Category: Surveying Objective Questions

Surveying Multiple Choice Questions on “Prismatic Compass”.

1. Prismatic compass is an instrument for measuring angles.
a) True
b) False
Answer: b
Clarification: Prismatic compass is an instrument used for the direct measurement of direction. Instruments for measurement of angles are sextant and theodolite.

2. Which of the following is the most convenient and portable instrument for direct measurement of directions?
a) Prismatic compass
b) Surveyor’s compass
c) Theodolite
d) Sextant
Answer: a
Clarification: Prismatic compass is the most convenient and portable form of a magnetic compass which can either be used as a hand instrument or can be fitted on a tripod.

3. Which of the following is not a part of the prismatic compass?
a) Agate cap
b) Prism cap
c) Brake pin
d) Jewel bearing
Answer: d
Clarification: Prism cap, prism, brake pin, spring brake, pivot, agate cap etc are parts of the prismatic compass. Jewel bearing is one of the parts of surveyor’s compass.

4. In prismatic compass needle is of edge bar type.
a) True
b) False
Answer: b
Clarification: The needle is of broad needle type and the needle doesn’t act as an index in case of a prismatic compass. Edge bar type of needle is in surveyor’s compass.

5. In which of the following compass needle does not act as an index?
a) Prismatic compass
b) Surveyor’s compass
c) Theodolite
d) Sextant
Answer: a
Clarification: In the case of prismatic compass needle does not act as an index. In the case of surveyors, compass needle acts as an index.

6. In which of the following compass graduated card ring is attached with the needle?
a) Prismatic compass
b) Surveyor’s compass
c) Theodolite
d) Sextant
Answer: a
Clarification: The graduated card ring is attached with the needle in case of a prismatic compass. In the case of surveyor’s compass, the graduated card is attached to the box and not to the needle.

7. Which of the following instruments can be used without a tripod?
a) Prismatic compass
b) Surveyor’s compass
c) Theodolite
d) Sextant
Answer: a
Clarification: Prismatic compass is the most convenient and portable form of a magnetic compass which can either be used as a hand instrument or can be fitted on a tripod.

8. In prismatic compass, graduations are in W.C.B system.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: In prismatic compass, graduations are in W.C.B system, having 0° to south end, 90° at west, 180° at north and 270° at east. The graduations are engraved inverted.

9. In which of the following compass graduations are engraved inverted?
a) Prismatic compass
b) Surveyor’s compass
c) Theodolite
d) Sextant
Answer: a
Clarification: In case of prismatic compass graduations are engraved inverted. In case of surveyor’s compass graduations are engraved erect.

10. In which of the following compass sighting and reading taking can be done simultaneously from one position of the observer?
a) Prismatic compass
b) Surveyor’s compass
c) Theodolite
d) Sextant
Answer: a
Clarification: In case of a prismatic compass, reading is taken with the help of prism provided at the eye slit. Sighting and reading taking can be done simultaneously from one position of the observer.

Surveying Multiple Choice Questions on “Errors in Levelling”.

1. Which of the following is not an instrumental error?
a) error due to imperfect adjustment
b) error due to sluggish bubble
c) error due to movement of objective slide
d) settlement of tripod or turning points
Answer: d
Clarification: Error due to imperfect adjustment, error due to sluggish bubble, error due to movement of the objective slide are instrumental errors. Settlement of tripod or turning points is a natural error.

2. Which of the following is a natural error?
a) error due to defective joint
b) rod not of standard length
c) variations in temperature
d) error due to sluggish bubble
Answer: c
Clarification: Error due to a defective joint, rod not of standard length, error due to sluggish bubble are instrumental errors. Variations in temperature are a natural error.

3. Which of the following is a personal error?
a) mistakes in manipulation
b) atmospheric refraction
c) settlement of tripod or turning points
d) wind vibrations
Answer: a
Clarification: Atmospheric refraction, settlement of tripod or turning points, wind vibrations are natural errors. Mistakes in manipulation is a personal error.

