Category: Surveying Objective Questions

Surveying Multiple Choice Questions on “Triangulation System Classification”.

1. Which among the following indicates the correct necessity of classification of the triangulation system?
a) For measuring in any way
b) For accuracy in measurement
c) For covering the entire field
d) For reducing the work process
Answer: b
Clarification: The classification of the survey field into a triangulation system helps in covering the entire area, but the main intention is to have accuracy in the measurement values obtained.

2. The figure given below describes which of the following methods?

a) Quadruple chain triangulation
b) Triple chain triangulation
c) Single chain triangulation
d) Double chain triangulation
Answer: c
Clarification: This process is adopted in case of obtaining output in less time. Due to obtaining output in less time, the accuracy is not up to the mark and is not suitable in case of primary works.

3. Among the classification of triangulation system, which posses the highest order?
a) Primary
b) Secondary
c) Tertiary
d) Quaternary
Answer: a
Clarification: The primary or first order classification of triangulation system provides the necessary output with high accuracy because of its high order when compared to secondary and tertiary.

4. In which of the following areas, the usage of primary triangulation is done?
a) Measuring fields
b) Measuring built up lands
c) Measuring earths figure
d) Measuring unused lands
Answer: c
Clarification: Due to its high accuracy and high order presence, the primary triangulation is adopted for important works like measuring the earth’s figure and also for other government related works.

5. Length of base line in primary triangulation is given as____________
a) 1.5 – 5 km
b) 0.5 – 10 km
c) 0.5 – 3 km
d) 5 – 15 km
Answer: d
Clarification: For applying the triangulation system, certain parameters will be assumed and length of base line is one among them. It is assumed as 5-15 km in primary, 1.5-5 km in secondary, 0.5-3 km in tertiary triangulation system.

6. When compared to primary triangulation, secondary triangulation is having smaller triangles.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: When compared to primary triangulation, secondary triangulation and tertiary triangulation are having less order which decreases its accuracy. So in order to obtain stable values the formation of number of triangles in a framework increases.

7. Among the classification of triangulation, which will give the precise value?
a) Quaternary
b) Tertiary
c) Secondary
d) Primary
Answer: d
Clarification: Because of the presence of high order when compared to the remaining classifications, primary triangulation can provide precise and accurate values than the remaining.

8. Which classification involves the formation of more number of triangles?
a) Primary
b) Secondary
c) Tertiary
d) Quaternary
Answer: c
Clarification: Due to the presence of less order than the remaining classifications, tertiary triangulation involves the formation of more number of triangles which makes it a tedious process.

9. Which triangulation system has the least probability of occurring errors?
a) Primary
b) Secondary
c) Quaternary
d) Tertiary
Answer: a
Clarification: Primary triangulation involves the formation of triangles in a frame work which covers a vast area. The triangles formed will be having high accuracy in obtained values which might serve as the best method with least errors.

10. Which triangulation system is will not give more accurate results?
a) Quadrilateral
b) Single chain
c) Double chain
d) Central point
Answer: b
Clarification: In a single chain of triangles, narrow strips are used for covering the terrain. This process can be useful in case of obtaining results in a rapid way within the expenditure. But it is not suitable for primary works.

11. Covering whole survey area with primary triangulation but filling the gaps with secondary and tertiary triangulation involves in which among the following processes?
a) Central system
b) Quaternary triangulation
c) Grid iron system
d) Well conditioned system
Answer: c
Clarification: The grid system involves formation of framework with primary triangulation but filling the parallel and perpendicular with secondary and tertiary triangulation systems. It is the widely used process in India and central system is adopted in U.K.

12. The figure given below describes about the double chain method of triangulation.

a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: Double chains of triangulation can be applied in case of covering a large area within a short span of time. It is also somewhat related to the single chain triangles. This method is also not capable of producing accurate values.

Surveying Multiple Choice Questions on “Field Astronomy – Sextant”.

