Surveying— Important Topics, Formulas & MCQs
Surveying is the science of determining relative positions of points on, above or below the earth's surface. It is a scoring, concept-light subject covering chain, compass, levelling, theodolite, tacheometry, curves and modern total-station/GPS methods.
Or solve the free Surveying MCQ practice set — real questions with answers & explanations, no login needed.
Important topics in Surveying
Key concepts & formulas — Surveying
Chain correction
True length = (L'/L) × measured length, where L' = actual and L = designated chain length.
Curvature & refraction
Combined correction = 0.0673D² (m, D in km) — curvature subtractive, refraction additive.
Reduced level (HI method)
RL = HI − FS; HI = RL + BS. The most common levelling numerical.
Whole circle bearing
Convert reduced bearings by quadrant: NE = θ, SE = 180−θ, SW = 180+θ, NW = 360−θ.
5–7 questions in AE/JE papers; relatively easy marks compared with design subjects.
Levelling and bearing numericals are guaranteed marks — practise the HI/rise-fall tables until they're automatic.
Sample Surveying MCQ
A backsight of 2.5 m is taken on a point of RL 100.0 m; a foresight of 1.5 m is taken on the next point. The RL of the next point is: