Category: Surveying Objective Questions

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.

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.

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.

Surveying Multiple Choice Questions on “Project Survey – Water Supply Scheme”.

1. Which of the following can be identified as the objective of water supply scheme?
a) Chlorination of water
b) Treat water
c) Safe water supply
d) Ionization of water
Answer: c
Clarification: In general, the objective of water supply scheme includes safe water supply, sufficient quantity of water, supply of water to a convenient point with reasonable cost and encouraging personal and house hold cleanliness of the users.

2. Which of the following indicates the component of a water supply scheme?
a) Impure water
b) Chlorination of water
c) Sub surface water
d) Intake of the water
Answer: d
Clarification: The protected water supply scheme consists of four components. Those include the source of water from where it is being produced, intake of the water, treatment of the water and finally the distribution of the treated water.

3. Surface water can act as a source of water in water supply scheme.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: The source of water is classified as surface water and sub surface water. Generally in the water supply scheme surface water is having more priority than the sub surface water. The different sources of surface water include river, streams, lakes, canals etc.

4. While considering the design period, which must be given more priority?
a) Area of land
b) Population
c) Usage of water
d) Arrangement of pipes
Answer: b
Clarification: Design period is considered based on the population present in a particular area. While considering design period, population forecast methods has to be used for the determination of the upcoming population in that area. By doing this the design period can be estimated for a particular water tank construction.

5. The design period of storage reservoir can be given as _________
a) 50 yr
b) 20 yr
c) 30 yr
d) 10 yr
Answer: a
Clarification: Every water storage structure is having certain design periods based on the population present in that particular area. A storage reservoir is generally having a design period of 50 years.

6. Which of the following can be designated as an intake structure?
a) Culvert
b) River
c) Dam
d) Reservoir
Answer: d
Clarification: Intakes are the structures which can collect water from the surface sources and are used for the treatment plant. Reservoir intake, Lake Intake and canal intakes are some of the examples of an intake structure.

7. Which type of water is generally used in the treatment of water?
a) Chlorinated water
b) Treated water
c) Raw water
d) Sulphated water
Answer: c
Clarification: Water treatment plant generally uses raw water which is obtained from different sources containing various impurities. It is not recommended to be used directly without treatment and hence it is supplied to the treatment plant for treatment.

8. Which of the following does not act as a major factor that effects per capita demand?
a) Human activity
b) Industrial activities
c) Usage of water
d) Placement of pipe
Answer: b
Clarification: The factors effecting per capita demand include cost of water, climatic condition, pressure in the distributed system, industrial activities, commercial activities and economical status of the consumers.

9. The amount of water required for 1 percent per day is determined as ___________
a) Daily demand
b) Monthly demand
c) Annual demand
d) Per capita demand
Answer: d
Clarification: Per capita demand can be defined as the amount of water required for 1 percent per day. It includes commercial, industrial, domestic, public uses and also in case of fire demand.

10. Which of the following can act as a type of variation in water demand?
a) Monthly variation
b) Annual variation
c) Crop variation
d) 10 year variation
Answer: a
Clarification: Variation in water demand is generally due to seasonal variation, monthly variation, daily and hourly variations. The demand for water in these variations is generally high and consumes more amount of water than daily consumption.

Surveying Multiple Choice Questions on “Definition”.

1. Determining the relative positions of points on above or beneath the surface of the earth by means of direct or indirect measurements of distance and direction and elevation is called as _________
a) Surveying
b) Levelling
c) Measuring
d) Contouring
Answer: a
Clarification: Surveying is defined as determining the relative positions of points above or beneath the surface of the earth by means of direct or indirect measurements of distance and direction and elevation.

2. Finding the elevations of a point with respect to a given or assumed and establish points given elevation or at different elevations with respect to given or assumed dactum is ________
a) Surveying
b) Levelling
c) Bearing
d) Contouring
Answer: b
Clarification: Finding the elevations of a point with respect to a given or assumed and establish points given elevation or at different elevations with respect to given or assumed dactum is levelling.

3. Type of surveying in which the mean surface of the earth is considered as a plane and the spheroidal shape is neglected called as ________
a) Topographic Surveying
b) Hydrographic Surveying
c) Geodetic Surveying
d) Plane Surveying
Answer: d
Clarification: Type of surveying in which the mean surface of the earth is considered as a plane and the spheroidal shape is neglected is plane surveying.