1. Which of the following can be used to sight two different objects simultaneously?
a) Compass
b) Sextant
c) Theodolite
d) Abney level
Answer: b
Clarification: A sextant involves in sighting two different objects simultaneously, which can be able to determine the angle between them. Horizontal as well as vertical angles can be measured with the help of sextant.

2. Sextant can be used to measure vertical angles.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: Sextant involves in the measurement of both vertical and horizontal angles. It consists of a movable arm by which the readings can be taken. It is based on the successive reflection of light ray.

3. Which of the following is not a classification of sextant?
a) Box sextant
b) Nautical sextant
c) Vibrating sextant
d) Sounding sextant
Answer: c
Clarification: Sextant is used in the measurement of vertical and horizontal angles, which has been classified based on various purposes. Those include box sextant, nautical sextant and sounding sextant.

4. Which of the following can justify the principle of sextant?
a) β = α/2
b) α = β*2
c) α = β+2
d) α = β-2
Answer: d
Clarification: Sextant is based on the principle that when a ray of light is reflected successively from two mirrors, the angle between the first and last directions of ray is twice the angle between the planes of two mirrors which can be mathematically represented as α = β/2.

5. Which of the following doesn’t serve as an optical requirement in case of sextant?
a) Optical axis must be parallel
b) Mirrors if placed parallel should be zero
c) Mirrors must be perpendicular
d) Optical axis must be perpendicular
Answer: a
Clarification: The optical requirement of sextant include possession of two mirrors which should be perpendicular if parallel mirrors are placed reading should be zero and the optical axis must be parallel to plane of graduated arc.

6. Which classification of the sextant is used for navigation purposes?
a) Box sextant
b) Nautical sextant
c) Vibrating sextant
d) Sounding sextant
Answer: b
Clarification: The nautical sextant is used in case of navigational purposes. This can be also used in case of astronomical purpose, it so used because it is a very large instrument graduated with a silver arc about 15 to 20cm.

7. Which of the following instruments can be used for locating inaccessible points?
a) Sounding sextant
b) Vibrating sextant
c) Box sextant
d) Nautical sextant
Answer: c
Clarification: A box sextant, which is very small and easily transportable, it is used in the location of inaccessible points. It is also used for measuring horizontal and vertical angles and measuring chain angles.

8. Among the following, which doesn’t come under permanent adjustment of sextant?
a) Index glass perpendicular with graduated arc
b) Horizon glass perpendicular with graduated arc
c) Line of sight parallel to plane of graduated arc
d) Line of sight perpendicular to plane of graduated arc
Answer: d
Clarification: The permanent adjustments include making index glass perpendicular with graduated arc, horizon glass perpendicular with graduated arc, and line of sight parallel to plane of the graduated arc etc. these are required for every instrument for having a better output.

9. Which of the following need not to be changed in case of box sextant?
a) Line of sight
b) Index glass
c) Index error
d) Lens
Answer: b
Clarification: At the time of manufacturing, the index glass is permanently fixed at right angles to the plane of the instrument. It also doesn’t need a parallel line of sight, as it is already fixed.

10. If the index error is not large, error must be corrected.
a) False
b) True
Answer: a
Clarification: If the index error is not large, it is recommended not to correct the error. But the corrections need to be applied to the observed readings. We must have a clear idea of the index error from time to time.

Surveying Multiple Choice Questions on “Remote Sensing – Characteristics of Solar Radiation”.

1. Diameter of sun can be given as ____________
a) 1.39 * 10⁷ km
b) 1.9 * 10⁶ km
c) 1.39 * 10⁶ km
d) 1.39 * 10¹⁶ km
Answer: c
Clarification: Sun is the most prominent star among all the stars available. The radiation emitted by sun can used in case of passive remote sensing. The diameter of the sun can be estimated as 1.39 * 10⁶ km.

