300+ REAL TIME Surveying Objective Questions & Answers 2023

250+ TOP MCQs on Theodolite Traversing – Errors and Answers

Surveying Multiple Choice Questions on “Theodolite Traversing – Errors”.

1. Which of the following errors can be eliminated by a method of repetition?
i) errors due to eccentricity.
ii) errors due to in adjustments of line of collimation.
iii) error due to inaccurate graduations.
iv) error due to inaccurate bisection of the object.
a) i only
b) i and ii
c) i, ii and 3
d) i, ii, iii and iv
Answer: d
Clarification: By a method of repetition the following errors can be eliminated. They are errors due to eccentricity, errors due to in adjustments of line of collimation, error due to inaccurate graduations, error due to inaccurate bisection of the object etc.

2. Sources of errors in transit work are broadly classified into ______ types.
a) 2
b) 3
c) 4
d) 5
Answer: b
Clarification: Sources of error in theodolite work are 3 types. They are instrumental, personal and natural.

3. Error due to imperfect adjustment of plate levels comes under ________ error.
a) personal
b) natural
c) instrumental
d) personal and natural
Answer: c
Clarification: Instrumental errors are due to the imperfect adjustment of an instrument, structural defects in the instrument and imperfections due to wear.

4. Error due to structural defects in the instrument comes under ________ error.
a) personal
b) natural
c) instrumental
d) personal and natural
Answer: c
Clarification: Instrumental errors are due to imperfect adjustment of an instrument, structural defects in the instrument and imperfections due to wear.

5. Error due to imperfections due to wear comes under ________ error.
a) personal
b) natural
c) instrumental
d) personal and natural
Answer: c
Clarification: Instrumental errors are due to imperfect adjustment of an instrument, structural defects in the instrument and imperfections due to wear.

6. Error due to the line of collimation not being perpendicular to the horizontal axis comes under ________ error.
a) personal
b) natural
c) instrumental
d) personal and natural
Answer: c
Clarification: Instrumental errors are due to imperfect adjustment of an instrument, structural defects in the instrument and imperfections due to wear. Error due to the line of collimation not being perpendicular to the horizontal axis also comes under instrumental error.

7. Error due to in accurate centering comes under ________ error.
a) personal
b) natural
c) instrumental
d) personal and natural
Answer: a
Clarification: The personal errors may be due to errors in manipulation, errors in sighting and reading. Inaccurate centering comes under errors in manipulation.

8. Inaccurate levelling comes under ______ error.
a) personal
b) natural
c) instrumental
d) personal and natural
Answer: a
Clarification: The personal errors may be due to errors in manipulation, errors in sighting and reading. Inaccurate levelling comes under errors in manipulation.

9. Slip comes under _____ error.
a) personal
b) natural
c) instrumental
d) personal and natural
Answer: a
Clarification: The personal errors may be due to errors in manipulation, errors in sighting and reading. Slip comes under errors in manipulation.

10. Manipulating wrong tangent screw comes under _____ error.
a) personal
b) natural
c) instrumental
d) personal and natural
Answer: a
Clarification: The personal errors may be due to errors in manipulation, errors in sighting and reading. Manipulating wrong tangent screw comes under errors in manipulation.

11. Parallax comes under _____ error.
a) personal
b) natural
c) instrumental
d) personal and natural
Answer: a
Clarification: The personal errors may be due to errors in manipulation, errors in sighting and reading. Parallax comes under errors due to sighting and reading.

12. Inaccurate bisection of points observed comes under _____ error.
a) personal
b) natural
c) instrumental
d) personal and natural
Answer: a
Clarification: The personal errors may be due to errors in manipulation, errors in sighting and reading. Inaccurate bisection of points observed comes under errors due to sighting and reading.

13. Un equal atmospheric refraction due to high temperature comes under which sources of errors?
a) Personal
b) Natural
c) Instrumental
d) Personal and natural
Answer: b
Clarification: Un equal atmospheric refraction due to high temperature comes under natural errors. Unequal settlement of tripod, wind vibrations etc., also comes under the same category.

