Category: Surveying Objective Questions

250+ TOP MCQs on Introduction – Equipments for Plotting and Answers

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.

250+ TOP MCQs on Balancing the Traverse and Answers

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.

250+ TOP MCQs on Uses of Contour Maps and Answers

Surveying Questions and Answers for Entrance exams on “Uses of Contour Maps”.

1. From a given contour plan, the section along any given direction can be drawn to know the ______
a) Compressive strength of soil
b) General shape of ground
c) Density of soil
d) Type of soil
Answer: b
Clarification: From a given contour plan, the section along any given direction can be drawn to know the general shape of ground. To use it for earth work calculations for a given communication line in the direction of the section.

2. Which the following is not a use of contour maps?
a) Drawing of plan
b) Determination of intervisibility between two points
c) Tracing of contour gradient and location of route
d) Calculation of resorvoir capacity
Answer: a
Clarification: Contour maps are useful to determine the Determination of intervisibility between two points, tracing of contour gradient and location of route, calculation of resorvoir capacity. It is also useful to draw section.

3. Contour maps are useful to determination of intervisibility between two points.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: Contour maps are useful to the determination of intervisibility between two points. The distance between the triangulation stations are generally several kilometres and therefore selecting their position it is necessary to determine their intervisibilty.

4. Contour map is useful to determine the tracing of contour gradients and the location of route.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: A contour plan is very much useful in locating the route of highway, railway, canal and any other communication lines.

5. Contour maps are used for the measurement of drainage areas.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: A drainage area for a given point in a stream or river can be defined as the area that forms the source of all water that passes that point. A contour plan may be used to trace that line separating the basin from the rest of the area.

6. Contour maps are used to calculate the reservoir capacity.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: The contour plan may be used to calculate the capacity of a reservoir. Contour maps are also useful to determine the Determination of intervisibility between two points, tracing of contour gradient and location of the route, calculation of reservoir capacity.

7. The line that marks the limits of the drainage area should often follow the ridges.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: The line that marks the limits of the drainage area has the following characteristics it passes through every ridge or saddle that divides the drainage area from other areas. It often follows the ridges.

8. The line that marks the limits of drainage area has the following characteristics it passes through every ridge or saddle that divides the drainage area from other areas.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: The line that marks the limits of drainage area has the following characteristics it passes through every ridge or saddle that divides the drainage area from other areas. It often follows the ridges.

9. The Contour maps are useful to determine the intersection of surfaces and measurements of earthwork.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: The Contour maps are useful to determine the intersection of surfaces and measurements of earthwork. Contour maps are also useful to determine the Determination of intervisibility between two points, tracing of contour gradient and location of the route, calculation of reservoir capacity.

10. The line that marks the limits of the drainage area is always _______ degrees to contour lines.
a) 45
b) 90
c) 180
d) 0
Answer: b
Clarification: The line that marks the limits of drainage area has the following characteristics it passes through every ridge or saddle that divides the drainage area from other areas. It often follows the ridges. It is perpendicular to the contour lines.

To practice all areas of Surveying for Entrance exams,

250+ TOP MCQs on Plane Table – Two Point Problem and Answers

Surveying Multiple Choice Questions on “Plane Table – Two Point Problem”.

1. Location of points is already done while considering two point problem.
a) False
b) True
Answer: b
Clarification: Two point problem is only considered when station point is able to visualize two other points of the traverse. By this, other points of the traverse can be formed and the points are joined to form a traverse.

2. Error occurred due to orientation can be checked by _____________
a) Calculating table area
b) Calculating area
c) Measuring bearings
d) Measuring angles
Answer: d
Clarification: Orientation is the main process in case of plane tabling. Proper orientation must be done while carrying out this process. Error due to improper orientation can be checked by measuring angles and their differences.

3. Which among the processes having more accuracy in its output?
a) Total station
b) Plane table surveying
c) Chain surveying
d) Compass surveying
Answer: a
Clarification: Plane table surveying is a rough process conducted in order to have an idea of the land and its condition for construction. Due to this, it is not capable of producing accurate output in its recording.

4. Which of the following step can affect the entire process?
a) Traversing
b) Alidade
c) Orientation
d) Chaining
Answer: c
Clarification: All the steps involved in plane tabling are quite needed and must be done with more care. But the orientation step, which is the heart of this process, must be done with at most importance and with acre so that remaining steps won’t get disturbed.

5. For fixing any point, auxiliary point must be chosen.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: Auxiliary point is a reference point that must be considered so that the points remaining in the traverse can be fixed. By this the entire traverse can be completed within no time.

