASY

    'Contour lines' on a topographic map cannot:

    ARepresent uniform slope on a hillside
    BTwo contours of different elevation values can never merge or cross (except at a vertical cliff shown by special treatment)
    CShow valleys as V-shapes pointing uphill
    DBe closely spaced for steep terrain

    Answer: B. Two contours of different elevation values can never merge or cross (except at a vertical cliff shown by special treatment)

    Explanation: Contour properties: (1) Each contour represents constant elevation; (2) Contours never cross each other (except overhanging cliff — shown dashed); (3) Closely spaced = steep slope; (4) Widely spaced = gentle slope; (5) V-shape pointing uphill = valley; V pointing downhill = ridge/spur. Contours CROSS at overhangs. Two different contours with different elevations NEVER merge on flat ground (would imply same elevation at two adjacent contour values).

  13. 13
    SurveyingMEDIUM

    The 'NavIC' (Navigation with Indian Constellation) system covers:

    AWorldwide coverage like GPS
    BIndia and surrounding region within 1500 km — 7-satellite regional system by ISRO with < 5 m accuracy
    COnly 50 km radius around Delhi
    DOnly in rural areas without mobile network

    Answer: B. India and surrounding region within 1500 km — 7-satellite regional system by ISRO with < 5 m accuracy

    Explanation: NavIC / IRNSS (Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System): ISRO''s regional satellite navigation system. Constellation: 7 satellites (3 GSO + 4 IGSO). Coverage: India and 1500 km surrounding region (South Asia, Indian Ocean). Accuracy: < 5 m horizontal position. Services: Standard Positioning Service (SPS, civil) and Restricted Service (RS, military). Launched 2016 (full constellation 2018). Used in: shipping, aviation, emergency response in India.

  14. 14
    SurveyingMEDIUM

    The 'hydrographic survey' is conducted to determine water body characteristics including:

    AOnly topographic mapping of land area near water
    BWater depths (soundings), shoreline, bottom type, and currents — nautical charts and bathymetric maps for ports, bridges, reservoirs
    COnly groundwater quality testing
    DRainfall measurement over water bodies

    Answer: B. Water depths (soundings), shoreline, bottom type, and currents — nautical charts and bathymetric maps for ports, bridges, reservoirs

    Explanation: Hydrographic survey: mapping of underwater (submarine) terrain and features. Components: (1) Water depths (soundings) using echo sounder or multibeam sonar; (2) Shoreline delineation; (3) Bottom sediment type; (4) Current velocity/direction; (5) Tidal levels. Products: nautical chart, bathymetric map. Equipment: DGPS for position + echo sounder for depth. Applications: port/harbour design, dredging, bridge pier location, reservoir capacity.

  15. 15
    SurveyingMEDIUM

    The 'traversing' by 'Bowditch rule' (compass rule) distributes closing error:

    AEqually to all traverse lines regardless of length
    BProportional to line length — longer lines get larger corrections (Bowditch/compass rule assumes error ∝ distance)
    COnly to the longest line (one correction)
    DProportional to the included angle at each station

    Answer: B. Proportional to line length — longer lines get larger corrections (Bowditch/compass rule assumes error ∝ distance)

    Explanation: Bowditch (compass) rule: distributes closing error in latitude and departure proportionally to the length of each line. Correction to latitude of line i = −e_L × (l_i / Σl) where e_L = total latitude error, l_i = length of line i. Same for departure. Principle: measurement error ∝ length (longer line → more random error). Transit rule: correction ∝ latitude/departure (used when angles more accurate than distances). Bowditch: most commonly used.