2. The energy radiated from sun in visible region will be around ____________
a) 43%
b) 45%
c) 47%
d) 50%
Answer: a
Clarification: The radiation emitted from sun will be in a huge manner. Emitted radiation can be visualized up to some extent and remaining is not visible to naked eye. It can be estimated that 43% can be visualized and remaining 48% is transferred to IR region.

3. The value of solar constant can be given as __________
a) 1637 W / m²
b) 1367 W / m²
c) 136 W / m²
d) 3167 W / m²
Answer: b
Clarification: The energy received from the sun can be distributed all over the surface of earth and by doing this an average incident flux density can be established. It is determined as solar constant, having a value of 1367 W / m² .

4. Temperature on the sun is around ______________
a) 575 – 600 K
b) 7550 – 8000 K
c) 5570 – 6000 K
d) 5750 – 6000 K
Answer: d
Clarification: Sun, being the most vulnerable among all the stars, is set to emit a lot of radiation. In order to emit such radiation, it must possess a large amount of temperature. The temperature range would be around 5750 – 6000 K.

5. Around how much percentage, the incident radiant flux can be absorbed by the materials present on earth?
a) 48%
b) 37%
c) 42%
d) 50%
Answer: a
Clarification: The radiation which is being spread around all over the world is set to possess an incident flux density of 1367 W / m². This is divided into certain classes in which 48% of this is absorbed by the earth’s surface materials.

6. Determine the spectral existence of a black body if the absolute temperature can be given as 300K.
a) 1968*10^-11 W/sq. m
b) 1689*10^-11 W/sq. m
c) 6298*10^-11 W/sq. m
d) 1698*10^-11 W/sq. m
Answer: d
Clarification: By using Stefan – Boltzmann law, the spectral existence of a black body can be determined. The formula can be given as M = σ*T⁴. On substitution, we get
M = 5.66*10^-11 * 300
M = 1698*10^-11 W/sq. m.

7. Find the value of λ, if the temperature of the body is given as 560K.
a) 4.16*10^-14 m
b) 6.16*10^-14 m
c) 5.16*10^-14 m
d) 5.16*10^-4 m
Answer: c
Clarification: From Wien’s displacement law,
λ = A / T. here, A is the Wien’s constant = 2.89*10^-11mK. On substitution, we get
λ = 2.89*10^-11 / 560
λ = 5.16*10^-14 m.

8. Determine the spectral existence of a body by using plank’s law, if the wave length is given as 456m and the absolute temperature is 765K.
a) 3.6*10³⁰ W / sq. m
b) 4.6*10³⁰ W / sq. m
c) 6.6*10³⁰ W / sq. m
d) 3.6*10³⁰ W / sq. m
Answer: a
Clarification: From the plank’s law, (M = C_1 / (λ^5*e^{(frac{c_2}{λT})-1})). Here, C1 and C2 are the radiation constants. On substitution, we get
M = 3.74*10¹⁶ / ((765^5*e^{(1.43*frac{10^2}{456*765})-1}))
M = 3.6*10³⁰ W / sq. m.

9. Determine the absolute temperature of the body from Stefan – Boltzmann law if spectral existence of the body is 3.55 * 10^-10 W /sq. m.
a) 19.58 K
b) 1.58 K
c) 15.58 K
d) 1.85 K
Answer: b
Clarification: The Stefan – Boltzmann law can be given as, M = σ*T⁴. On substitution, we get
3.55*10^-10 = 5.66*10^-11* T⁴
T = 1.58 K.

10. From Wien’s displacement law, determine the absolute temperature if wave length is given as 0.05m.
a) 7.8*10^-3 K
b) 75.8*10^-3 K
c) 57.25*10^-35 K
d) 57.8*10^-3 K
Answer: d
Clarification: The formula for Wien’s displacement law can be given as
λ = A / T. On substitution, we get
0.05 = 2.89*10^-3 / T
T = 57.8*10^-3 K.