6. Which of the following steps is involved in plane table surveying?
a) Tacheometric surveying
b) Measuring bearings
c) Measuring angles
d) Changing station points
Answer: d
Clarification: Plane table surveying involves simple steps like orientation, changing table to station points, usage of alidade etc. But these can cause a serious error which can lead to repeating the entire process.

7. Which process involves more labor work?
a) Chaining
b) Compass surveying
c) Plane table surveying
d) Theodolite surveying
Answer: c
Clarification: Plane table surveying involves more labor work due to the fact that the table present in this process needs to be shifted to the station points whenever it is necessary. It is to be done so as to cover the entire traverse.

8. How many alternatives were available in case of two point problem?
a) No alternatives
b) Maximum Two
c) Minimum one
d) Maximum one
Answer: b
Clarification: Two point and three point problems involve an alternative solution because this involves more cases as every traverse doesn’t form the same polygon. Roughly two alternatives will be present in each.

9. Which process of plane table surveying is a tedious one?
a) Resection
b) Trisection
c) Intersection
d) Radiation
Answer: a
Clarification: Resection, which involves both three point and two point problems, is considered as the tedious process when compared to the remaining classifications. These are done so as to decrease the errors due to improper orientation.

10. Two point problem involves in ______________
a) Locating details
b) Locating station points
c) Locating angles
d) Locating bearings
Answer: b
Clarification: Two point problem is used only in case of determining the station points by considering different procedures which involve an auxiliary point.

250+ TOP MCQs on EDM – Electromagnetic Waves and Answers

Surveying Multiple Choice Questions on “EDM – Electromagnetic Waves”.

1. Modern EDM uses which among the following waves?
a) Visible rays
b) Thermal infra-red
c) Modulated infra-red
d) Radio waves
Answer: c
Clarification: Modern EDM uses the modulated infra-red waves, which are capable of receiving the reflected waves from a distance of 100km.

2. Which property of an electromagnetic wave, depends on the medium in which it is travelling?
a) Velocity
b) Frequency
c) Time period
d) Wave length
Answer: a
Clarification: The frequency, wavelength and time period can all vary according to the wave producing source. But, the velocity of an electromagnetic wave depends upon the medium through which it is travelling. The velocity of wave in a vacuum is termed as speed of light, which is assumed to be 3 x 108 m/s.

3. The distance in EDM is measured by______________
a) Frequency of the wave
b) Wave length
c) Phase difference
d) Amplitude
Answer: c
Clarification: In general, the various EDM systems available do not measure the transit time directly. The distance is determined by measuring the phase difference between the transmitted and reflected signals, which possible only when the process is done without errors.

4. Tellurometer, a type of EDM uses which of the following waves?
a) Visible rays
b) Infra-red waves
c) Micro waves
d) Radio waves
Answer: d
Clarification: Tellurometer is generally having a range of 100km i.e., it is capable of measuring distance up to 100km. In order to function properly it requires a high range propagating wave, which can reflect back to the instrument.

5. Find the value of D if the wave length of the wave is 40m, n=2 m and the angles are given as θ1 = 0˚, θ2 = 180˚.
a) 50m
b) 40m
c) 20m
d) 10m
Answer: a
Clarification: The value of D can be found by,
2D = n*λ + Δ*λ. On substitution, we get
2D = 40*(2 + (180-0/360))
D = 50 m.

6. Electromagnetic waves are represented in which of the following format?
a) Longitudinal waves
b) Transverse waves
c) Sinusoidal waves
d) Surface waves
Answer: c
Clarification: A sinusoidal wave describes the oscillation periodically. Since the electromagnetic wave is represented in the form of sine curve it is named after it as sinusoidal wave.

7. For increasing accuracy, high frequency of propagation is used.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: In order to increase accuracy, it is recommended to use an extremely high frequency of propagation. However, the available phase comparison techniques cannot be used at frequencies greater than 5* Hz, which corresponds to a wavelength of 0.6 m.

8. What would be the value of length if the distance is given as 30m, m= 3 and the change in length is 8m.
a) 7.43m
b) 7.34m
c) 6.34m
d) 5.43m
Answer: b
Clarification: The value of length can be found out by using the formula,
D = m*l + Δ l. On substitution, we get
30 = 3*l + 8
L = 7.34 m.

9. Phase difference can be expressed in which of the following format?
a) Meters per second
b) Meters
c) Cycles
d) Seconds
Answer: c
Clarification: In the total station, the distance between two point scan be determined by measuring the phase difference between transmitted and reflected signals. Phase difference can be expressed in terms of the fraction of cycles, which provides the best output for quick calculation and for easy understanding.