4. Which of the following is not a personal error?
a) mistake in rod handling
b) errors in sighting
c) mistake in reading the rod
d) error due to defective joint
Answer: d
Clarification: Mistake in rod handling, errors in sighting, a mistake in reading the rod are personal errors. Error due to the defective joint is an instrumental error.

5. Atmospheric refraction is _________
a) instrumental error
b) natural error
c) personal error
d) it’s not an error
Answer: b
Clarification: Atmospheric refraction is a natural error. Settlement of tripod or turning points, wind vibrations are also natural errors.

6. Which of the following is an instrumental error?
a) earth’s curvature
b) mistake in rod handling
c) mistakes in recording
d) error due to sluggish bubble
Answer: d
Clarification: Earth’s curvature is a natural error. Mistake in rod handling, mistakes in recording are personal errors. Error due to sluggish bubble is an instrumental error.

7. Which of the following is not a natural error?
a) error due to defective joint
b) atmospheric refraction
c) wind vibrations
d) earth’s curvature
Answer: a
Clarification: Atmospheric refraction, wind vibrations, earth’s curvature are natural errors. error due to a defective joint is an instrumental errors.

8. Which of the following is not a principle source of error in levelling?
a) instrumental error
b) natural error
c) personal error
d) Systematic error
Answer: d
Clarification: All levelling measurements are subjected to three principal source of errors. Systematic error is also called cumulative error.

9. Errors in sighting is _________
a) instrumental error
b) natural error
c) personal error
d) Systematic error
Answer: c
Clarification: Errors in sighting is a personal error. Mistakes in manipulation, mistakes in rod handling, mistakes in reading the rod etc also come under personal error.

10. Wind vibrations are natural errors.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: Wind vibrations is a natural error. Atmospheric refraction, settlement of tripod or turning points, wind vibrations are natural errors.

11. When distances are small which of the following error is negligible?
a) error due to defective joint
b) atmospheric refraction
c) wind vibrations
d) earth’s curvature
Answer: d
Clarification: The effect of curvature is to increase rod reading. When the distances are small the error is negligible.

12. Due to refraction, staff reading decreases.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: Due to refraction, the ray of light bends downwards in the form of a curve with its concavity towards the earth surface, thus decreases the staff readings.

Surveying Multiple Choice Questions on “Theodolite Traversing – Stadia Tacheometry”.

1. The value of multiplying constant is generally taken as _________
a) 60
b) 80
c) 90
d) 100
Answer: d
Clarification: In the expression k = ¹⁄₂*cot ^β⁄₂, the value of β is taken as 34⁰22ꞌ64ꞌꞌ. On substituting the value of β in the equation, the value of k can be approximately equal to 100.

2. Stadia method can also be known as __________
a) Fixed hair method
b) Movable hair method
c) Subtense method
d) Tangential method
Answer: a
Clarification: Since the stadia wires are fixed, this method is known as Fixed hair method. The stadia hair can be moved in case of Movable hair method which is also known as subtense method. In tangential method horizontal and vertical distances can be measured by the instrument which consists only vane.

3. Which among the following represents stadia interval factor?
a) f + d
b) f – d
c) f / i
d) i/ f
Answer: c
Clarification: The horizontal distance between the axis and the staff can be given as
D = (f/i)*s + (f+d)
D = K*s + C
Where K is the stadia interval factor (or) the multiplying constant and C is the additive constant.

4. What is the formula for finding vertical distance if the staff is held vertical and line of sight is inclined?
a) V = Ks (frac{sin2θ}{2}) + C sin θ
b) V = Ks cos² θ + C cos θ
c) V = Cs (frac{sin2θ}{2}) + K cos θ
d) V = Ks sin²2 θ + C cos θ
Answer: a
Clarification: If the line of sight is inclined, the vertical distance calculated will include the values of sin which is derived from the horizontal distance formula i.e., V = Ks (frac{sin2θ}{2}) + C sin θ.