4. Type of surveying in which the shape of the earth taken into account is __________
a) Topographic Surveying
b) Hydrographic Surveying
c) Geodetic Surveying
d) Plane Surveying
Answer: c
Clarification: Type of surveying in which the shape of the earth taken into account is geodetic surveying. The survey which deals with bodies of water for purpose of navigation, water supply, harbor works or for the determination of mean sea level is hydrographic surveying.

5. Horizontal projection of an area and shows only horizontal distances of the points is __________
a) Contour lines
b) Levelling
c) Surveying
d) Plan
Answer: d
Clarification: Horizontal projection of an area and shows only horizontal distances of the points is plan or map. Finding the elevations of a point with respect to a given or assumed and establish points given elevation or at different elevations with respect to given or assumed dactum is levelling.

6. What type of surveys needs to fix the boundaries of municipalities and of state and federal jurisdictions?
a) Topographic Surveying
b) Hydrographic Surveying
c) Cadastral Surveying
d) City Surveying
Answer: c
Clarification: The surveys need to fix the boundaries of municipalities and of state and federal jurisdictions are cadastral surveying. Survey which deals with bodies of water for purpose of navigation, water supply, harbor works or for the determination of mean sea level is hydrographic surveying.

7. Determining the absolute location of any point or the absolute location and direction of any line on the surface of the earth is called _______
a) Topographic Surveying
b) Astronomical Surveying
c) Cadastral Surveying
d) Hydrographic Surveying
Answer: b
Clarification: Determining the absolute location of any point or the absolute location and direction of any line on the surface of the earth is astronomical surveying.

8. Determining different strata in the earth’s crust is called as_______
a) Mine Survey
b) Geological Survey
c) Geodetic Survey
d) Archaeological Survey
Answer: b
Clarification: Determining different strata in the earth’s crust is the Geological Survey. Type of surveying in which the shape of the earth taken into account is geodetic surveying.

9. Determining unearthing relics of antiquity is called as_______
a) Mine Survey
b) Geological Survey
c) Geodetic Survey
d) Archaeological Survey
Answer: d
Clarification: Determining the unearthing relics of antiquity is an archaeological survey. Determining different strata in the earth’s crust is the geological survey.

10. In which surveying, shape of earth is taken into consideration?
a) Plane surveying
b) Geodic surveying
c) Topographic surveying
d) Geological surveying
Answer: b
Clarification: In Geodic surveying, shape of the earth is considered for carrying out high precise work. In case of Plane surveying, spheroid shape is neglected and entire area is considered in the form of triangles. Topographic surveying consists of vertical and horizontal locations of points whereas Geological surveying determines earth’s strata.

11. Representing large scale on the surface of the earth is____________
a) Plan
b) Map
c) Scale
d) Area
Answer: a
Clarification: For any representation, if it consists large scale then it represents plan and for small scale it represents map.

12. Which of the following units measurement system is generally employed?
a) Centesimal system
b) Hours system
c) Minutes system
d) Sexagesimal system
Answer: d
Clarification: Since most surveying instruments are graduated according to this system, Sexagesimal system is widely used in India. Centesimal system is having a great approach in Europe for its adaptability in interpolation. Hours system is having its use in navigation.

13. The ratio of map distance to corresponding ground distance is called as__________
a) Representative factor
b) Representation factor
c) Reciprocating factor
d) Recurring factor
Answer: a
Clarification: This factor can be used for determining the ratio of map distance to ground distance which would be helpful for further calculations.

14. Which among the following scales is used to determine the original scale when the plan on the drawing sheet shrinks due to atmospheric conditions?
a) Vernier scale
b) Plane scale
c) Shrunk scale
d) Diagonal scale
Answer: c
Clarification: Shrunk scale is used to determine the original scale when any plan shrinks due to atmospheric conditions, which can be determined by a formula. By using the original scale further calculations can be done.

15. Which among the following methods is used for determining the precise position on the earth surface?
a) Geological surveying
b) Geodic surveying
c) Land surveying
d) Plane Surveying
Answer: b
Clarification: In Geodic surveying, spheroid surface of the earth is considered which might be possible for determining the precise position by avoiding any further assumptions.

16. Which among the following is one of the principles of surveying?
a) Taking measurements
b) Covering entire area
c) Determining the elevation differences
d) Working from whole to part
Answer: d
Clarification: By working from whole to part, it is possible to eliminate the errors and to localise the errors. Otherwise, it might expand in magnitude.