14. Unequal settlement of tripod comes under ____ source of error.
a) personal
b) natural
c) instrumental
d) personal and natural
Answer: b
Clarification: Un equal atmospheric refraction due to high temperature comes under natural errors. Unequal settlement of tripod, wind vibrations etc., also comes under the same category.

15. Unequal expansion of parts of telescope comes under _____ source of error.
a) personal
b) natural
c) instrumental
d) personal and natural
Answer: b
Clarification: Un equal atmospheric refraction due to high temperature comes under natural errors. Unequal expansion of parts of telescope also comes under a natural source of error.

250+ TOP MCQs on Area Calculation – Area by Co-ordinates and Answers

Surveying Multiple Choice Questions on “Area Calculation – Area by Co-ordinates”.

1. The method of tracing is involved in which of the following procedures?
a) Sub-division into squares
b) Sub-division into area figures
c) D.M.D method
d) Division into trapezoidal figures
Answer: d
Clarification: Area by map measurements involves calculating the area by the map details provided. It has certain classifications that use tracing paper in its procedure. Generally, the division of trapezoidal figure involves usage of tracing paper.

2. Which of the following is not a method involved in area by co-ordinate?
a) Sub-division into area figures
b) Co-ordinate method
c) Meridian method
d) D.M.D method
Answer: a
Clarification: Area by co-ordinate method contains ample classified techniques which can have its own importance. Those include co-ordinate method, meridian method, D.M.D method, and departure and total latitude method.

3. Which of the following is the main thing in the process of calculation of area by co-ordinate method?
a) M.D
b) Departure
c) Latitude
d) Parallels
Answer: c
Clarification: For the calculation of area by the methods of co-ordinates require the calculation of the length of latitude. If they are given it is quite simple. But if they aren’t it would be a tedious procedure.

4. Which of the following shapes are generally considered when the area is computed by map measurements?
a) Square
b) Triangle
c) Rectangle
d) Pyramidal
Answer: b
Clarification: For calculation purpose, triangles are the most preferred shapes as they can be solved with ease. But in reality most of them are in their own complex shape, which may resemble a trapezoid. So, mostly trapezoid and triangles will be used.

5. The figure indicates which of the following processes?

a) Sub-division into squares
b) Sub-division into area figures
c) Division into trapezoidal figures
d) D.M.D method
Answer: a
Clarification: The area calculations by the map measurements involve three classifications, among them the sub-division into squares classification involves the creation of grid lines. It is done so as to improve the accuracy.

6. Which of the following is not a classification in area by map measurement?
a) Division into trapezoidal figures
b) Sub-division into area figures
c) Sub-division into squares
d) D.M.D method
Answer: d
Clarification: Area by map measurement method involves three classifications. They are division into trapezoidal figures, sub-division into squares and sub-division into area figures. Any of the methods can be applied.

7. If the values of latitudes are 223.5 m and 65.31 m and meridians are 16.8 m, 24.67m. Find the area using D.M.D method.
a) 2268.99 sq. m
b) 2862.99 sq. m
c) 2682.99 sq. m
d) 28865.99 sq. m
Answer: c
Clarification: Area by D.M.D method can be given as, A = ¹⁄₂(∑(m*L))
A = ¹⁄₂ (223.5*16.8 + 65.31*24.67)
A = 2682.99 sq. m.

8. Find the area by co-ordinate method if the independent co-ordinates are (400, 400), (423, 456), (478, 498), (400, 400)
a) 1510 cu. m
b) 1150 cu. m
c) 5110 cu. m
d) 115 cu. m
Answer: a
Clarification: The formula in area by co-ordinate method can be given by,
A = ¹⁄₂ (y1(x2-x4) + y3(x3-x4) + y3(x4-x2) + y4(x1-x3)). On substitution of the co-ordinates in the area we get,
A = ¹⁄₂ (100(423-400) + 498(478-400) + 498(400-423) + 400(400-478))
A = -1510 cu. m, negative sign has no significance. So, A = 1510cu. M.