5. The value of additive constant lies in the range of__________
a) 0.2 to 0.3m
b) 0.3 to 0.45m
c) 0.5 to 0.6m
d) 0.6 to 0.7m
Answer: b
Clarification: Since the lens is provided in the internal focussing telescope, it reduces the value of the additive constant to a minimal range.

6. Usage of anallactic lens makes the entire process more simple and reliable.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: Due to the absorption of more amount of incident light, the anallactic lens makes the entire process simple and reliable. But the lens is adjustable, which may be a
cause for potential errors.

7. A tacheometer is setup at A and the readings on the staff at B are 1.77m, 2.12m, 2.34m and the inclination of line of sight is + 1⁰ 9ꞌ. Calculate the vertical distance between A and B. Take k = 100, c = 0.3?
a) 1.51 m
b) 2.51 m
c) 2.15 m
d) 1.15 m
Answer: d
Clarification: We know that the vertical distance can be computed by using
V = k s (frac{sin2θ}{2}) + c sin θ
S = 2.34 – 1.77 = 0.57m
On substitution,
V = (100*0.57*sin(2*1⁰9ꞌ))/2 + (0.3*sin(1⁰9ꞌ))
V = 1.15m.

8. What is the value of additive constant in anallactic lens?
a) 100
b) 0.3
c) 0
d) 0.4
Answer: c
Clarification: If the anallactic lens has been provided in the internal focussing telescope, the additive constant can be reduced to minimal value i.e., zero due to which the computations can be make quicker.

9. From the figure, the R.L of B can be____________

a) R.L of B = R.L of B.M + H.I + X + V
b) R.L = R.L of B.M + H.I + V – X
c) R.L = R.L of B.M + V – X
d) R.L = R.L of B.M + V + X
Answer: b
Clarification: The R.L of B can be obtained by calculating the value of vertical distance and by substituting in the formula R.L = R.L of B.M + H.I + X + V.

10. Subtense method is one of the classifications of stadia system.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: Stadia system is classified into movable hair method and fixed hair method in which, the movable hair method can also be known as sub tense method.

11. Calculate the value of K and C, if the measurements are taken between two points of 50 and 130 distant apart and the stadia readings will be 0.024, 0.824 respectively.
a) 0, 47.6
b) 47.6, 100
c) 100, 47.6
d) 47.6, 0
Answer: c
Clarification: We know that, D = Ks + C, on substituting the values of D, s, C we get two equations. 50 = k(0.024) + C; 130 = k(0.824) + C. On subtracting, we get
80 = k(0.8). We get, K = 100. Now, substitute this value in any of the equations to get the value of C. It can be given as 50 = 100*0.024 + C, C = 47.6.

12. The following are the staff readings given when the staff is held normal. The line of sight of instrument is placed at an angle +3⁰24ꞌ. It being an anallactic lens, find the horizontal distance between staff and instrument station. Staff readings – 2.145 m, 1.925 m, 1.464 m.
a) 62.082 m
b) 58.082 m
c) 60.082 m
d) 68.082 m
Answer: d
Clarification: When the staff is placed normal, the value of horizontal distance can be given as D = (Ks + C) cos θ + r sin θ on substituting the values of s = 2.145 – 1.464 = 0.681, r = 1.925, θ, C = 0, we get,
D = 100*0.681* cos 3⁰24ꞌ + 0 + 1.925* sin 3⁰24ꞌ
D = 68.082 m.

13. Calculate the value of R.L for staff being vertical and possessing staff readings as follows 2.892, 2.234, 1.926. It being an anallactic lens possesses an instrumental height of 1.94 with R.L 102.34 m. Line of sight placed at an angle of 2⁰42ꞌ.
a) 106.591 m
b) 105.591 m
c) 109.951 m
d) 100.981 m
Answer: a
Clarification: The R.L of the staff can be given as R.L = R.L of instrument station + H.I + v – r. the value of v can be calculated as v = k*s/2*sin2θ + c sin θ. On substitution we get,
V = 100 * (2.892-1.926)/2* sin (2*2⁰42ꞌ) + 0
V = 4.545 m. R.L of staff is given as R.L = 102.34 + 1.94 + 4.545 – 2.234 = 106.591 m.

