Category: Surveying Objective Questions

250+ TOP MCQs on City and Township Surveying and Answers

Surveying Multiple Choice Questions on “City and Township Surveying”.

1. Township survey is also known as ________
a) Congressional township
b) Harbor survey
c) Land survey
d) Airport survey
Answer: a
Clarification: Township survey is also known as the congressional township, which is used in case of planning and establishing a city or a township. This survey is later subdivided into section lines, which can be virtually assessed.

2. Which of the following indicates the purpose of the township survey?
a) Establishing boundaries for harbor
b) Establishing boundaries for government
c) Establishing boundaries for public
d) Establishing boundaries for individual land ownership
Answer: d
Clarification: The actual purpose of the township survey is to establish boundaries for land ownership for decreasing the complications any further. The civil township can be applied for local governments.

3. Among the following, which map is necessary for the establishment of the township?
a) Environmental map
b) Terrain map
c) Property map
d) Area map
Answer: c
Clarification: Township establishment requires a proper map for each and every unit. Those include topographic map, street map, property map, electrification map, telephone line map.

4. Leveling staff is used in the process of city survey.
a) False
b) True
Answer: b
Clarification: The preparation maps require proper surveying, which can be achieved by proper instrumental usage. The instruments used in the surveying of city include leveling staff, theodolite, chain, tape, ranging rod etc.

5. Which surveying is the best method in case of preparation of topographic maps?
a) Plane table surveying
b) Theodolite surveying
c) Compass surveying
d) Traverse surveying
Answer: a
Clarification: The preparation of topographic maps needs more care and must be done with utmost priority. Plane table surveying is adopted in case of topographic map preparation which can cover a large area in short span.

6. __________ scale is used in case of preparation of street maps.
a) Least
b) Medium
c) Small
d) Large
Answer: d
Clarification: During the preparation of street maps, it is recommended to use large scale than that of the scale used in topographic maps. This is so because street maps involve the division of entire are into sections for quick result.

7. Which among the following can be located by using street maps?
a) Property points
b) Elevation points
c) Pipe lines
d) Road way line
Answer: c
Clarification: Street maps are used in the location of pipe lines, cable lines, and telephone lines. These are laid in the underground with different colors for easy identification. Important points will be specified with different symbols.

8. Bench marks are located in ______________
a) Electric line maps
b) Street maps
c) Road maps
d) Pipe line maps
Answer: b
Clarification: The location of bench marks is done in case of development of street maps. Street maps use these benchmarks for further references, which can be applied by fly leveling.

9. Property map preparation is done by ____________
a) Least scale
b) Medium scale
c) Small scale
d) Large scale
Answer: d
Clarification: A large scale map like property map is used to connect public and private properties. For establishing boundaries, plane table surveying is used, which is capable of providing accurate value in the output.

10. Which map uses more specific symbols for representation?
a) Electric line map
b) Topology map
c) Water supply map
d) Property map
Answer: c
Clarification: The usage of symbols is more in case of water supply and sanitary map preparation because it involves some important locations like tunnels, manholes, inspection chambers etc.,

250+ TOP MCQs on Introduction – Magnetic Bearing and Answers

Surveying Multiple Choice Questions on “Introduction – Magnetic Bearing”.

1. Which line passes through a point, such that plane passing that point and the north and south poles, intersects with the surface of the earth?
a) True Meridian
b) Magnetic Meridian
c) Arbitrary Meridian
d) Survey line
Answer: a
Clarification: True Meridian passes through the true north and south. Magnetic meridian is the imaginary line that connects magnetic south and north poles. Survey line is the line along which surveying proceeds.

2. Horizontal angle with the true Meridian through one of the extremities of the line is called?
a) True bearing
b) Magnetic Bearing
c) Arbitrary bearing
d) Bearing
Answer: a
Clarification: True bearing of a line is the horizontal angle which it makes with the true Meridian through one of the extremities of the line. Compass needle will be parallel to the magnetic meridian. Angle measured always keeping magnetic north as a reference is called magnetic bearing.