9. The value of total latitudes and its adjoining departures were given. Calculate area by departure and total latitudes method. Total Latitudes = 110, 25,0, 0 and adjoining departures = 245, 245, -245, -245.
a) 15636 sq. m
b) 16536 sq. m
c) 16563 sq. m
d) 15663 sq. m
Answer: b
Clarification: The formula for calculation of area by departure and latitude can be given as,
A = ¹⁄₂ ∑(total latitude * algebraic sum of adjoining departures). On substituting the given values, we get,
A = ¹⁄₂ (110*245 + 25*245 + 0*-245 + 0*-245) = 16536 sq. m.

10. Calculate the area by M.D method, if the value of m1, m2, m3 are given as 233.4 m, 12.78 m, 99.98 m respectively and latitudes are 110 m, -15 m, 89 m.
a) 43372.51 sq. m
b) 34732.15 sq. m
c) 34537.15 sq. m
d) 34372.51 sq. m
Answer: d
Clarification: The formula of meridian and distance method can be given as,
A = ∑ (m*L). On substitution, we get
A = 233.4*110 + 12.78*-15 + 99.98*89
A = 34372.51 sq. m.

250+ TOP MCQs on Setting out Simple Curves and Answers

Surveying Multiple Choice Questions on “Setting out Simple Curves”.

1. Which among the following indicates the correct set of methods for setting out a simple curve?
a) Angular method, curvature method
b) Linear method, angular method
c) Curvature method, linear method
d) Tangent method, curvature method
Answer: b
Clarification: The methods involved in setting out a curve can be given as linear method, angular method and instrument method is also involved which is capable of providing accurate information.

2. In linear method of setting out curve, which of the following is not used?
a) Tape
b) Chain
c) Theodolite
d) Compass
Answer: c
Clarification: Theodolite is an instrument that is used for computing angles or bearings between the lines which are used for further calculation in computing the distance between the points. Whereas tape, chain can be directly used for determining the distance.

3. Which of the following methods is used when curve to be designed is short?
a) Linear method
b) Angular method
c) Tangent method
d) Curvature method
Answer: a
Clarification: Linear method adopts the usage of chain or tape in which only distance can be found but not angles. Moreover, this process is used when accuracy is not required and speed of work is concerned.

4. In angular method of setting a curve, which of the following is used?
a) Compass
b) Tape
c) Chain
d) Theodolite
Answer: d
Clarification: The angular method of setting out a curve involves finding out the angles between the lines, which is required for further assessment. Before measuring angles it is essential to set the required asserts.

5. For setting the tangent, which process is most commonly used?
a) Rankine’s method
b) Trial and error method
c) Tacheometric method
d) Two theodolite method
Answer: b
Clarification: Though trial and error method is a tedious process, it is mostly used in all methods of setting a tangent because it involves accuracy and might be able to deliver the best output through calculation.

6. P.T, P.I, P.C are the basic requirements for setting a curve.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: The point of curvature, point of tangency, point of intersection are basic requirements which are used for setting out curve, tangents by placing instrument at that point based on our requirement.

7. Which of the following doesn’t indicate the linear method of setting out the curve?
a) By offsets from chords produced
b) By offsets from the tangents
c) By curves
d) By offsets of long chords
Answer: c
Clarification: The linear methods of setting out the curve involve setting by offsets, offsets by tangents, offsets by long chords, offsets by deflection distances which are applied based on the area they are dealing with and output necessary.

8. Find the value of radius if the value of D is given as 23.76m.
a) 214.98m
b) 241.61m
c) 214.16m
d) 241.16m
Answer: d
Clarification: The value of radius with respect to only radius can be given as,
R = 5730/D. On substitution, we get
R = 5730 / 23.76
R = 241.16 m.

9. Find the value of length of the curve if the degree of curve is taken at 20m arc with an angle 42˚12ꞌ.
a) 24.9m
b) 24.2m
c) 42.2 m
d) 49.2m
Answer: c
Clarification: The value of the length of the curve at an arc which is designated at 20 m can be given as, l = 20*θ / D. On substitution, we get
l = 20*42˚12ꞌ / 20
l = 42.2 m.