Surveying Multiple Choice Questions on “Volume Measurement – Prismoidal Formula”.

1. A prismoid is a combination of which of the following?
a) Trapezium, circle
b) Parallelogram, trapezium
c) Triangle, trapezium
d) Triangle, circle
Answer: c
Clarification: The longitudinal faces of the prismoid are in the form of triangle, parallelogram or trapezium. A prismoid is a solid whose end faces lies in parallel planes, which can be used for calculating the volume of the obtained figure due to surveying.

2. The trapezoidal and prismoidal formulae were derived based on the assumption that end sections are in parallel planes.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: The prismoidal and the trapezoidal formulae were derived on the assumption that the end sections are in parallel planes. So, the centre line of an embankment is curved in plan and it is common to calculate the volume as if the end sections were in parallel planes and then apply the correction for curvature.

3. Prismoidal rule is also known as__________
a) Simpson’s rule
b) Trapezoidal rule
c) Curvature rule
d) Euler’s rule
Answer: a
Clarification: Prismoidal rule is also known as Simpson’s rule because the formula obtained from the derivation represents the formula of Simpson’s one- third rule.

4. The prismoidal formula is used for the calculation of__________
a) Perimeter
b) Traverse
c) Volume
d) Area
Answer: c
Clarification: The calculation of volume includes the following processes trapezoidal formula, prismoidal formula which can be used for better enhancement and for obtaining accurate output.

5. Calculate the total volume if number of sides = 3 and d = 2 m. The values of area can be given as 117.98 sq. m, 276.54 sq. m and 98.43 sq. m.
a) 1170.26 cu. m
b) 1710.26 cu. m
c) 1107.26 cu. m
d) 117.26 cu. m
Answer: a
Clarification: The total volume of any figure can be calculated by using the Simpson’s formula i.e.,
V = d/3 (A1 + A3 + 4*A2 + 2A3 + 2A1). On substitution, we get
V = 2/3 (117.98 + 98.43 + 4*276.54 + 2*98.43 + 2*117.98)
V = 1170.26 cu. m.

6. In prisomidal rule, it is necessary to have odd number cross sections.
a) False
b) True
Answer: b
Clarification: It is not compulsory, but having odd number of cross sections makes the process simpler when compared to the presence of even number of cross sections.

7. Which of the following must be done for obtaining equivalent area?
a) Applying correction for bearings
b) Applying correction for angles
c) Applying correction for curvature
d) Applying correction for length
Answer: c
Clarification: The corrections for curvature are applied to the areas of cross-sections thus getting equivalent areas and then use them in prismoidal formula. For example, In Level section, no correction is necessary since the area is symmetrical about the central line.

8. If the area of mid section is 345.98 sq. m and the individual areas A1, A2 are 123.31 and 157.31 respectively, d = 5m. Find the volume of the pyramid.
a) 3187.11 cu. m
b) 1378.11 cu. m
c) 1837.11 cu. m
d) 1387.11 cu. m
Answer: d
Clarification: The volume of pyramid with lateral sides can be given as,
V = d/6 (A1+A2+4A_m). On substitution, we get
V = 5/6 (123.31 + 157.31 + 4*345.98)
V = 1387.11 cu. M.

9. Which of the following indicates the formula for prisomidal correction?
a) C_p = d n (h+h1)²/6
b) C_p = d n (h-h1)²/6
c) C_p = d n (h*h1)²/6
d) C_p = d n (h/h1)²/6
Answer: b
Clarification: The formula for prisomidal correction is given as, C_p = d n (h-h1)²/6 which is used based on the type of work being done and accuracy of the output required.