3. Direction shown by a freely floating and balanced magnetic needle free from all other attractive forces is __________
a) True Meridian
b) Magnetic Meridian
c) Arbitrary Meridian
d) Survey line
Answer: b
Clarification: Magnetic Meridian through a point is the direction shown by a freely floating and balanced magnetic needle free from all other attractive forces. Arbitrary Meridian is any Convenient direction towards permanent and prominent mark or signal, such as top of chimney or church spire.

4. Horizontal angle with the Magnetic Meridian through one of the extremities of the line is called ______
a) True bearing
b) Magnetic Bearing
c) Arbitrary bearing
d) Magnetic Declination
Answer: b
Clarification: Magnetic bearing of a line is the horizontal angle which it makes with the Magnetic Meridian through one of the extremities of the line.

5. Convenient direction towards permanent and prominent mark or signal is _________
a) True Meridian
b) Magnetic Meridian
c) Arbitrary Meridian
d) Survey line
Answer: c
Clarification: Arbitrary Meridian is any convenient direction towards permanent and prominent mark or signals, such as top of chimney or church spire. Magnetic meridian is the imaginary line that connects magnetic south and north poles.

6. Horizontal angle with the Arbitrary Meridian through one of the extremities of the line is called _______
a) True bearing
b) Magnetic Bearing
c) Arbitrary bearing
d) Magnetic Declination
Answer: c
Clarification: Arbitrary bearing of a line is the horizontal angle which it makes with the arbitrary meridian through one of the extremities of the line. Angle measured always keeping magnetic north as reference is called magnetic bearing.

7. The Magnetic Bearing of a line is 48°24′. Calculate the true bearing if the magnetic declination is 5°38′ East.
a) 54°02′
b) 44°02′
c) 54°22′
d) 45°02′
Answer: a
Clarification: Magnetic Declination is the horizontal angle between true meridian and magnetic meridian. Declination = +5°38’, magnetic bearing = 48°24’, then here, true bearing is sum of both i.e 48″24′ + 5°38′ = 54°02′.

8. The magnetic bearing of a line AB is S 28°30′ E. Calculate the true bearing if the declination is 7°30′ West.
a) N 36°00′ W
b) S 21°00′ E
c) S 36°00′ E
d) N 21°00′ W
Answer: c
Clarification: Since the declination is to be west, the magnetic meridian will be to the west of the true meridian. Therefore, true bearing = S 28°30′ E + 7°30′ = S 36°00’ E.

9. Horizontal angle between true meridian and magnetic meridian is __________
a) True bearing
b) Magnetic Bearing
c) Arbitrary bearing
d) Magnetic Declination
Answer: d
Clarification: Magnetic Declination is a horizontal angle between true meridian and magnetic meridian. Arbitrary bearing of a line is the horizontal angle which it makes with the Arbitrary Meridian through one of the extremities of the line.

10. When magnetic meridian is right side to true meridian, then Magnetic Declination is said to be _________
a) Eastern
b) Western
c) Southern
d) Northern
Answer: a
Clarification: When magnetic meridian is right side to true meridian, then Magnetic Declination is said to be positive or eastern. Magnetic Declination is horizontal angle between true meridian and magnetic meridian.

11. When magnetic meridian is left side to true meridian, then Magnetic Declination is said to be ________
a) Eastern
b) Western
c) Southern
d) Northern
Answer: b
Clarification: When magnetic meridian is left side to true meridian, then Magnetic Declination is said to be negative or western. Magnetic Declination is horizontal angle between true meridian and magnetic meridian.

250+ TOP MCQs on Traversing by Fast Needle Method and Answers

Surveying Interview Questions and Answers for Experienced people on “Traversing by Fast Needle Method”.

1. In which method the magnetic bearings of traverse lines are measured by a theodolite fitted with a compass?
a) Free needle method
b) Fast needle method
c) Loose needle method
d) Direct method
Answer: b
Clarification: In fast needle method, the magnetic bearings of traverse lines are measured by a theodolite fitted with a compass. The direction of magnetic meridian is not established at each station.

2. In traversing by fast needle method, there are three methods of observing the bearings of lines by fast needle method.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: There are three methods of observing the bearings of lines by fast needle method. They are direct method with transiting, direct method without transiting, back bearing method.