10. The length of the chord must not be greater than one tenth of radius.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: In order to have a better accuracy in the output, the length of the chord must not be greater than one-tenth of the radius. Reduce in error will be at a great extent for example 8mm in 20m length.

11. Using the degree of curvature, find the value of radius of curve if the distance is given as 24.65 m.
a) 64.49m
b) 46.49m
c) 46.94m
d) 64.94m
Answer: b
Clarification: In degree of curvature, the value of radius can be designated by using 20m arc length. The formula is given as R = 1146 / D. On substitution, we get
R = 1146 / 24.65 = 46.49 m.

250+ TOP MCQs on Survey Adjustments and Errors Theory – General Principles of Least Squares and Answers

Surveying Multiple Choice Questions on “Survey Adjustments and Errors Theory – General Principles of Least Squares”.

1. The principle of least squares can be formed from___________
a) Probability equation
b) Normal equation
c) Celestial equation
d) Observed equation
Answer: a
Clarification: Though the principle of least squares is useful in the determination of certain parameters it is actually derived from the probability equation. A probability equation shows an accidental error with definite law.

2. In the principle of least squares, residual error will be__________
a) Maximum
b) Minimum
c) Negligible
d) Nor error occurs
Answer: b
Clarification: The general method of least squares is used in case of determination of normal equations and the laws of weight. It consists of a set of observations, which are having a minimum residual error. Residual error is the difference in the adopted value and observed value.

3. Which of the following indicates the formula of arithmetic mean?
a) ∑V * n
b) ∑V – n
c) ∑V + n
d) ∑V / n
Answer: d
Clarification: The formula of arithmetic mean can be given as ∑V / n, where n indicates the number of observed values and V indicates difference of the individual with the mean of the readings.

4. If the value of number of observations is large and e is small then ∑e / n will be equal to __________
a) Frequency
b) True value
c) Arithmetic mean
d) Probable value
Answer: c
Clarification: The value of number of observations and the e values are to be maintained in a stable manner. If the n is increased and e is decreased, the value ∑e / n will be infinitesimally small and will be equal to arithmetic mean.

5. Which of the following indicates the fundamental of least squares?
a) arithmetic mean should be maximized
b) arithmetic mean should be zero
c) arithmetic mean should be neutralized
d) arithmetic mean should be minimized
Answer: d
Clarification: The fundamental of law of least squares include the sum of squares of the residuals found by the use of arithmetic mean should be minimized. This must be applied while using the principle of least squares.

6. Which of the following value must always be positive in the principle of least squares?
a) (N-(∑V/n))²
b) (N*(∑V/n))²
c) (N+(∑V/n))²
d) (N-(∑V/n))⁰
Answer: a
Clarification: The term must always be positive because it eliminates the possible error which will occur during the process of recording values. It can also be believed that the presence of square can make it positive.

7. In the process of least squares, sum of residuals must be equal to zero.
a) False
b) True
Answer: b
Clarification: While determining the relation between the different set of values considered, we assume certain preferences which results in sum of residuals being zero.

8. When number of observations is large, the arithmetic mean will be equal to true value.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: It is known that the increase in number of observations leads to increase in the value of e. this can lead to equality of mean and the true value. This is the key point used in the principle of least squares.

9. Determine the arithmetic mean if the summation of the difference between individual and mean of the observations is given as 1.54 for 10 observations.
a) 0.154
b) 0.514
c) 0.145
d) 1.405
Answer: a
Clarification: The arithmetic mean can be calculated by using the formula,
M = ∑V / n. On substitution, we get
M = 1.54 / 10
M = 0.154.