Surveying Multiple Choice Questions on “Hydrographic Survey – Rain Gauging”.

1. Rain gauge is used for ________
a) Hydrological survey
b) Measuring precipitation
c) Marine survey
d) River survey
Answer: b
Clarification: Rain gauge is used by the meteorologists for measuring the amount of precipitation over the time period considered. The instrument gives the best result when it is placed in an open area.

2. Rain gauge is expressed in terms of _________
a) Decimeters
b) Meters
c) Centimeters
d) Millimeters
Answer: d
Clarification: The amount of precipitation measured in terms of the height of the precipitated water accumulated in the container per given time and is expressed in terms of millimeters.

3. Calculate the total rainfall in an interval, where volume of the bucket is taken as 24cu. m and time interval N = 3.
a) 72cu. m
b) 2cu. m
c) 27cu. m
d) 72sq. m
Answer: a
Clarification: The total rainfall in the given interval is determined by using the formula,
Rainfall = N*v. on substitution, we get
Rainfall = 3*24 = 72cu. m.

4. Find the least count of the instrument used in case of rainfall determination, if the volume of the bucket is 50cu. m and the area of the funnel is about 21 sq. m.
a) 3.38 m
b) 2.83 m
c) 2.38 m
d) 4.38 m
Answer: c
Clarification: The least count of the instrument can be given as
K = v / A. on substitution, we get
K = 50 / 21 = 2.38 m.

5. What would be the rate of rainfall if the value of N can be given as 2 and the difference in time can be given as 24 sec with the L.C of the instrument as 1m?
a) 50m-sec
b) 48m-sec
c) 42m-sec
d) 49m-sec
Answer: b
Clarification: The rate of rainfall can be determined by using the formula,
R = N*k*δt. On substitution, we get
R = 2*1*24
R = 48m-sec.

6. Tipping bucket used in the rain gauge will turn under the action of ___________
a) Battery
b) Hand movement
c) Gravity
d) Motor
Answer: c
Clarification: Tipping bucket is provided in the rain gauge for collecting the required amount of rainfall needed for measurement of the precipitation in the atmosphere. After being filled to the maximum level, the tipping bucket will turn under the action of gravity.

7. Which of the following rain gauge equipment is used in case of remote areas?
a) Reflective rain gauge
b) Acoustic rain gauge
c) Optical rain gauge
d) Tipping bucket
Answer: d
Clarification: Due to the unavailability of the machinery and all other equipments in the remote areas, tipping bucket method can find its advantage. It requires no machine interpretation and is able to deliver accurate value for measuring precipitation.

8. Rain gauge is also known as __________
a) Udometer
b) Opto meter
c) Luda meter
d) Rio meter
Answer: a
Clarification: The equipment which involves in the determination of the precipitation levels in the atmosphere is termed as a rain gauge. It is also known as ombro meter or the udometer based on the area it is in use.

9. Which of the following will not come under the classification of rain gauge?
a) Tipping bucket gauge.
b) Reflective rain gauge
c) Optical rain gauge
d) Acoustic rain gauge
Answer: b
Clarification: Rain gauge has been classified based on the type of work being conducted to adapt the situations. Those include optical rain gauge, acoustic rain gauge and tipping bucket gauge.

10. Acoustic rain gauge can also be known as__________
a) Hydro gauge
b) Hydro remote
c) Hydrophone
d) Hydro cable
Answer: c
Clarification: Acoustic rain gauge is also referred as a hydrophone, is able to sense the sound signature from each drip of rainfall that strikes the surface. It is possible to invert the underground sound field to estimate the drop size distribution.

Surveying Multiple Choice Questions on “Introduction – Equipments for Plotting”.

1. Which of the following contains two plane mirrors or two right angles isosceles prisms placed one above the other?
a) Prism square
b) Line ranger
c) French staff
d) Optical square
Answer: b
Clarification: A line ranger consists of either two plane mirrors or two right angles isosceles prisms placed one above the other. The diagonals of the two prisms are silvered so as to reflect the incident rays.

