Past Questions — 2024

An Alidade is a sighting device used in Plane Table Surveying. It consists of a straightedge (ruler) with an attached sighting mechanism (either a plain alidade with vanes or a telescopic alidade) used to draw lines of sight (rays) from the station to the object being plotted. Why other options are incorrect: - a. Tacheometry: Uses a Tacheometer (a transit theodolite equipped with stadia hairs) to measure distances and elevations. - c. Chaining: Uses chains, tapes, and arrows for linear measurements. - d. Compass surveying: Uses a Prismatic or Surveyor's compass to determine the magnetic bearing of lines.

In chain surveying, 'Sag' refers to the phenomenon where a chain or tape hangs in a curve (catenary) between two support points due to its own weight when measured over a long distance or suspended. Because the curved path is longer than the straight-line distance between the two points, the measured length is always greater than the actual horizontal distance. Since this error occurs consistently in the same direction (overestimating the distance) for every length measured, it is classified as a cumulative error. Regarding the other options: - 'Fag', 'Rag', and 'Lag' are not technical terms used to describe sources of measurement error in surveying. They are distractors used in the multiple-choice format.

In chain surveying, perpendicular offsets are used to locate points or objects from the main chain line. To ensure the offset is exactly 90 degrees (perpendicular), specific tools are used. 1. **Cross Staff (Option d):** A traditional tool used to set out right angles from the chain line. 2. **Optical Square (Option c):** A more precise instrument that uses mirrors to reflect a line of sight at exactly 90 degrees to the chain line. 3. **Steel Tape (Option b):** Once the perpendicular direction is established by a cross staff or optical square, a steel tape (or chain) is used to measure the actual distance of the offset. **Line Ranger (Option a):** A line ranger is used for 'ranging' a line—which means establishing a straight line between two distant points. It helps the surveyor ensure that the chain line is straight, but it cannot be used to set out a perpendicular angle for offsets. Therefore, it is not used in measuring perpendicular offsets.

A Total Station is an electronic/optical instrument used in modern surveying that combines an Electronic Distance Meter (EDM) with an electronic theodolite. 1. **High Resolution and High Accuracy (Options a & b):** These are incremental improvements in the quality of sensors and electronics. While modern instruments are more accurate and have higher resolution than older ones, these are considered 'specifications' or 'enhancements' rather than a new 'development' or category of technology. 2. **Automatic (Option d):** Most total stations are already 'automatic' in terms of calculating coordinates and distances. This is a standard feature of all electronic total stations. 3. **Robotic (Option c):** Robotic Total Stations represent the latest major technological leap. Unlike conventional total stations that require an operator to stand behind the instrument to sight the target, a Robotic Total Station can be operated remotely via a data collector. It features an automated motorized drive that allows the instrument to track a prism automatically (Auto-tracking) and rotate itself. This allows for 'one-person surveying,' significantly increasing efficiency and safety. Therefore, 'Robotic' is the correct answer as it represents the most advanced evolutionary stage of the technology.

The Global Positioning System (GPS), originally known as Navstar GPS, was developed by the United States Department of Defense. The first Block I developmental satellite was launched on February 22, 1978. This marked the beginning of the satellite launch phase to establish the constellation required for global positioning. Analysis of other options: - 1960: This was the era of early satellite experiments (like TIROS or early communication satellites), but GPS development had not yet begun. - 1989: By this time, the system was already operational for military use and expanding, but launches had started a decade prior. - 1995: This is well after the initial launch phase; by the mid-90s, the system was approaching Full Operational Capability (FOC), which was officially declared in 1995.

The fundamental principle of surveying is to work 'from whole to part'. This means that a large area is first enclosed by a few main control points with high precision (the 'whole'). Once this primary framework is established, the interior is divided into smaller triangles or sections (the 'parts') for detailed surveying. Reasoning for this approach: 1. Prevention of Error Accumulation: If one works from 'part to whole', small errors made in individual measurements would accumulate and multiply, leading to a significant discrepancy in the final boundary of the survey. 2. Error Localization: By working from whole to part, any errors made during the detailed surveying of a small section are contained within that specific part and do not affect the overall accuracy of the entire survey area. Analysis of other options: - Option b (Centre to boundary) and Option d (Boundary to centre) are not standard surveying principles; they describe directions of movement rather than a methodology for error control. - Option c (Part of whole) is the inverse of the correct principle and would lead to the accumulation of errors.