3. Which of the following method is not among the methods of observing the bearings of lines by fast needle method?
a) direct method with transiting
b) direct method without transiting
c) back bearing
d) front bearing
Answer: d
Clarification: There are three methods of observing the bearings of lines by fast needle method. They are a direct method with transiting, direct method without transiting, back bearing method.

4. In which methods of observing the bearings of lines by fast needle method, the telescope will be normal at one station and inverted at the next station?
a) direct method with transiting
b) direct method without transiting
c) back bearing
d) front bearing
Answer: a
Clarification: In direct method with transiting, the telescope will be normal at one station and inverted at the next station. The method is, therefore, suitable only if the instrument is an adjustment.

5. The application of 180° correction is required in which of the following methods?
a) direct method with transiting
b) direct method without transiting
c) back bearing
d) front bearing
Answer: b
Clarification: The application of 180° correction is required in a direct method without transiting. It is always convenient to read one vernier throughout and apply the correction at alternate stations.

6. Which of the following methods is the most satisfactory method for the bearings of lines by fast needle method?
a) direct method with transiting
b) direct method without transiting
c) back bearing
d) front bearing
Answer: b
Clarification: In back bearing method the complete process should be repeated at other stations. In direct method with transiting, the telescope will be normal at one station and inverted at next station. The method is, therefore, suitable only if the instrument is an adjustment. Therefore, direct method without transiting is most satisfactory among these three methods.

7. Fast needle method is more accurate than the free needle method.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: The direction of the magnetic meridian is not established at each station. But instead, the magnetic bearings of the lines are measured with reference so the direction of magnetic meridian established at first station.

8. Chain and compass traversing is also called a fast needle method.
a) True
b) False
Answer: b
Clarification: Chain and compass traversing is not so called a fast needle method. Loose or free needle method is also called as chain and compass traversing.

9. Telescope is used in direct method with transiting during observing the bearings of lines by fast needle method.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: Theodolite is the instrument used in direct method with transiting for observing the bearings of lines by fast needle method. In theodolite, using lower clamp and tangent screw we can point the telescope to magnetic meridian.

10. In direct method with transiting, it is convenient to read one vernier throughout and apply the correction at alternate stations.
a) True
b) False
Answer: b
Clarification: In direct method without transiting, Instead of applying correction at every station, opposite vernier may be ready alternatively. However, it is convenient to read one vernier throughout and apply the correction at alternate stations.

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250+ TOP MCQs on Contouring – Methods and Characteristics and Answers

Surveying Question Bank on “Contouring – Methods and Characteristics”.

1. What is the term used for an imaginary line on the ground joining points of equal elevation?
a) Level line
b) Line of sight
c) Datum
d) Contour
Answer: d
Clarification: A Contour is an imaginary line on the ground joining the points of equal elevation. It is a line in which the surface of the ground is interested in a level surface.

2. Which of the following lines, in which surface of the ground is intersected by a level surface?
a) Level line
b) Line of sight
c) Datum
d) Contour
Answer: d
Clarification: A Contour is an imaginary line on the ground joining the points of equal elevation. It is a line in which the surface of the ground is interested in a level surface.

3. A Contour line is a line on the map representing a contour.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: A Contour is an imaginary line on the ground joining the points of equal elevation. It is a line in which the surface of the ground is interested in a level surface. A Contour line is a line on the map representing a contour.

4. Which of the following is not used to represent the relative altitudes of the points on the map?
a) Contour lines
b) Hachures
c) Shading
d) Level lines
Answer: d
Clarification: On a plan, the relative altitudes of the points can be represented by shading, Hachures, form lines or contour lines. Out of these, contour lines are most widely used because they indicate the elevations directly.

5. Which of the following indicates the elevations directly?
a) Level line
b) Line of sight
c) Datum
d) Contour
Answer: d
Clarification: A Contour is an imaginary line on the ground joining the points of equal elevation. It is a line in which the surface of the ground is interested by a level surface. On a plan, the relative altitudes of the points can be represented by shading, Hachures, form lines or contour lines. Out of these, contour lines are most widely used because they indicate the elevations directly.

6. The vertical distance between any two contours is called a contour interval.
a) True
b) False
Answer: b
Clarification: The vertical distance between any two consecutive contours is called a contour interval. The contour interval is kept constant for a contour plan.