2. Which of the following consists of two laths, each of 1 yard or 1m in length loosely riveted together?
a) Whites
b) Laths
c) Butt rod
d) Offset rods
Answer: c
Clarification: A Butt rod is used for measuring offsets, but it is often used by building surveyor or architects. It generally consists of two laths, each of 1 yard or 1m in length loosely riveted together.

3. Which of the following is not required for chain surveying?
a) 20 m chain
b) Arrows
c) Dumpy level
d) Pegs
Answer: c
Clarification: Dumpy level is used in levelling not in chain surveying. 20 m chain, arrows, pegs etc are mandatory for chain surveying.

4. Marking the survey stations in soft ground is done by _____
a) Nails
b) Spikes
c) Wooden pegs
d) Butt rods
Answer: c
Clarification: After having selected the survey stations, they should be marked to enable them to be easily discovered during the progress of the survey. In soft ground, wooden pegs may drive, leaving a small projection above the ground.

5. Which of the following is the sighting device?
a) Compass
b) Spirit level
c) Plumbing fork
d) Alidade
Answer: d
Clarification: Alidade is a sighting device and used for ordinary work. It generally consists of a metal or wooden rule with two vanes at the end.

6. Which of the following is not a sighting device?
a) Theodolite
b) Alidade
c) Dumpy level
d) Spirit level
Answer: d
Clarification: A small spirit level may be used for ascertaining if the table is properly level. It has a bubble that should be adjusted between the two lines provided exactly at centre.

7. Which of the following is used for the orientation of the table?
a) Compass
b) Spirit level
c) Dumpy level
d) Alidade
Answer: a
Clarification: The Compass is used for the orientation of a plane table. It is used to ensure that the table is oriented to magnetic north or not.

8. What is the size of the Johnson table?
a) 45 x 60 cm
b) 55 x 60 cm
c) 45 x 50 cm
d) 55 x 50 cm
Answer: a
Clarification: This consists of a drawing board 45 x 60 cm or 60 x 75 cm. The head consists of a ball and socket joint and a vertical spindle with two thumb screws on the underside.

9. What instrument is used for centering the table?
a) Compass
b) Spirit level
c) Plumbing fork
d) Alidade
Answer: c
Clarification: The Plumbing fork used in large scale work, is meant for centering the table over the point or station occupied by the plane table when the plotted position of that point is already known on the sheet.

10. Which of the following is the superior table?
a) Traverse table
b) Johnson table
c) Coast survey table
d) Plane table
Answer: c
Clarification: The coast survey table is the superior table. It is generally used for work of high precision.

Surveying Multiple Choice Questions on “Balancing the Traverse”.

1. Which of the following implies the correct set of methods employed for balancing the traverse?
a) Bowditch’s method, Transit method
b) Bowditch’s method, Graphical method
c) Axis method, Transit method, Gale’s method, Co-ordinate method
d) Bowditch’s method, Axis method, Graphical method, Transit method
Answer: d
Clarification: Bowditch’s and Transit method involves the usage of correction of latitude and departure formulae. Graphical method uses Bowditch’s formula for solving graphically whereas Axis method is used in case of length corrections which are having accurate angles.

2. Angles are less affected by the corrections applied due to the Transit method than Bowditch’s method.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: Due to distribution of total error in latitudes and departures in equal proportions, it is less affected by the corrections applied.

3. Which of the following method doesn’t require the calculation of latitudes and departures?
a) Graphical method
b) Axis method
c) Bowditch’s method
d) Transit method
Answer: a
Clarification: Since Graphical method involves a rough calculation and plotting of traverse directly from the field notes, it is not necessary for calculating latitudes and departures.