17. Design a vernier for a theodolite circle divided into degrees and one fourth degrees to read to 20ꞌꞌ.
a) 55
b) 45
c) 65
d) 35
Answer: b
Clarification: W.K.T, L.C = s/n
S = (1/4)˚= 15ꞌ and L.C=20ꞌꞌ=20/60 min.
So, 20/60 = 15/n
n = 45.

18. Horizontal angle measured clockwise from geographic meridian to the direction of progress of a line is known as _______
a) Horizontal meridian
b) Vertical meridian
c) Azimuth
d) Horizontal bearing
Answer: c
Clarification: Azimuth is the angle measured from geographic meridian which is quite different from bearing as it is measured w.r.t north direction.

19. The formula for shrunk scale can be given as___________
a) Original scale*shrinking factor
b) Shrunk scale*shrinking factor
c) Vernier scale* shrinking factor
d) Diagonal scale* shrinking factor
Answer: a
Clarification: The shrinkage factor obtained by the ratio of shrunk length to actual length multiplied by the original scale will give the shrunk scale formula.

Surveying Multiple Choice Questions on “Compass – Bearings and Angles”.

1. The direction of a survey line can either be established with relation to _______
a) each other
b) main station
c) arrows
d) tie station
Answer: a
Clarification: The direction of a survey line can either be established in relation to each other or with relation to any meridian.

2. What is the direction of line relative to a given meridian?
a) Bearing of a line
b) Length of a line
c) Slope of a line
d) Reciprocal of slope of a line
Answer: a
Clarification: Bearing of a line is the direction of line relative to a given meridian. A meridian is any direction such as true meridian, magnetic meridian, arbitrary meridian.

3. Which line passes through true north and true south?
a) True Meridian
b) Magnetic Meridian
c) Arbitrary Meridian
d) Dip
Answer: a
Clarification: True Meridian through a point is the line in which a plane passing that point and the north and the south poles, intersects with the surface of the earth. It, thus, passes through the true north and south.

4. Which meridian direction can be established with the help of a magnetic compass?
a) True Meridian
b) Magnetic Meridian
c) Arbitrary Meridian
d) All meridians
Answer: b
Clarification: Magnetic meridian through a point in the direction shown by a freely floating and balanced magnetic needle free from all other attractive forces. The direction of magnetic meridian can be established with the help of a magnetic compass.

5. Which meridians are used to determine the relative positions of the lines in a small area?
a) True Meridian
b) Magnetic Meridian
c) Arbitrary Meridian
d) All meridians
Answer: c
Clarification: Arbitrary Meridian is any convenient direction towards a permanent and prominent mark or signal, such as a church spire etc. Such meridians are used to determine the relative positions of the lines in a small area.

6. What is the horizontal angle which it makes with the true meridian through one of the extremities of the line?
a) True bearing
b) Magnetic bearing
c) Arbitrary bearing
d) Dip
Answer: a
Clarification: True bearing is the horizontal angle which it makes with the true meridian through one of the extremities of the line. True Meridian through a point is the line in which a plane passing that point and the north and the south poles, intersects with the surface of the earth.

7. What is the horizontal angle which it makes with the magnetic meridian through one of the extremities of the line?
a) True bearing
b) Magnetic bearing
c) Arbitrary bearing
d) Dip
Answer: b
Clarification: Magnetic bearing is the horizontal angle which it makes with the magnetic meridian through one of the extremities of the line. The direction of magnetic meridian can be established with the help of a magnetic compass.

8. What is the horizontal angle which it makes with the magnetic meridian through one of the extremities of the line?
a) True bearing
b) Magnetic bearing
c) Arbitrary bearing
d) Dip
Answer: c
Clarification: Arbitrary bearing is the horizontal angle which it makes with the arbitrary meridian through one of the extremities of the line. Arbitrary meridians are used to determine the relative positions of the lines in a small area.

9. Convert 22°30′ whole circle bearings to quadrant bearings?
a) 180 – 22°30
b) 22°30
c) 360 – 22°30
d) 270 – 22°30
Answer: b
Clarification: Reduced bearing = Whole circle bearing if R.B is less than 90°. Therefore here R.B = W.C.B = N 22°30’E.

10. Convert 122°30′ whole circle bearings to quadrant bearings?
a) 180 – 122°30
b) 122°30
c) 360 – 122°30
d) 270 – 122°30
Answer: a
Clarification: Reduced bearing = 180 – Whole circle bearing if R.B is lies between 90° and 180°. Therefore here R.B = W.C.B = N 22°30’E.