7. The horizontal distance between two points in two consecutive contours is known as the vertical equivalent.
a) True
b) False
Answer: b
Clarification: The horizontal distance between two points in two consecutive contours is known as the horizontal equivalent. It depends on the steepness of ground.

8. For every flat ground, a small contour interval is necessary.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: A contour interval chosen for a flat ground will be highly unsuitable for undulated ground. For every flat ground, a small interval is necessary.

9. If the ground is more broken, greater contour interval should be adapted.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: A contour interval chosen for a flat ground will be highly unsuitable for undulated ground. If the ground is more broken, greater contour interval should be adapted.

10. The contour interval should be inversely proportional to the scale.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: If the scale is small, the contour interval should be large. If the scale is large, the contour interval should be small.

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250+ TOP MCQs on Plane Table Surveying Accessories and Answers

Surveying Multiple Choice Questions on “Plane Table Surveying Accessories”.

1. Which of the following does not belong to the instruments of plane table?
a) Spirit level
b) Plumb bob
c) Compass
d) Theodolite
Answer: d
Clarification: Spirit level is used for levelling the table at the station point. Plumb bob is used to transfer the point in sheet to the ground. Compass is used to indicate the magnetic north. Theodolite is not used in this case as the entire process is done manually without any instrumental usage.

2. In plane table surveying, plotting and recording of values are done simultaneously.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: Plane table surveying is a graphical method, in which the field observations and plotting process is done simultaneously. It involves making a map in the field while the ground can be seen by the topographer and without intermediate steps of recording in field notes.

3. What are the dimensions of Johnson table?
a) 60*45 cm
b) 45*60 cm
c) 40*60 cm
d) 45*65 cm
Answer: b
Clarification: The Johnson board usually consists of 45*60 cm dimension, which is used while doing important field works which needs precise values.

4. For obtaining high precision values, which among the following is used?
a) Wooden table
b) Johnson table
c) Coast survey table
d) Traverse table
Answer: c
Clarification: Coast survey table can be able to obtain more precise values than the remaining plane tables. Due to more accuracy in levelling, the ability of producing precise values increases.

5. Alidade is used for___________
a) Sighting
b) Levelling
c) Transferring point to ground
d) Drawing lines
Answer: a
Clarification: The presence of eye vane of object vane allows the alidade to bisect the required points which are near by the station.

6. Orientation of table involves which among the following?
a) Traversing
b) Fore sighting
c) Back sighting
d) Measuring bearings
Answer: c
Clarification: Orientation by back sighting is a process that involves setting up of the plane table when there is no possibility over the station mark.

7. Orientation by trough compass is done for obtaining precise values.
a) True
b) False
Answer: b
Clarification: Orientation by trough compass is low accurate method which is done when speed of the work is more important than obtaining accurate values. Orientation by means of back sighting involves in obtaining more precise values.

8. Which of the following indicates the correct set of alidade?
a) Plain, reverse
b) Complex, telescopic
c) Plain, theodolite
d) Plain, telescopic
Answer: d
Clarification: In general, two types of alidades are used. They include plain, telescopic alidades. Now-a-days telescopic alidade is fitted on the plane table which is making the work from complex to simple.

9. By plotting and recording values simultaneously, there is a possibility to occur more errors.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: It might be possible to note the wrong value while processing simultaneously, but it is one of the most accurate methods which gives the best output.

10. In which of the following cases, orientation by back sighting is used?
a) When approximate levelling is required
b) When second point is available for orientation
c) When it is not possible to set instrument over station mark
d) When speed is important than accuracy
Answer: c
Clarification: Orientation by back sighting is used when it is not possible to set instruments over station mark and also for obtaining more precise and accurate values.

250+ TOP MCQs on Area Computation – Ordinate Rule and Answers

Surveying Multiple Choice Questions on “Area Computation – Ordinate Rule”.

1. Which of the following represents the correct set of ordinate rules used?
a) Average ordinate rule, Trapezoidal rule
b) Mid-ordinate rule, Mean ordinate rule
c) Mid-ordinate rule, Average ordinate rule
d) Trapezoidal rule, Mean ordinate rule
Answer: c
Clarification: The area from offsets can be calculated by using certain rules which include Mid-ordinate rule, Average ordinate rule, Trapezoidal rule, Simpson’s one-third rule, of which the mid-ordinate and average ordinate rules come under ordinate rules set.