4. Balancing methods can be applied only when________
a) Survey forms a closed triangle traverse
b) Survey forms an irregular shaped traverse
c) Survey forms a closed polygon traverse
d) Survey forms a closed circular traverse
Answer: c
Clarification: While traversing, in most of the cases, the traverse will be closed by polygon. It is the only way of applying corrections for latitudes and departures i.e., ∑L=0 and ∑D=0 and for eradicating closing error.

5. Which method can also be known as Compass rule?
a) Transit method
b) Bowditch’s method
c) Graphical method
d) Axis method
Answer: b
Clarification: Due to the equal precision of the linear and angular measurements, it can be termed as compass rule.

6. Bowditch method can be applied even linear and angular measurements are not precise.
a) True
b) False
Answer: b
Clarification: Bowditch method can be applied only when linear and angular measurements are precise and so the total error can be distributed in proportions.

7. In order to complete traverse computations, which of the following steps is to be carried out first?
a) Adjusting interior angles
b) Calculating ∑L and ∑D
c) Calculating bearings of the angles
d) Applying corrections
Answer: a
Clarification: A Traverse computation involves a lot of procedure which requires accurate values for further processing. So, first we need to check and adjust the interior angles for continuing the remaining process.

8. Sum of interior angles must be equal to____________
a) (2n/4) right angles
b) (2n*4) right angles
c) (2n+4) right angles
d) (2n-4) right angles
Answer: d
Clarification: The check applied for finding the sum of interior angles is equal to (2n-4) right angles. Similarly, the check for exterior angles is equal to (2n+4) right angles.

9. Independent co-ordinates can be calculated by using___________
a) Geometric co-ordinates
b) Cylindrical co-ordinates
c) Consecutive co-ordinates
d) Spherical co-ordinates
Answer: c
Clarification: The consecutive co-ordinates which are obtained from the latitudes and departures will be able to derive independent co-ordinates.

10. Among the following, the most commonly used method of balancing a traverse is_________
a) Graphical method
b) Transit method
c) Axis method
d) Bowditch’s method
Answer: d
Clarification: Due to the precision of angular and linear measurements obtained by Bowditch’s method, it is more commonly used, but Transit method will be able to deliver less affected measurements due to corrections applied. Axis and Graphical methods can be applied whenever rough measurements are necessary.

11. Calculate the correction for departure of BC, using Bowditch’s rule.

Line	Length (m)	Consecutive co-ordinates
		Latitude	Departure
AB	121.87	+225.87	-228.92
BC	199.85	-268.25	+326.62
CA	245.57	+43.31	-98.69

a) 362.969
b) 326.969
c) 326.696
d) 323.969
Answer: b
Clarification: Total error in departure = -228.92 + 326.62 – 98.69 = -0.99
Perimeter of traverse = 114.99 + 217.57 + 319.31 = 567.29 m
Correction for departure of AB = length of AB * total error in departure / perimeter of traverse = 199.85 * -0.99 / 567.29 = -0.349 m. Error is negative then correction is positive i.e., correction = 326.62 + 0.349 = 326.969.

12. Using transit method, calculate the correction for latitude of BC.

Line	Length (m)	Consecutive co-ordinates
		Latitude	Departure
AB	125.91	-264.97	+50.65
BC	198.57	+182.96	-104.62
CA	229.88	+79.62	+59.77

a) 184.78
b) 183.789
c) 185.879
d) 183.987
Answer: b
Clarification: Total error in latitude = -264.97 + 182.96 + 79.62 = -2.39
Total perimeter of traverse = 125.91 + 198.57 + 229.88 = 554.36 m
Sum of latitudes = 264.97 + 182.96 + 79.62 = 527.55
Now, correction for latitude of BC = latitude of BC * total error in departure / sum of latitudes = 182.96 * (- 2.39) / 527.55 = – 0.829 m. If error is negative, correction is positive
Corrected departure = 182.96 + 0.829 = 183.789.