  16. 16
    SurveyingEASY

    The 'cadastral survey' is conducted primarily for the purpose of:

    AOnly measuring elevation for highway design
    BDelineating land ownership boundaries and areas for legal records — conducted by State Revenue at 1:500 to 1:4000 scale
    CWeather forecasting and atmospheric study
    DMarine navigation

    Answer: B. Delineating land ownership boundaries and areas for legal records — conducted by State Revenue at 1:500 to 1:4000 scale

    Explanation: Cadastral survey: detailed large-scale survey of land parcels (fields, plots, villages). Establishes: ownership boundaries, areas of individual parcels, legal records. Output: cadastre (land record), mutation register, revenue maps (7/12 extract in Maharashtra, patta in WB). Scale: 1:500 to 1:4000 (large scale). Conducted by: State Revenue Departments (Survey Settlement Commissioner). Important for: land acquisition, property tax, water rights, dispute resolution.

  17. 17
    SurveyingHARD

    'Lambert Conformal Conic' map projection is preferred for regions with:

    ACountries with greater north-south extent
    BRegions of greater east-west extent (wide east-west coverage) — standard parallels placed at 1/6 and 5/6 of latitude range
    COnly for equatorial regions
    DOnly for polar regions

    Answer: B. Regions of greater east-west extent (wide east-west coverage) — standard parallels placed at 1/6 and 5/6 of latitude range

    Explanation: Lambert Conformal Conic (LCC): conformal (shape preserved locally), standard parallels define zero distortion. Suitable for regions of GREATER east-west extent (wide but short N-S). Examples: US state plane coordinate (mid-latitudes), Indian national grid for wide countries. Transverse Mercator (TM): better for north-south extent. UTM = TM with 6° zones. India uses UTM (WGS84) for engineering and topographic maps. LCC used for: continental US, Canada, meteorological charts.

  18. 18
    SurveyingEASY

    'Total Station' in surveying integrates:

    AOnly horizontal angle measurement
    BTheodolite (angles) + EDM (distance) + microprocessor — single instrument gives 3D coordinates from one setup
    CGPS and barometric altimeter only
    DCamera and distance measurement for photography only

    Answer: B. Theodolite (angles) + EDM (distance) + microprocessor — single instrument gives 3D coordinates from one setup

    Explanation: Total station: combines: (1) Theodolite (horizontal and vertical angles); (2) EDM (Electronic Distance Measurement — distance to prism); (3) Microprocessor (computes coordinates, stores data, uploads to computer). Single setup: measures angle + distance → computes 3D point coordinates (E, N, elevation). Replaces: separate theodolite + chain/tape. Modern: robotic total station (auto-targets prism), scanning total station (no prism for short range). IS 8486 part covers field procedures.

  19. 19
    SurveyingMEDIUM

    'LiDAR' (Light Detection and Ranging) from an airborne platform produces:

    AOnly 2D satellite imagery with no elevation
    BDense 3D point cloud with multiple returns — separate DSM (surface) and DTM (bare earth) from first/last returns
    COnly colour photographs from the aircraft
    DTemperature map of land surface

    Answer: B. Dense 3D point cloud with multiple returns — separate DSM (surface) and DTM (bare earth) from first/last returns

    Explanation: Airborne LiDAR: laser pulses emitted, time to return measured → range R = c×t/2. Multiple returns: first return (top of canopy), last return (ground even under forest). Dense point cloud: 10–50 points/m². Products: (1) DSM (Digital Surface Model — top of everything); (2) DTM/DEM (Digital Terrain Model — ground after filtering vegetation/buildings); (3) Intensity image; (4) Building footprints. Accuracy: ±15 cm vertical, ±30 cm horizontal. Much faster than conventional survey for large areas.

  20. 20
    SurveyingMEDIUM

    The resultant sound pressure level of two sound sources, each having a sound pressure level of 50 dB, is

    A100 dB
    B120 dB
    C15.5 dB
    D53 dB

    Answer: D. 53 dB

    Explanation: When two equal sound sources each produce L dB, combined SPL = L + 10*log10(2) = L + 3 dB. General: L_combined = 10*log10(10^(L1/10) + 10^(L2/10)). Adding +3 dB per doubling of identical sources is the standard noise control rule of thumb. For two sources with different levels, the combined level is dominated by the louder source. Two 50 dB sources combine to 53 dB.