10. Find the area of first prismoid if the areas of A1, A2 and A3 are 145.31, 257.43 and 59.67 respectively with a distance of 2.5 m.
a) 1208.91 cu. m
b) 1082.91 cu. m
c) 1028.91 cu. m
d) 1820.91 cu. m
Answer: c
Clarification: Volume of the first prismoid can be given as,
V = d/3 (A1 + 4*A2 + A3)
V = 2.5/3 (145.31 + 4*257.43 + 59.67)
V = 1028.91 cu. M.

Surveying written test Questions & Answers on “Curve Surveying – By Successive Bisection of Arcs or Chords”.

1. Which of the following indicates the formula for linear method of bisection of arcs?
a) ( R + (R^2 – (frac{l}{2})^2)^{1/2})
b) ( R * (R^2 – (frac{l}{2})^2)^{1/2})
c) ( R – (R^2 + (frac{l}{2})^2)^{1/2})
d) ( R – (R^2 – (frac{l}{2})^2)^{1/2})
Answer: d
Clarification: The perpendicular which is erected while setting curve by bisection of arcs, is equal to versed sine of the curve which makes it equal to ( R – (R^2 – (frac{l}{2})^2)^{1/2}).

2. Find the perpendicular distance if the radius of the curve is given as 10.26m and the angle as θ = 10˚24ꞌ.
a) 0.042m
b) 0.402m
c) 0.204m
d) 0.024m
Answer: a
Clarification: The formula for finding the perpendicular can be given as, R*(1-cos (θ/2)). On substitution, we get
10.26*(1- cos (10˚24ꞌ/2)) = 0.042 m.

3. The bisection of chords method involves more accuracy.
a) False
b) True
Answer: b
Clarification: Since the bisection of each chord is involved in this method, this may have an advantage over the remaining methods. The bisection can provide accuracy by involving each step closely.

4. Set a perpendicular offset for A and B using the radius and the angle given. R = 34.76m and θ = 14˚76ꞌ.
a) 2.08m
b) 0.82m
c) 0.28m
d) 8.02m
Answer: c
Clarification: The perpendicular offset can be set by using the formula, R*(1-cos (θ/4)). On substitution, we get
34.76*(1-cos (14˚76ꞌ/4)) = 0.28 m.

5. Which of the following represents the replication of versine?
a) 1-cos θ
b) 1-cosec θ
c) 1-cot θ
d) 1-sin θ
Answer: a
Clarification: Versine is the indication of the inversion of sine i.e., sin^-1. Among the following, 1-cos θ represents the versine value. This is done for improving technical knowledge.

6. Perpendicular offsets can be set out after__________
a) Resection
b) Intersection
c) Trisection
d) Bisection
Answer: d
Clarification: Bisection is the main process involved in the successive bisection of the chords method. For the erection of perpendicular offsets it is must for developing the bisection process, as it provides the points necessary for perpendicular offsets.

7. Which of the following describes the advantage of bisection of chords method?
a) Setting out more chords
b) Setting out more parallels
c) Setting out more points
d) Setting out more perpendiculars
Answer: c
Clarification: The successive bisection of chords involve in determining the offsets points and also in erecting the perpendicular offsets. The main advantage of this method involves generation of more amount of points by which this process can be continued.

8. Find the perpendicular offset using successive bisection of chords, with radius 34.98m and length 12.65 m.
a) 0.75m
b) 0.57m
c) 5.07m
d) 7.05m
Answer: b
Clarification: The formula in successive bisection of chords for erecting a perpendicular can be given as ( R – (R^2 – (frac{l}{2})^2)^{1/2}). On substitution, we get
(34.98 – (34.98^2- (frac{12.65}{2})^2)^{1/2} = 0.57m.)

9. The successive bisection of chords comes under which of the following category?
a) Transition curve
b) Reverse curve
c) Compound curve
d) Simple curve
Answer: d
Clarification: The simple curve setting methods involve certain category off which, the successive bisection of chords is one of them. It is a tedious procedure because it involves the bisection of each chord.

10. Perpendicular chords can be obtained by using the successive bisection method.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: The successive bisection method involves certain procedures among which the erection of perpendicular offsets is also present. This can be achieved by using the formula obtained by solving the procedure.

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