50 Surveying Questions for APSC Assistant Engineer Exam
50 Surveying Questions for APSC Assistant Engineer Exam
1. What is the primary objective of surveying?
a) To measure soil strength
b) To prepare maps and plans
c) To analyze water flow
d) To design structures
b) To prepare maps and plans
Surveying aims to measure and map the Earth’s surface to create accurate plans and maps for construction, navigation, and land management.
2. Which instrument is used for measuring horizontal and vertical angles?
a) Level
b) Theodolite
c) Compass
d) Planimeter
b) Theodolite
A theodolite is a precision instrument used to measure horizontal and vertical angles in surveying, essential for triangulation and traverse.
3. In leveling, the term ‘benchmark’ refers to:
a) A temporary point
b) A fixed reference point
c) A survey instrument
d) A contour line
b) A fixed reference point
A benchmark is a fixed point with a known elevation, used as a reference for leveling operations to establish heights.
4. Which type of surveying is used for large areas like countries?
a) Plane surveying
b) Geodetic surveying
c) Cadastral surveying
d) Topographic surveying
b) Geodetic surveying
Geodetic surveying accounts for the Earth’s curvature and is used for large areas like countries, ensuring high accuracy over vast distances.
5. The magnetic bearing of a line is measured using:
a) Theodolite
b) Surveyor’s compass
c) Dumpy level
d) Total station
b) Surveyor’s compass
A surveyor’s compass measures the magnetic bearing of a line relative to the magnetic north, used in compass surveying.
6. What is the purpose of a backsight in leveling?
a) To measure horizontal distance
b) To establish the height of the instrument
c) To close a traverse
d) To calculate area
b) To establish the height of the instrument
A backsight reading is taken on a point of known elevation to determine the height of the instrument in leveling.
7. Which error is caused by the non-horizontal leveling rod?
a) Instrumental error
b) Collimation error
c) Parallax error
d) Error of inclination
d) Error of inclination
A non-horizontal leveling rod causes an error of inclination, leading to inaccurate elevation readings in leveling operations.
8. The process of orienting a survey to a reference direction is called:
a) Leveling
b) Traversing
c) Orientation
d) Triangulation
c) Orientation
Orientation aligns a survey with a reference direction (e.g., true north or magnetic north) to ensure accurate bearings and coordinates.
9. Which instrument combines angle and distance measurement?
a) Dumpy level
b) Theodolite
c) Total station
d) Chain
c) Total station
A total station integrates electronic theodolite and EDM (Electronic Distance Measurement) to measure angles and distances simultaneously.
10. The contour interval represents:
a) Horizontal distance between contours
b) Vertical distance between contours
c) Slope of the terrain
d) Area enclosed by contours
b) Vertical distance between contours
The contour interval is the vertical elevation difference between consecutive contour lines on a topographic map, indicating terrain steepness.
11. Evaluate the following statement: ‘Plane surveying neglects the Earth’s curvature.’
a) True
b) False
a) True
Plane surveying assumes the Earth’s surface is flat, suitable for small areas where curvature effects are negligible.
12. Which statement is correct about a closed traverse?
a) It starts and ends at different points.
b) It has no angular error checks.
c) The sum of interior angles equals (n-2)×180°.
d) It is used only for leveling.
c) The sum of interior angles equals (n-2)×180°.
In a closed traverse with n sides, the sum of interior angles is (n-2)×180°, allowing error checks for angular accuracy.
13. Evaluate the following statement: ‘A foresight reading is taken to determine the elevation of an unknown point.’
a) True
b) False
a) True
A foresight reading is taken on a point to calculate its elevation relative to the instrument’s height, established via backsight.
14. Which statement is true about triangulation?
a) It is used only for small-scale surveys.
b) It involves measuring all sides of triangles.
c) It relies on angle measurements to establish control points.
d) It is obsolete in modern surveying.
c) It relies on angle measurements to establish control points.
Triangulation uses angle measurements within a network of triangles to establish precise control points, minimizing distance measurements.
15. Evaluate the following statement: ‘The magnetic declination is constant at all locations.’
a) True
b) False
b) False
Magnetic declination, the angle between magnetic and true north, varies by location and changes over time due to Earth’s magnetic field shifts.
16. Which of the following statements is correct about leveling?
a) It measures horizontal angles.
b) It determines elevation differences.
c) It is used only for contouring.
d) It requires a compass.
b) It determines elevation differences.
Leveling measures elevation differences between points using instruments like a level, essential for construction and mapping.
17. Evaluate the following statement: ‘A total station can measure distances without a reflector.’
a) True
b) False
a) True
Modern total stations can measure distances reflectorlessly using laser technology, though accuracy may be lower compared to prism-based measurements.
18. Which statement is true about photogrammetry?
a) It requires physical contact with the terrain.
b) It uses aerial images to create maps.
c) It is limited to small areas.
d) It measures only horizontal distances.
b) It uses aerial images to create maps.