  21. 21
    Surveying and GeomaticsMEDIUM

    Temperature correction in tape measurement is positive when field temperature is:

    AHigher than standard temperature
    BLower than standard temperature
    CEqual to zero Celsius
    DNot recorded

    Answer: A. Higher than standard temperature

    Explanation: Temperature correction Ct = αL(Tm−Ts). It is positive when field temperature Tm is higher than standard temperature Ts; it is negative when Tm is lower.

  22. 22
    Total Station GPSEASY

    GPS positioning uses:

    ALaser ranging to satellites
    BPseudorange and carrier phase measurements to multiple satellites (≥4) for 3D position and time
    COnly 2 satellites
    DCompass and dead reckoning

    Answer: B. Pseudorange and carrier phase measurements to multiple satellites (≥4) for 3D position and time

    Explanation: GPS: receiver measures travel time of signals from ≥4 satellites → 4 unknowns (X,Y,Z,time). Pseudorange accuracy ~10m; carrier phase (differential/RTK) → cm-level. Datum: WGS-84.

  23. 23
    Remote SensingHARD

    Parallax in aerial photography is used for:

    ADetermining ground resolution
    BMeasuring heights of objects (differential parallax ΔP = B×Δh/H)
    CColour correction
    DRemoving distortion only

    Answer: B. Measuring heights of objects (differential parallax ΔP = B×Δh/H)

    Explanation: Stereoscopy: two overlapping photos (60% endlap) give 3D view. Height: Δh = H×ΔP/(B+ΔP) where H=flying height, B=air base (overlap distance), ΔP=differential parallax. Used in photogrammetric DEM generation.

  24. 24
    LevellingMEDIUM

    Reciprocal levelling is used to:

    AAchieve higher precision on short distances
    BEliminate errors due to curvature, refraction, and collimation error when levelling across wide obstacles (rivers, valleys)
    CFind RL of a distant hill
    DRun a closed traverse

    Answer: B. Eliminate errors due to curvature, refraction, and collimation error when levelling across wide obstacles (rivers, valleys)

    Explanation: Reciprocal levelling: take staff readings from both banks of a river/obstacle to both staffs. Average of two height differences eliminates curvature and refraction errors (they are equal and opposite). Collimation error also eliminated.

  25. 25
    Plane Table SurveyingMEDIUM

    Two-point problem in plane table surveying is solved by:

    AResection using 3 known points
    BFinding instrument station using 2 known plotted points — trial and error or mechanical solution (Bessel's method)
    CRadiation from 2 stations
    DIntersection from 2 stations

    Answer: B. Finding instrument station using 2 known plotted points — trial and error or mechanical solution (Bessel's method)

    Explanation: Two-point problem: locate table at unknown point using 2 known plotted points. Method: sight both known points, plot rays, move board until both rays pass through respective points on board. Three-point problem: uses Lehmann's or Bessel's method.

  26. 26
    Chain SurveyingEASY

    An offset in chain surveying is:

    ADistance measured along the chain line
    BPerpendicular (right angle) or oblique distance from chain line to detail
    CHeight difference
    DAngle measurement

    Answer: B. Perpendicular (right angle) or oblique distance from chain line to detail

    Explanation: Offset: lateral distance from chain line to object. Perpendicular offset most common. Oblique offset when perpendicular difficult to set out. Maximum offset length for 1:1000 scale: ~15m.

  27. 27
    Compass SurveyingMEDIUM

    Magnetic declination is:

    AAngle between true north and magnetic north at a given location and time
    BDip of compass needle
    CError in compass reading
    DDifference between two bearings

    Answer: A. Angle between true north and magnetic north at a given location and time

    Explanation: Magnetic declination (variation): horizontal angle between true (geographic) north and magnetic north. Changes with location and time. West declination: magnetic north west of true north → add to magnetic bearing for true bearing (if west).

