250+ TOP MCQs on Compass Surveying and Answers

Basic Civil Engineering Multiple Choice Questions on “Compass Surveying”.

1. The direction of a line relative to a given meridian is called:
a) Bearing
b) Declination
c) Angle
d) Dip
Answer: a
Clarification: Bearing of the line gives its direction relative to a given meridian. It can be measured as an angle using any angular measuring instruments.

2. How many types of a compass are used in surveying?
a) 4
b) 2
c) 3
d) 5
Answer: b
Clarification: The two compass types used in surveying are Prismatic Compass and Surveyor’s Compass. Prismatic Compass is most commonly used one for surveying.

3. ___________ bearing is measured in the direction of survey.
a) Primary
b) First
c) Fore
d) Front
Answer: c
Clarification: Fore bearing is used to indicate the angle measured in the direction of progress of the survey. The angle measured in the opposite direction of progress of the survey is called back bearing.

4. In a reduced bearing system, bearing is measured from:
a) Nearest one (North or South)
b) South
c) West
d) North
Answer: a
Clarification: In reduced bearing system bearing is measured from the nearest one, North or South is anticlockwise or clockwise direction. It aims at locating nearest bearing.

5. Prismatic Compass is based on the reduced bearing system.
a) True
b) False
Answer: b
Clarification: Prismatic Compass functions based on WCB – whole circle bearing and surveyor’s compass functions based on the reduced bearing system.

6. The bearing of line AB as shown below is represented in reduced bearing as:

a) N150^o
b) E60^oS
c) S30^o
d) S30^oE
Answer: d
Clarification: Reduced bearing involves measurement in shortest way possible. It is represented as S 30^o E to indicate bearing of 30^o in anticlockwise direction from South.

7. How many meridians are used in surveying?
a) 6
b) 8
c) 3
d) 5
Answer: c
Clarification: True, magnetic and arbitrary meridians are used. True meridian passes through true North and South. Magnetic meridian passes through magnetic North and South. Arbitrary meridian is used for rough purposes.

8. ________ is a term used that prevents the needle from pointing to the magnetic North in a given locality.
a) Local attraction
b) Declination
c) Deviation
d) Local distraction
Answer: a
Clarification: While reading a compass, sometimes needle might be slightly deviated from magnetic North. It can be due to any weather conditions, magnetic objects nearby. It has to be corrected to get accurate readings.

9. ___________ line is the line drawn through points of the same declination.
a) Polygonic
b) Isogonic
c) Syngonic
d) Agonic
Answer: b
Clarification: Isogonic line passes through points of the same declination. Agonic line passes through points of zero declination. Other options are invalid.

10. Which of the below is not a temporary adjustment of the prismatic compass?
a) Centring
b) Levelling
c) Focussing prism
d) Adjusting sight vane
Answer: d
Clarification: In a prismatic compass, the sight vanes are generally not adjustable. In surveyor’s compass, it’s one of the permanent adjustments done.

11. How many types of variations in declination are there?
a) 4
b) 5
c) 2
d) 3
Answer: a
Clarification: The four types are diurnal (daily), annual (yearly), secular (periodic) and irregular variations.