Photogrammetry uses overlapping aerial photographs to create topographic maps and 3D models, ideal for large-scale surveys.
19. Evaluate the following statement: ‘The sum of angles in a triangle must be exactly 180° in a survey.’
a) True
b) False
a) True
In plane surveying, the sum of angles in a triangle is always 180°, a fundamental check for triangulation accuracy.
20. Which of the following statements is correct about a contour map?
a) Contours intersect each other.
b) Contours represent points of equal elevation.
c) Contours are used only for leveling.
d) Contours indicate soil type.
b) Contours represent points of equal elevation.
A contour map shows lines connecting points of equal elevation, depicting the terrain’s topography for design and planning.
21. In leveling, a backsight of 1.25 m is taken on a benchmark of elevation 100 m, and a foresight of 1.85 m is taken on point A. Calculate the elevation of point A (m).
a) 99.40 m
b) 100.60 m
c) 101.25 m
d) 98.75 m
a) 99.40 m
Height of instrument (HI) = BM elevation + BS = 100 + 1.25 = 101.25 m. Elevation of A = HI - FS = 101.25 - 1.85 = 99.40 m.
22. A closed traverse has 5 sides. Calculate the sum of its interior angles (degrees).
a) 360°
b) 540°
c) 720°
d) 900°
b) 540°
For a closed traverse with n sides, sum of interior angles = (n-2)×180°. For n = 5, sum = (5-2)×180° = 3×180° = 540°.
23. A rectangular plot measures 50 m by 30 m. Calculate its area (m²).
a) 1200 m²
b) 1500 m²
c) 1800 m²
d) 2000 m²
b) 1500 m²
Area = Length × Width = 50 m × 30 m = 1500 m².
24. The magnetic bearing of a line is N30°E. If the magnetic declination is 5°E, calculate the true bearing.
25. A leveling rod reading is 2.5 m at a distance of 50 m from the level. If the stadia interval is 0.5 m, calculate the horizontal distance (m).
a) 25 m
b) 50 m
c) 75 m
d) 100 m
b) 50 m
Horizontal distance = Stadia interval × 100 (stadia constant). Distance = 0.5 × 100 = 50 m, matching the given distance.
26. A triangular plot has sides of 30 m, 40 m, and 50 m. Calculate its area using Heron’s formula (m²).
a) 600 m²
b) 800 m²
c) 1000 m²
d) 1200 m²
a) 600 m²
Semi-perimeter s = (30 + 40 + 50)/2 = 60 m. Area = √[s(s-a)(s-b)(s-c)] = √[60(60-30)(60-40)(60-50)] = √[60×30×20×10] = √360000 = 600 m².
27. In a traverse, the included angle between two lines is 120°. If the bearing of the first line is N45°E, calculate the bearing of the second line.
a) S75°E
b) N165°E
c) S15°W
d) N75°W
a) S75°E
Bearing of second line = Bearing of first line + Included angle (adjust for direction). N45°E + 120° = 165°, which is S75°E (180° - 165° = 15°, but full angle gives S75°E).
28. A level is set up between two points A and B, 100 m apart. The rod readings are 1.5 m at A and 2.0 m at B. Calculate the elevation difference (m).
a) 0.5 m
b) 1.0 m
c) 1.5 m
d) 2.0 m
a) 0.5 m
Elevation difference = Rod reading at A - Rod reading at B = 1.5 m - 2.0 m = -0.5 m (B is 0.5 m lower than A).
29. A contour map has a contour interval of 2 m. If a slope is represented by contours 10 m apart horizontally, calculate the slope (%).
a) 10%
b) 20%
c) 30%
d) 40%
b) 20%
Slope = (Vertical interval / Horizontal distance) × 100 = (2 m / 10 m) × 100 = 20%.
30. A chain is 20 m long, but due to wear, it is 0.1 m too long. If a distance of 100 m is measured, calculate the correction (m).
a) -0.5 m
b) -0.25 m
c) +0.5 m
d) +0.25 m
a) -0.5 m
Correction = (Error per chain length / Chain length) × Measured distance = (0.1 / 20) × 100 = 0.5 m too long, so correction = -0.5 m.
31. The process of determining the area of a plot is called:
a) Leveling
b) Contouring
c) Planimetry
d) Triangulation
c) Planimetry
Planimetry involves calculating the area of a plot using survey measurements, often with tools like a planimeter or coordinates.
32. Which type of leveling is used to establish benchmarks?
a) Profile leveling
b) Differential leveling
c) Reciprocal leveling
d) Trigonometric leveling
b) Differential leveling
Differential leveling is used to establish benchmarks by measuring elevation differences between points with high accuracy.
33. The angle between the line of sight and the horizontal plane is called:
a) Horizontal angle
b) Vertical angle
c) Bearing
d) Declination
b) Vertical angle
The vertical angle is measured between the line of sight and the horizontal plane, used in trigonometric leveling and angle surveys.