  28. 28
    Compass SurveyingEASY

    Local attraction in compass surveying is caused by:

    AStrong wind
    BPresence of magnetic materials (iron/steel objects) near compass → deflection of needle from magnetic north
    CIncorrect sighting
    DHigh elevation

    Answer: B. Presence of magnetic materials (iron/steel objects) near compass → deflection of needle from magnetic north

    Explanation: Local attraction: magnetic objects (iron structures, electric cables, steel bars) cause local deflection of compass needle. Detected by comparing FB and BB of a line: if they differ by ≠180°, local attraction at one/both stations.

  29. 29
    SurveyingMEDIUM

    The 'ellipsoidal height' from GPS differs from the orthometric height (MSL) because:

    AThey are identical (GPS gives MSL directly)
    BGPS gives ellipsoidal height h; orthometric H = h − N (N = geoid undulation from MSL to ellipsoid, varies ±70 m in India)
    CGPS gives depth below sea, not height
    DEllipsoidal height is always 100 m less than MSL height

    Answer: B. GPS gives ellipsoidal height h; orthometric H = h − N (N = geoid undulation from MSL to ellipsoid, varies ±70 m in India)

    Explanation: GPS measures ellipsoidal height h (above WGS84 reference ellipsoid). Orthometric (levelling) height H = height above geoid (MSL). Relationship: h = H + N (N = geoid undulation). In India: N ranges from −65 m (south) to −50 m (north) approximately. EGM2008 geoid model gives N with ±10–30 cm accuracy. Civil engineering needs orthometric heights (water flows downhill based on geoid, not ellipsoid).

  30. 30
    SurveyingMEDIUM

    The 'traversing by radiation' (polar method) plots detail points by:

    AMeasuring angles only along a chain
    BMeasuring angle and distance from traverse station to each detail point — polar coordinates converted to rectangular for plotting
    COnly for levelling between stations
    DConnecting two benchmarks

    Answer: B. Measuring angle and distance from traverse station to each detail point — polar coordinates converted to rectangular for plotting

    Explanation: Radiation: from one traverse station, angles and distances to all nearby detail points measured. Polar coordinates (distance + bearing/angle) → convert to rectangular (ΔN, ΔE). Advantage: can plot any number of detail points quickly. Suitable for: open terrain. Limitation: error in station position propagates to all detail. Used with total station (tachymetry) for rapid detail survey.

  31. 31
    SurveyingEASY

    The 'scale of a map' 1:50,000 means:

    A1 km on map represents 50 km on ground
    B1 mm on map represents 50 m (50,000 mm) on ground — 1:50,000 is medium scale for topographic mapping
    C50 features shown per square kilometre
    DMap size is 50,000 cm × 50,000 cm

    Answer: B. 1 mm on map represents 50 m (50,000 mm) on ground — 1:50,000 is medium scale for topographic mapping

    Explanation: Map scale 1:50,000 means 1 unit on map = 50,000 same units on ground. So 1 mm on map = 50,000 mm = 50 m on ground. 2 cm on map = 1 km on ground. Large scale: 1:5,000 (more detail, smaller area shown). Small scale: 1:250,000 (less detail, large area). SOI topographic maps: 1:50,000 (standard), 1:25,000 (detailed), 1:250,000 (overview).

  32. 32
    Surveying and GeomaticsHARD

    If departure is positive and latitude is negative, the line lies in:

    ASouth-east quadrant
    BNorth-east quadrant
    CSouth-west quadrant
    DNorth-west quadrant

    Answer: A. South-east quadrant

    Explanation: Positive departure means east, negative latitude means south.

  33. 33
    Surveying and GeomaticsMEDIUM

    Swinging the telescope means rotating it about the:

    ABubble tube axis
    BHorizontal axis
    CLine of collimation
    DVertical axis

    Answer: D. Vertical axis

    Explanation: Horizontal rotation of the telescope is called swinging.

  34. 34
    Surveying and GeomaticsHARD

    In levelling, the arithmetic check in rise and fall method is:

    ASum IS equals sum BS
    BSum FS equals sum IS
    CLast RL equals first BS
    DSum BS minus sum FS equals sum rises minus sum falls

    Answer: D. Sum BS minus sum FS equals sum rises minus sum falls

    Explanation: Both differences should also equal last RL minus first RL.

