Surveying Terms

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Instructions: Measure your knowledge of land surveying vocabulary with this quiz about the profession of measuring the Earth.

1.
What is a 'theodolite'?
A
A type of measuring tape
B
A geological rock sample
C
A precision instrument for measuring horizontal and vertical angles
D
A type of survey marker
2.
What does 'benchmark' mean in surveying?
A
A type of field notebook
B
A surveyor's qualification exam
C
A permanent reference point of known elevation used as a basis for measurements
D
A bench placed at survey sites
3.
What is a 'traverse' in surveying?
A
A type of map projection
B
Walking across a property
C
A surveyor's walking stick
D
A series of connected survey lines with measured angles and distances
4.
What does 'azimuth' refer to?
A
A type of compass
B
The horizontal angle measured clockwise from north
C
The depth of a valley
D
The height of a hill
5.
What is a 'monument' in surveying?
A
A statue on the property
B
A large rock formation
C
A permanent physical marker placed to define a boundary point
D
A historical building
6.
What does 'metes and bounds' describe?
A
A type of property tax
B
The limits of surveying equipment
C
A method of describing land boundaries using distances (metes) and directions (bounds)
D
A fencing technique
7.
What is 'leveling' in surveying?
A
Grading a property for drainage
B
Making sure the tripod is straight
C
Flattening the ground
D
The process of determining the difference in elevation between points
8.
What is a 'plat' in surveying?
A
A flat area of land
B
A unit of land measurement
C
A map or drawing showing the boundaries and features of a piece of land
D
A type of survey stake
9.
What does 'chain' refer to as a unit of measurement?
A
A unit equal to 66 feet, historically used in land surveying
B
The links between survey points
C
A metal chain used to mark boundaries
D
A chain-link fence
10.
What is 'triangulation'?
A
A technique using a network of triangles to determine positions of points over large areas
B
A three-person surveying team
C
Dividing land into triangles for sale
D
Creating triangle-shaped survey markers
11.
What is a 'right-of-way' in surveying?
A
The right to survey any property
B
The correct way to read a survey
C
A priority system for surveyors
D
A legal right to pass through property owned by another, or the strip of land reserved for that purpose
12.
What does 'topographic survey' produce?
A
A map showing the elevation, contours, and physical features of the land surface
B
A list of property owners
C
A legal description of boundaries only
D
A geological report
13.
What is a 'total station'?
A
A fully equipped survey vehicle
B
An electronic instrument that measures angles and distances simultaneously
C
The surveyor's main office
D
A complete survey of a property
14.
What does 'setback' mean in surveying and zoning?
A
Moving a survey marker backward
B
The required minimum distance a building must be from a property line or road
C
A delay in completing a survey
D
A problem with the survey
15.
What is a 'rod' as a surveying measurement?
A
A type of survey telescope
B
The pole used with a level
C
A unit of length equal to 16.5 feet
D
A metal pin driven into the ground

Answer Key

Question 1

C. A precision instrument for measuring horizontal and vertical angles

Question 2

C. A permanent reference point of known elevation used as a basis for measurements

Question 3

D. A series of connected survey lines with measured angles and distances

Question 4

B. The horizontal angle measured clockwise from north

Question 5

C. A permanent physical marker placed to define a boundary point

Question 6

C. A method of describing land boundaries using distances (metes) and directions (bounds)

Question 7

D. The process of determining the difference in elevation between points

Question 8

C. A map or drawing showing the boundaries and features of a piece of land

Question 9

A. A unit equal to 66 feet, historically used in land surveying

Question 10

A. A technique using a network of triangles to determine positions of points over large areas

Question 11

D. A legal right to pass through property owned by another, or the strip of land reserved for that purpose

Question 12

A. A map showing the elevation, contours, and physical features of the land surface

Question 13

B. An electronic instrument that measures angles and distances simultaneously

Question 14

B. The required minimum distance a building must be from a property line or road

Question 15

C. A unit of length equal to 16.5 feet

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