34. Which survey method is used to map boundaries of land parcels?
a) Topographic surveying
b) Cadastral surveying
c) Hydrographic surveying
d) Geodetic surveying
b) Cadastral surveying
Cadastral surveying maps land parcel boundaries for ownership, taxation, and legal purposes, detailing property lines and areas.
35. The error due to improper focusing of the eyepiece is called:
a) Collimation error
b) Parallax error
c) Refraction error
d) Curvature error
b) Parallax error
Parallax error occurs when the eyepiece and object are not properly focused, causing the crosshairs to appear to shift.
36. Which instrument is used to measure the area on a map?
a) Compass
b) Planimeter
c) Theodolite
d) Level
b) Planimeter
A planimeter is a mechanical device used to measure the area of irregular shapes on maps by tracing their boundaries.
37. The reduced bearing is measured with respect to:
a) True north
b) Magnetic north
c) Nearest meridian (N, S, E, W)
d) Arbitrary direction
c) Nearest meridian (N, S, E, W)
Reduced bearing (quadrant bearing) is the angle measured from the nearest cardinal direction (N, S, E, or W), less than 90°.
38. Which method is used to correct errors in a closed traverse?
a) Bowditch’s rule
b) Simpson’s rule
c) Trapezoidal rule
d) Rankine’s method
a) Bowditch’s rule
Bowditch’s rule distributes errors in a closed traverse proportionally to the lengths of sides, correcting latitude and departure.
39. The scale of a map is 1:5000. What does this mean?
a) 1 cm on map = 50 m on ground
b) 1 cm on map = 500 m on ground
c) 1 cm on map = 5 m on ground
d) 1 cm on map = 5000 m on ground
a) 1 cm on map = 50 m on ground
A scale of 1:5000 means 1 cm on the map represents 5000 cm (50 m) on the ground, indicating the map’s reduction factor.
40. Which surveying method is used for underwater mapping?
a) Topographic surveying
b) Hydrographic surveying
c) Cadastral surveying
d) Geodetic surveying
b) Hydrographic surveying
Hydrographic surveying maps underwater features like riverbeds and ocean floors for navigation, dredging, and construction.
41. The line joining points of equal elevation is called:
a) Gradient line
b) Contour line
c) Traverse line
d) Baseline
b) Contour line
A contour line connects points of equal elevation, used in topographic maps to represent terrain height and shape.
42. Which instrument is used to set out right angles in chain surveying?
a) Compass
b) Cross staff
c) Theodolite
d) Level
b) Cross staff
A cross staff is a simple tool used in chain surveying to set out perpendiculars, aiding in establishing offsets and boundaries.
43. The adjustment of a theodolite to eliminate errors is called:
a) Calibration
b) Orientation
c) Temporary adjustment
d) Permanent adjustment
d) Permanent adjustment
Permanent adjustments of a theodolite correct fundamental errors (e.g., collimation, axis alignment) to ensure long-term accuracy.
44. Which type of error is random and cannot be eliminated completely?
a) Systematic error
b) Instrumental error
c) Personal error
d) Accidental error
d) Accidental error
Accidental errors are random, caused by unpredictable factors like human judgment, and can only be minimized, not eliminated.
45. The method of surveying using GPS is called:
a) Triangulation
b) Trilateration
c) Photogrammetry
d) Remote sensing
b) Trilateration
GPS surveying uses trilateration, calculating positions by measuring distances from multiple satellites, ensuring high accuracy.
46. The horizontal circle of a theodolite is used to measure:
a) Vertical angles
b) Horizontal angles
c) Elevations
d) Distances
b) Horizontal angles
The horizontal circle of a theodolite measures horizontal angles between lines, critical for traverse and triangulation surveys.
47. Which survey is conducted to prepare detailed engineering plans?
a) Reconnaissance survey
b) Preliminary survey
c) Location survey
d) Topographic survey
c) Location survey
A location survey provides detailed data for final engineering plans, including alignments and profiles for roads, railways, etc.
48. The term ‘stadia’ in surveying refers to:
a) Angle measurement
b) Distance measurement
c) Elevation measurement
d) Area calculation
b) Distance measurement
Stadia refers to a method of measuring distances using a theodolite or level by observing rod intervals through stadia hairs.
49. Which type of chain is most accurate for linear measurements?
a) Gunter’s chain
b) Engineer’s chain
c) Metric chain
d) Steel band
d) Steel band
A steel band is the most accurate for linear measurements due to its minimal stretch and precise calibration compared to chains.
50. The purpose of a reciprocal leveling is to:
a) Measure horizontal angles
b) Eliminate instrumental errors
c) Calculate areas
d) Establish contours
b) Eliminate instrumental errors
Reciprocal leveling eliminates errors due to curvature, refraction, and collimation by taking readings from both sides of an obstacle like a river.