  35. 35
    Surveying and GeomaticsEASY

    In theodolite, face left and face right observations are taken to eliminate:

    ATape sag only
    BAtmospheric pressure variation
    CInstrumental errors such as collimation error
    DRandom booking errors only

    Answer: C. Instrumental errors such as collimation error

    Explanation: Reversing face cancels several systematic instrumental errors.

  36. 36
    Surveying and GeomaticsEASY

    If fore bearing and back bearing differ by exactly 180 degrees, the line is free from:

    ALocal attraction at the two stations
    BRefraction only
    CCurvature correction
    DSag correction

    Answer: A. Local attraction at the two stations

    Explanation: Equal opposite bearings indicate no local magnetic disturbance at the stations.

  37. 37
    UTM ProjectionMEDIUM

    The Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) projection divides the world into zones each of:

    A10 degrees longitude width
    B6 degrees longitude width, numbered 1-60 eastward from 180 degrees longitude
    C15 degrees latitude bands
    D1 degree width

    Answer: B. 6 degrees longitude width, numbered 1-60 eastward from 180 degrees longitude

    Explanation: UTM: 60 longitude zones of 6 deg each; zones numbered 1-60 starting from 180 deg W. India falls in zones 42-47. Within each zone, coordinates are measured in metres (Northing, Easting). Easting origin = 500,000 m (false easting). Northing: equator = 0 (N hemisphere). Scale factor at central meridian = 0.9996.

  38. 38
    Triangulation Base LineMEDIUM

    In a triangulation survey, the base line is selected such that:

    AIt is as short as possible
    BIt is on level ground, its length can be measured accurately, and it is well-conditioned for angle measurement to the first triangles
    CIt passes through the highest point
    DIt avoids any obstacles

    Answer: B. It is on level ground, its length can be measured accurately, and it is well-conditioned for angle measurement to the first triangles

    Explanation: Triangulation base line criteria: (1) On level or gently undulating ground for tape/invar wire measurement; (2) Free from obstacles (at least 3 m clearance for sights); (3) Located so first triangles are well-conditioned (angles 30-120 deg); (4) Length: 1/5 to 1/10 of the side of the first triangle.

  39. 39
    Bowditch Rule TraverseMEDIUM

    In the Bowditch (compass) rule for balancing a closed traverse, the correction to each latitude or departure is:

    AProportional to the angle at the traverse station
    BProportional to the length of the corresponding survey line
    CEqual for all sides
    DProportional to the latitude or departure of that line

    Answer: B. Proportional to the length of the corresponding survey line

    Explanation: Bowditch rule: correction to latitude (or departure) = (error in latitude / sum of lengths) x length of that line. This distributes error proportionally to side length. Transit rule distributes proportional to arithmetic sum of latitudes/departures (used when angles are more accurate than distances).

  40. 40
    Stadia Tacheometry FormulaMEDIUM

    For inclined stadia tacheometry with vertical staff, the horizontal distance D between instrument and staff is:

    AD = K x s + C (horizontal only)
    BD = K x s x cos2(theta) + C x cos(theta)
    CD = K x s x sin(theta)
    DD = K x s / cos(theta)

    Answer: B. D = K x s x cos2(theta) + C x cos(theta)

    Explanation: Tacheometry formulas (inclined sight, vertical staff): Horizontal distance D = Ks cos2(theta) + C cos(theta); Vertical intercept V = (Ks/2) sin(2theta) + C sin(theta). Where K = stadia multiplier (usually 100), s = staff intercept, C = additive constant (usually 0 for modern telescopes), theta = angle of inclination.

  41. 41
    Magnetic DeclinationMEDIUM

    If the magnetic declination at a place is 3 degrees East, and the magnetic bearing of a line is 48 degrees (WCB), the true bearing is:

    A45 degrees
    B51 degrees
    C48 degrees
    D3 degrees

    Answer: B. 51 degrees

    Explanation: True Bearing = Magnetic Bearing + Declination (East) = 48 + 3 = 51 degrees (WCB). If declination is West: True bearing = Magnetic bearing - Declination. Magnetic declination changes slowly over years (secular variation) and varies with location (isogonic lines on maps).

  42. 42
    Perpendicular Offset Chain SurveyMEDIUM

    In chain surveying, perpendicular offsets are preferred over oblique offsets because:

    AThey are longer than oblique offsets
    BPerpendicular offsets minimize the error in locating the object; a small error in measuring the offset foot position has minimum effect on the plotted object position
    CThey require a larger chain
    DThey use fewer ranging rods

    Answer: B. Perpendicular offsets minimize the error in locating the object; a small error in measuring the offset foot position has minimum effect on the plotted object position

    Explanation: Perpendicular offset (at right angle to chain line) minimizes position error because the object lies closest to the chain line. Oblique offsets are used when the perpendicular cannot be conveniently measured. Maximum length of offset should not exceed 15 m for 1:1000 scale surveys.

  43. 43
    GeneralMEDIUM

    The resection method in plane table surveying is used to locate

    Aposition of instrument station from known points
    Bcontour interval
    Cchain correction
    Dnorth direction from magnetic declination only

    Answer: A. position of instrument station from known points

    Explanation: Resection fixes unknown station by sighting known plotted points.

  44. 44
    GeneralMEDIUM

    Plane table surveying is especially suitable for

    Aunderground sewer flow only
    Bprecise first-order triangulation
    CGPS satellite orbit fixing only
    Dsmall-scale mapping with details plotted in field

    Answer: D. small-scale mapping with details plotted in field

    Explanation: Field plotting is quick and convenient for details over small areas.

  45. 45
    GeneralMEDIUM

    In tacheometry, stadia method is mainly used to determine

    ABOD concentration
    Bsoil shear strength
    Cconcrete slump
    Dhorizontal distance and elevation difference

    Answer: D. horizontal distance and elevation difference

    Explanation: Stadia readings with staff intercept yield distance and elevation.

  46. 46
    GeneralMEDIUM

    The correction for curvature in levelling is

    Aalways zero
    Bpositive to staff reading
    Cequal to refraction correction exactly
    Dnegative to staff reading

    Answer: D. negative to staff reading

    Explanation: Curvature makes the line of sight above the level surface, so correction to reading is negative.

  47. 47
    Theodolite SurveyingMEDIUM

    In a transit theodolite, transiting the telescope means rotating it through 180 degrees about the:

    Avertical axis
    Bline of collimation only
    Chorizontal axis
    Dmagnetic meridian

    Answer: C. horizontal axis

    Explanation: Transiting or plunging is rotation of the telescope in the vertical plane about its horizontal axis.

  48. 48
    Plane Table SurveyingHARD

    In plane table surveying, the method of 'intersection' is employed to locate:

    AThe instrument station when its position is unknown
    BInaccessible points visible from two already-plotted instrument stations
    CDetail points by measuring distance and direction from a known station
    DThe station position using three known plotted control points

    Answer: B. Inaccessible points visible from two already-plotted instrument stations

    Explanation: Intersection: two rays are drawn from two known plotted stations to an inaccessible point. Their intersection on the paper locates it without measuring distance. Radiation = known station + distance + direction. Resection = finding unknown station from known plotted points.

  49. 49
    Field SurveyingHARD

    A transition curve is introduced to provide gradual change of:

    Acurvature
    Bcement setting
    Csoil density
    Dbearing capacity

    Answer: A. curvature

    Explanation: Transition curve gradually changes curvature from zero to circular curve value.

  50. 50
    Field SurveyingHARD

    The length of long chord of a simple circular curve is:

    AR tan(Delta/2)
    B2R tan Delta
    CR Delta/2
    D2R sin(Delta/2)

    Answer: D. 2R sin(Delta/2)

    Explanation: The chord joining tangent points subtends central angle Delta, so long chord = 2R sin(Delta/2).

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