10. Which of the following represents the correct sequence for the basis of EDM propagation?
a) Propagation, generation, reflection and reception
b) Generation, reception, reflection and propagation
c) Generation, propagation, reception and reflection
d) Generation, propagation, reflection and reception
Answer: d
Clarification: Electronic Distance Measurement method is based on generation, propagation, reflection and subsequent reception of electromagnetic waves. The type of electromagnetic waves generated depends on many factors but mainly, on the nature of the electrical signal used to generate the waves. It follows the above-mentioned sequence without any disturbance in it.

250+ TOP MCQs on Triangulation – Reconnaissance and Answers

Surveying Multiple Choice Questions on “Triangulation – Reconnaissance”.

1. In the process of reconnaissance, map reference is taken.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: The Reconnaissance is process can be done with the help of existing maps. If they aren’t available, a preliminary Reconnaissance is done for allocating the general location of triangulation for that terrain.

2. Which of the following is not necessary for Reconnaissance process?
a) Sextant
b) Theodolite
c) Chain
d) Aneroid Barometer
Answer: c
Clarification: The usage chain might make the entire process a little bit tedious, so a steel tape is in that place. Theodolite, sextant are used for taking angles, Aneroid barometer for measuring elevations.

3. Height of the instrument depends upon __________
a) Elevation differences
b) Type of terrain present
c) Type of instrument used
d) Distance between stations
Answer: d
Clarification: The height of the instrument and the signal in the process of Reconnaissance depends upon the profile of the ground, distance between the stations, and relative elevations of stations.

4. Height of the station above datum is given as __________
a) (h = frac{D^2 (1-2m)}{2R})
b) (h = frac{D^2 (1-2m)}{2})
c) (h = frac{D^2 (1+2m)}{2R})
d) (h = frac{D(1-2m)}{2R})
Answer: a
Clarification: Due to the absence of any obstruction on the ground, the value of the height of station is given as (h = frac{D^2 (1-2m)}{2R}) where D is the distance to the horizon, m is the mean coefficient of refraction and R is the mean radius of the earth.

5. In the process of Reconnaissance, which of the following is determined?
a) Slope
b) Elevation
c) Gradient
d) Distance between stations
Answer: b
Clarification: In Reconnaissance, the elevation and the peak points in terrain are determined. These are compared with the proposed elevations to ascertain whether the line of sight is clear or not.

6. Reconnaissance process will give best output only on elevated grounds.
a) False
b) True
Answer: b
Clarification: Reconnaissance is a process which helps on determining the elevations in terrain and also the peak points in the terrain which help in determining slope which is a secondary thing.

7. While calculating h2 with reference to h1, line of sight must be ______ m above the point of tangency.
a) 5-6 m
b) 4-5 m
c) 3-4 m
d) 2-3 m
Answer: d
Clarification: The elevation of a station can be determined by (h = frac{D^2 (1-2m)}{2R}) and from taking its reference h2 will be calculated. It requires certain parameters like keeping the line of sight at a height of 2-3 m above the point of tangency.

8. For proper identification, station marks are marked with___________
a) Wood
b) Plastic
c) Copper
d) Concrete
Answer: c
Clarification: The marks of triangulation must be permanently marked with copper so as to make them visible all over the years. A minimum of two or three marks must be noted for easy identification.

9. Besides theodolite which among the following is used for taking angles.
a) Compass
b) Only theodolite
c) Total station
d) Sextant
Answer: d
Clarification: Compass is used only for determining bearings not for angles. Though theodolite is used, it sometimes might not be possible for setting the instrument. In that case, a sextant is used.

10. Determine the height of the station if the distance between the visible horizon is 44km.
a) 121.54m
b) 211.54m
c) 121.45m
d) 211.45m
Answer: a
Clarification: The height of the station can be determined by,
h = D2*(1-2m) / 2*R. here, m= 0.07, radius of earth = 6370km. On substitution, we get
h = 442*(1-2*0.07) / 2*6370
h = 121.54m.

11. Find the distance between the visible horizon, if the height of the station is given as 2.98m.
a) 8.66m
b) 6.88m
c) 8.68m
d) 2.86m
Answer: b
Clarification: The distance between the visible horizon can be given by,
(D = sqrt{frac{h}{0.06278}}). On substitution, we get
(D = sqrt{frac{2.98}{0.06278}})
D = 6.88m.