10. Find the value of N if the sums of squares of two individual residuals are given as 24.98 and 13.76 respectively. The summation of the difference between individual and the mean of the readings is 3.32 for 8 observations.
a) 1
b) 1.6
c) 1.7
d) 2
Answer: b
Clarification: By applying the principle of least squares the value of N can be determined by,
∑rꞌ² = ∑r² + n*(N-(∑V/n))². On substitution, we get
24.98 = 13.76 + 8*(N-(3.32/8))²
N = 1.6.

250+ TOP MCQs on Photogrammetric Surveying – Scale of a Vertical Photograph and Answers

Surveying Multiple Choice Questions on “Photogrammetric Surveying – Scale of a Vertical Photograph”.

1. Variation in scale of photograph can take place due variation in_____________
a) Datum
b) Azimuth
c) Zenith
d) Elevation
Answer: d
Clarification: The process of finding scale involves joining the points of equal elevation. If there is a change in joining the points then it might affect the scale produced. So, the variation of elevation points can cause variation in scale produced.

2. Which of the following indicates the formula for scale?
a) Ground distance / map distance
b) Map distance / ground distance
c) Map distance / elevation point
d) Elevation point / map distance
Answer: b
Clarification: A scale is a parameter which is assumed in order to reduce the points on the ground to the drawing sheet. For that the ground distance and the map distance must be known. So, the value of scale can be determined by dividing map distance to ground distance.

3. Scale at elevation point in photograph can be given as_____________
a) S = f/ (H – h)
b) S = f/ (H + h)
c) S = f/ (H * h)
d) S = f/ (- H + h)
Answer: a
Clarification: Joining of elevation points in a photograph is a crucial step which involves in the formation of scale of a photograph. Scale at elevation point can be given as, S = f/H-h. Where, f is the focal length, H is the height of the station, h is height from mean sea level.

4. Which of the following can also be used in order to determine the scale of a photograph?
a) Recurring fraction
b) Reciprocating fraction
c) Representation fraction
d) Reducing fraction
Answer: c
Clarification: Representation fraction is an expression which is used to determine the scale. It is simply the reciprocal of the scale value i.e., R_h = 1 / (H-h/f). The values of H, h, f are the same as that of the values in scale.

5. If all the ground points are projected vertically downward on the mean sea level, which scale is recommended to be used?
a) Datum scale
b) Average scale
c) Azimuth scale
d) Reference scale
Answer: a
Clarification: A datum scale can be used in case of photograph, as it is capable enough for determining the effective scale value. The use of this scale is possible only when the ground points are projected vertically downwards on mean sea level.

6. The formula for average scale can be given as______________
a) S = f / (H+h_av)
b) S = f / (H*h_av)
c) S = f / (-H+h_av)
d) S = f / (H-h_av)
Answer: d
Clarification: Average scale is a conditional scale, which is appointed only when it meets the required condition. It can be applied only when the ground points are projected upward or downward on a plane. It is given as, S = f / (H-h_av).

7. Which of the following indicates the right step for determination of scale?
a) Measuring ground distance
b) Comparing angles
c) Joining elevation points
d) Comparing zenith levels
Answer: c
Clarification: A scale can be determined by many factors. It involves many steps among the primary thing is to join the points of equal elevation. If this isn’t done then the scale parameter will be reduced to an unknown value, which can’t be used for drawing a map.

8. The value of horizontal distance can be determined by which of the following methods?
a) Traversing
b) Triangulation
c) Theodolite surveying
d) Compass surveying
Answer: b
Clarification: In order to determine the value of scale, the value of horizontal distance on the ground must be determined it can be given by the process of triangulation, as it involves quick output development.

9. Determine the scale at elevation point if the values of focal length, height of station and the height of mean sea level are given by 23cm, 76cm and 20cm.
a) 0.41cm
b) 0.4cm
c) 4.41cm
d) 1.41cm
Answer: a
Clarification: The scale at an elevation can be determined by
S = f/ (H – h). On substitution, we get
S = 23/ (76 – 20)
S = 0.41cm.

10. What will be the average elevation of terrain if the scale is given as 43m, focal length and height of the station as 4m and 20m?
a) 19.19 m
b) 91.91 m
c) 9.91 m
d) 9.9 m
Answer: d
Clarification: The average elevation of the terrain can be given as
S = f / (H-h_av). On substitution, we get
43 = 4/ (20-h_av)
h_av = 19.91 m.