2. Find the length of the base line if the number of divisions are 4 and d = 1.5m.
a) 2 m
b) 6 m
c) 2.5 m
d) 8 m
Answer: b
Clarification: The value of length of the base can be found out by using the formula,
L = n*d and on substitution, we get
L = 4*1.5 = 6 m.

3. Ordinate rule is based on which of the following assumptions?
a) Boundaries of the offsets are straight lines
b) Boundaries of the offsets are perpendicular
c) Boundaries of the offsets are curves
d) Boundaries of the offsets are parabolic
Answer: a
Clarification: The ordinate rule is used with the assumption that the boundaries between the extremities of the ordinates are straight lines. The base line is divided into number of divisions and the ordinates are measured at the midpoints of each division.

4. The area of the figure from ordinate rule can be determined as__________
a) A = average ordinate * perimeter
b) A = average ordinate * breadth
c) A = average ordinate * area
d) A = average ordinate * length of base
Answer: d
Clarification: The formula for area of figure from ordinate rule can be given as,
A = average ordinate * length of base
Where, L can be determined by no. of divisions*distance of each division.

5. Calculate the area by mid-ordinate rule if the value of d = 2m and the ordinates are given as 24.69m, 42.96 m, 26.74m.
a) 188.87 sq. m
b) 881.78 sq. m
c) 188.78 sq. m
d) 198.78 sq. m
Answer: c
Clarification: The formula for the area of the mid-ordinate can be given as
A = d*∑O. On substitution, we get
A = 2 * (24.69+42.96+26.74)
A = 188.78 sq. m.

6. Among the area calculation methods, which is more accurate?
a) Area by co-ordinates
b) Area by Simpson’s one-third rule
c) Area by double mean distances
d) Area by offsets
Answer: b
Clarification: Though the area calculated by dividing into triangles helps in determining the area of the figure, the area calculated by using Simpson’s rule helps in providing accurate results than the previously mentioned process.

7. Calculate the area by average co-ordinate rule, by using the offsets provided taken at 10m interval.
4.16, 6.34, 7.89, 6.54, 5.67, 7.76, 8.52, 5.87, 6.21
a) 245.08m
b) 542.08 m
c) 524.08 m
d) 528.04 m
Answer: b
Clarification: We have, Δ = (L * ∑O) / (n+1)
Here n = number of divisions = 8; n + 1 = number of ordinates = 8 + 1 = 9
L = Length of base = 10 x 8 = 80 m
∑O = 4.16+6.34+7.89+6.54+5.67+7.76+8.52+5.87+6.21 = 58.96m
Δ = (80*58.96)/9 = 524.089m.

8. Find the value of number of divisions if the area is 543.89 sq. m and the summation of the co-ordinates is given as 223.98 m.
a) 2.42 m
b) 2.24 m
c) 4.22 m
d) 2.56 m
Answer: a
Clarification: We know that, the area by mid-ordinate can be given as, A = d*∑O. from this, the value of d can be calculated as,
d = A/∑O
d = 543.89 / 223.98
d = 2.42m.

9. The calculation of area by ordinate rule and Simpson’s rule will come under which category?
a) Area by double mean distances
b) Area by co-ordinates
c) Area by triangles
d) Area by offsets
Answer: d
Clarification: The area by offset method is suitable for long narrow strips of land. The offsets are measured from the boundary of the base line or a survey line at regular intervals. This method can also be applied to a plotted plan from which the offsets to a line can be scaled off.

10. Which of the following indicates the formula for area by average co-ordinate method?
a) Δ = (L * ∑O)/(n+1)
b) Δ = (L * ∑O)/(n-1)
c) Δ = (L + ∑O)/(n+1)
d) Δ = (L – ∑O)/(n+1)
Answer: a
Clarification: The area by average co-ordinate method is given as,
Δ = Average ordinate * length of base
Δ = (L * ∑O) / (n+1) where, ∑O = O1+O2+………+On