In surveying, the workflow is broadly divided into two main phases: Field Work and Office Work. 1. Field Work: This involves all activities performed on-site at the location being surveyed. This includes reconnaissance, establishing control points, and the actual measurement of distances, angles, and elevations. 'Setting of instrument' (centering and leveling) is a critical step performed in the field to ensure the instrument is correctly positioned over a station before measurements are taken. 2. Office Work: This involves the processing of the raw data collected during field work. It includes: - Calculation of observed data: Converting raw readings into usable coordinates or distances. - Processing: Organizing the data and applying corrections (e.g., atmospheric or curvature corrections). - Analyzing: Interpreting the results to ensure accuracy and consistency. - Plotting/Drafting: Creating the final map or plan. Since 'Setting of instrument' is a physical activity performed on-site, it is categorized as field work, not office work.

In Plane Table Surveying, there are several methods used to locate points on the map. 1. **Radiation Method**: This is the simplest method where the plane table is set up at a single station. Rays are drawn from this instrument station towards the various points to be located. The distance between the station and the point is then measured and plotted on the map to scale. This matches the description in the question. 2. **Intersection Method**: This method is used to locate points that are inaccessible. It involves observing the point from two different instrument stations; the point is located at the intersection of the two rays drawn from these stations. 3. **Traversing Method**: This is used to establish a framework of stations. It involves moving the plane table from one station to another, drawing a line between them, and repeating the process to create a series of connected lines. 4. **Plane table**: This is the name of the instrument/overall surveying technique, not a specific method of locating a point within that technique.

A Total Station is an integrated instrument combining an Electronic Distance Meter (EDM), an electronic theodolite, and an onboard computer. 1. **Microprocessor (Correct):** The microprocessor acts as the 'brain' of the Total Station. It is the unit responsible for processing the raw data collected by the EDM (distance) and the electronic encoders (angles) to calculate coordinates (X, Y, Z) using trigonometric formulas in real-time. 2. **Data Collector (Incorrect):** While a data collector stores and manages the data, it is essentially an interface or a peripheral device. The actual mathematical processing of the raw signals into usable survey data happens within the instrument's microprocessor. 3. **EDM (Incorrect):** The Electronic Distance Meter is the hardware component used specifically for measuring the slope distance between the instrument and the prism; it does not process the overall survey data. 4. **Storage System (Incorrect):** The storage system (internal memory or SD card) is used only to save the processed data for later retrieval; it has no processing capability.

A deflection angle is the angle by which a survey line deviates from the prolongation of the preceding line. To measure this directly using a theodolite: 1. The instrument is set up at the station where the change in direction occurs. 2. The instrument is first sighted back to the previous station (the preceding line). 3. The horizontal circle (vernier) is then set to 0° (zeroed). 4. The instrument is then rotated to sight the next station (the following line). 5. The reading obtained on the vernier is the direct measurement of the deflection angle. If the instrument were set to 90°, 180°, or 270°, the resulting reading would be an offset value rather than the direct deflection angle. Therefore, setting the instrument to 0° is the standard procedure for direct measurement.

In chain surveying, different types of lines are used for specific purposes: 1. **Check line (or Proof line):** This is a line joined to two points already plotted on the map or measured in the field. Its primary purpose is to verify the accuracy of the fieldwork and the plotting. If the measured length of the check line matches the plotted length, the survey is considered accurate. 2. **Baseline:** This is the longest and most important line in the survey, from which the rest of the network is developed. It is the main reference line. 3. **Survey line:** This is a general term for any line measured in the field (including baselines and tie lines). 4. **Offset:** These are lateral distances measured from the chain line to locate objects or boundaries; they are not used to check the overall accuracy of the field framework. Therefore, the line specifically provided to check accuracy is the check line.

GIS stands for Geographical Information System. It is a conceptualized framework that provides the ability to capture and analyze spatial and geographic data. It integrates hardware, software, and data to manage location-based information, allowing users to visualize, query, analyze, and share geographic information. Analysis of options: - Option (a) is correct as it is the standard industry and academic term. - Option (b) 'Intelligence System' is incorrect; while GIS provides intelligence, the 'I' stands for Information. - Option (c) 'Interferometry System' is incorrect; Interferometry is a specific technique used in radar (InSAR) or optics, not the name of the general system. - Option (d) 'Information Seismography' is incorrect; Seismography is the study of earthquakes, which is a specific application that may use GIS, but is not what GIS stands for.

In chain surveying, the field book is used to record measurements and sketches of the survey. The standard practice is to commence booking from the bottom of the page and proceed upwards. This is done because the surveyor is moving forward on the ground, and as the survey progresses, the entries in the book move up the page. This method ensures that the sequence of the survey on the ground matches the visual progression of the entries in the book, making it easier to plot the survey on a drawing sheet later, as the plotting usually proceeds from the bottom of the sheet upwards or in a manner that mirrors the field progression.