11. Photographic scale can be determined by using the photo distance.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: In case of a photograph, the value of scale can be determined by comparing the photo distance and the map distance which can be able to yield points of equal elevation and by joining them, scale can be determined.

12. For finding the scale of a photograph, the points must be equally elevated.
a) False
b) True
Answer: b
Clarification: Scale of photograph lies in joining the points of equal elevation and to know the horizontal distance on the photograph. By this, the scale can be determined by comparing ground length and photographic length.

250+ TOP MCQs on Errors in GIS and Answers

Surveying Multiple Choice Questions on “Errors in GIS”.

1. Which of the following doesn’t indicate a topology error?
a) Polygonal features
b) Gaps between polygons
c) Silver polygons
d) Unclosed polygons
Answer: c
Clarification: Topology errors generally include polygonal features, gaps between polygons, overlapping polygon borders and unclosed polygons. Some of these are negligible and some of them can be reduced by following certain precautions and by applying some parameters.

2. Which of the following acts as a source of inaccuracy?
a) Format of data
b) Silver polygon
c) Unclosed polygon
d) Dongle nodes
Answer: a
Clarification: Difference in scale, age of data, format of the data, qualitative and quantitative errors act as a source of inaccuracy. Inaccuracy develops due to lack of technique in the work which is being done.

3. Among the errors occurring in GIS, which can cause a drastic change or fail the entire process?
a) Format of data
b) Unclosed polygons
c) Dongle nodes
d) Silver polygons
Answer: d
Clarification: Development of silver polygons leads to the creation of similar polygonal features, which arises a lot of confusion to the user as well as the software. It can’t differentiate them and in turn merges them to make a single feature.

4. Which of the following is not a category of error?
a) Change in format
b) Areal cover
c) Map scale
d) Density of observation
Answer: a
Clarification: Sources of errors include aging of data, areal cover, map scale, density of observation, etc., these are temporary and can be adjusted by following certain parameters. These can be prevented if proper care is taken while the procedure is carried out.

5. Age of data can act as a source of error.
a) False
b) True
Answer: b
Clarification: Aging of data acts as a major source of error. Past data may contain a lot of unknown standards which can’t be used in the present day. They might be irrelevant to the present situation and sometimes they won’t exist.

6. Which of the following can be represented as an example of format error?
a) Silver polygons
b) Dongle nodes
c) Changing from raster to vector
d) Areal cover
Answer: c
Clarification: After completion of interpretation using GIS software, the data must be stored in any type of software which can be easily accessible. If the stored data undergone any change in format, it may or may not be able to open. If it doesn’t open, then the entire data present in it can be erased.

7. Silver polygons occur due to excessive overlaying.
a) False
b) True
Answer: b
Clarification: GIS process involves overlaying procedure in which the data can be placed layer by layer without any confusion. While placing, there is a chance of developing silver polygons which means the development of polygons one on another. It leads to merging of data and ends up creating a single polygon rather than many.

8. The figure represents which type of error in GIS?

a) Pseudo node
b) Silver polygon
c) Dongle node
d) Poly line feature
Answer: b
Clarification: The figure represents the silver polygon, which is a condition where the overlapping polygon takes place in the GIS software. This can be removed by deleting unnecessary data.

9. The figure given below represents which topological error?

a) Pseudo nodes
b) Silver polygon
c) Dongle nodes
d) Polygonal feature
Answer: a
Clarification: The figure represents pseudo nodes, which is a condition where nodes of the poly lines aren’t connected. In order to connect them, vertex must be corrected for having a better result.

10. Dongle nodes can be removed by ___________
a) Undo
b) Eraser
c) Behind shoot
d) Over shoot
Answer: d
Clarification: Dongle node is a condition where the edge of the polygon is improperly connected to the second poly line. The removal of dongle nodes can be done by applying undershoot or over shoot operations.