In surveying, a chain (such as the Metric chain or Gunter's chain) is used for linear measurements. The ends of the chain are provided with handles. To prevent the chain from wearing out or fraying at the ends due to friction with the ground during the chaining process, a durable, hard cap made of agate (a hard variety of chalcedony/quartz) is fitted to the end of the chain. This is known as an 'Agate cap'. Why other options are incorrect: - a. Cross staff: This is used for setting out right angles and does not require a protective agate cap. - b. Level: This is an optical instrument used for determining elevations; it uses a tripod and leveling screws, not agate caps. - d. Prismatic compass: This is used for measuring magnetic bearings and consists of a magnetic needle and a prism; it does not utilize agate caps.

In Plane Table Surveying, 'fixing' a point refers to determining the position of the table on the drawing sheet by sighting known points. When only two points are used to fix the position (a 'two-point fix'), the intersection of the two rays determines the location. However, if there are any small errors in the measurement of the baseline or the sighting of the rays, these errors propagate, and there is no way to detect them because the two lines will always intersect at a single point. This lack of redundancy means that any error is accepted as the correct position, making the accuracy 'bad' or unreliable. To improve accuracy and detect errors, a 'three-point problem' or a 'three-point fix' is used; in this case, the three rays should ideally intersect at a single point. If they form a small triangle (known as a 'triangle of error'), the surveyor knows there is an inaccuracy and can take the centroid of that triangle as the most probable position. Therefore, a two-point fix is considered to have bad accuracy compared to a three-point fix.

In leveling, there are two primary methods for calculating Reduced Levels (RL): the Height of Instrument (HI) method (also known as the Line of Collimation method) and the Rise and Fall method. 1. **Line of Collimation (HI) Method**: In this method, the RL of a point is calculated as: RL = HI - Fore Sight (or Intermediate Sight). The arithmetic check for this method is: ΣBS - ΣFS = Last RL - First RL. 2. **The Limitation**: Notice that the arithmetic check only involves the sum of Back Sights (BS) and Fore Sights (FS). Intermediate Sights (IS) are used to find the RL of points between the change points, but they do not enter into the final arithmetic check formula. Therefore, if a calculation error is made while determining the RL of a point using an Intermediate Sight, the arithmetic check will not detect it. 3. **Rise and Fall Method**: In contrast, this method provides a check on all readings (BS, FS, and IS) because every reading is used to calculate a difference (rise or fall), and the check is: ΣBS - ΣFS = ΣRise - ΣFall = Last RL - First RL. Therefore, the Line of Collimation method does not provide a check on Intermediate Sights.

In the general workflow of surveying, the process is divided into several distinct stages: Planning, Field Work (Observations), and Office Work. 1. **Planning**: This is the initial stage where the objective of the survey is defined, the area to be surveyed is identified, the appropriate scale is chosen, and most importantly, the **methods to be adopted** (e.g., whether to use triangulation, traversing, or GPS) are decided based on the required accuracy and terrain. 2. **Field Observations**: This is the execution phase where actual measurements (angles, distances) are taken on the ground using instruments. The methods were already decided during the planning phase. 3. **Office Work**: This involves the processing of field data, calculations, plotting, and the preparation of the final map or report. 4. **Setting out works**: This is the reverse of surveying; it is the process of transferring a design from a map onto the actual ground (e.g., marking the center line of a road). Therefore, deciding the methods to be adopted is a core part of the Planning stage.

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based radionavigation system owned by the United States government and operated by the United States Space Force. It is defined as a 'system' because it consists of three integrated segments: 1) The Space Segment (the constellation of satellites), 2) The Control Segment (ground stations that monitor and manage the satellites), and 3) The User Segment (GPS receivers). Analysis of options: - Option (a) 'Satellite Word Station' is a nonsensical term in the context of GPS. - Option (c) 'Satellite Signal' refers to the radio waves transmitted by the satellites, which is only one component used by the system, not the system itself. - Option (d) 'Satellite Solution' refers to the calculated position (coordinate) derived from the signals, which is the output of the system, not the system itself. Therefore, GPS is fundamentally a Satellite System.

Surveying is broadly classified into two categories based on whether the curvature of the earth is taken into account: 1. **Plane Surveying**: In this type of surveying, the earth's surface is considered a flat plane. The curvature of the earth is neglected. This is acceptable for small areas (typically where the area is less than 250 square kilometers) because the error introduced is negligible. 2. **Geodetic Surveying**: This is used for very large areas or high-precision work. In geodetic surveying, the earth is treated as a spheroid (ellipsoid), and the curvature of the earth is explicitly considered to ensure accuracy over long distances. Regarding the other options: - **Hydrographic survey** refers to the mapping of water bodies (oceans, lakes, rivers) and focuses on depth and underwater topography. - **Aerial survey** involves taking photographs or using sensors from an aircraft; while it may use geodetic coordinates for mapping, the fundamental definition of considering earth's curvature as a primary distinguishing factor belongs to Geodetic Surveying.

A diagonal scale is a specialized scale used to represent three dimensions or to read measurements with a high degree of precision. Specifically, it is used to read two consecutive units (such as meters and decimeters, or feet and inches) and a fraction of the smallest unit. While a plain scale can read one unit and a vernier scale can read very small fractions, the diagonal scale utilizes the principle of similar triangles to divide a small division into further equal parts, effectively allowing the user to read two different units of measurement (e.g., the main unit and its first subdivision) plus a third fractional part. In the context of standard surveying and engineering drawing terminology, it is primarily categorized as a scale used to read 'two units' (or two dimensions) simultaneously with high precision.

In compass surveying, the compass box must be constructed from a non-magnetic material to ensure that the magnetic needle is not deflected by the instrument itself. This is crucial for maintaining the accuracy of the magnetic bearings. 1. **Brass (Correct):** Brass is a non-ferrous alloy (primarily copper and zinc) that is non-magnetic. It is durable, corrosion-resistant, and does not interfere with the Earth's magnetic field, making it the ideal material for the compass box. 2. **Steel (Incorrect):** Steel is a ferrous material and is highly magnetic. If the box were made of steel, it would attract the needle, causing significant errors in readings (local attraction). 3. **Iron (Incorrect):** Like steel, iron is strongly magnetic and would render the compass useless. 4. **Aluminium (Incorrect):** While aluminium is non-magnetic, it is generally softer and less durable than brass for the precision machining required for a compass box, although it is used in some modern lightweight housings. However, in the context of standard surveying instruments and traditional exam questions, brass is the authoritative answer.

In the context of Cadastral Surveying and Land Revenue administration in India, the term 'Mauza' is a Persian-derived word used to denote a specific administrative unit of land. 1. 'Mauza' refers to a revenue village, which is a defined geographical area with a specific boundary used for land records and tax collection. 2. 'Village' is the English translation of this administrative unit. 3. 'Gram' is the Sanskrit/Hindi term for village. Since 'Mauza', 'Village', and 'Gram' all refer to the same basic administrative unit of land in the context of land revenue and settlement, both options (a) and (b) are correct.

In surveying, different types of chains are used based on the requirement of the project. The two most common types of chains are: 1. Gunter's Chain: It is 66 feet long and divided into 100 links. It is primarily used for measuring land in acres. 2. Engineer's Chain (also known as Revenue Chain): It is 100 feet long and divided into 100 links. Each link is exactly 1 foot long, making it highly convenient for engineering measurements and land revenue calculations. Comparing the options: - Option (a) 90 feet: Not a standard length for a surveying chain. - Option (b) 100 feet: This is the standard length of an Engineer's chain. - Option (c) 60 feet: Not a standard length for a surveying chain. - Option (d) 30 feet: Not a standard length for a surveying chain.

The scale of a map is the most fundamental consideration because it determines the relationship between the distance on the map and the actual distance on the ground. It dictates the level of detail that can be represented, the area the map can cover, and the overall purpose of the map (e.g., a large-scale map for cadastral surveys vs. a small-scale map for regional planning). Why other options are incorrect: - b. Plotting accuracy: While important, accuracy is a result of the methodology and tools used; it is dependent on the chosen scale (you cannot have accuracy beyond the limits of the scale). - c. Generalization: This is the process of simplifying details to maintain clarity, which is a consequence of choosing a specific scale. If the scale is large enough, generalization may not be necessary. - d. Contour Interval: This is a specific consideration for topographic maps to show relief, but it is not the primary consideration for all types of maps (such as thematic or cadastral maps). The contour interval itself is usually chosen based on the map's scale.

In surveying, a deflection angle is the angle which a line makes with the prolongation of the preceding line. It is the angle by which a survey line deviates from the straight-line extension of the previous line. 1. If the line turns to the right, it is a deflection angle to the right; if it turns to the left, it is a deflection angle to the left. 2. The minimum possible deflection angle is 0° (where the line continues perfectly straight). 3. The maximum possible deflection angle is 180° (where the line turns back exactly upon itself, returning in the opposite direction). Therefore, the value of a deflection angle always falls within the range of 0° to 180°. Options a, b, and c are incorrect because they provide arbitrary upper limits (45°, 90°, 120°) that do not account for the full geometric possibility of a line's deviation.