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Surveying Top 100 One-Linear/Latest interview Questions & Answers

 

Surveying Top 100 One-Linear/Latest interview Questions & Answers:

Surveying Top 100 One-Linear Questions & Answers




Fundamentals of Surveying

NTSQA0001

Question: What is the main guiding principle of surveying?

Answer: Working from whole to part.

NTSQA0002

Question: What is the primary purpose of the "working from whole to part" principle?

Answer: To prevent the accumulation of errors and localize them.

NTSQA0003

Question: At what area limit is Plane Surveying generally conducted?

Answer: When the area is less than $195.5 \text{ km}^2$.

NTSQA0004

Question: What is the distinguishing factor of Geodetic Surveying?

Answer: The curvature of the Earth is taken into account for measurements.

NTSQA0005

Question: What are the fundamental units of measurement in surveying?

Answer: Length, Angle, Time, and Mass.

NTSQA0006

Question: Define Representative Fraction (RF).

Answer: It is the ratio of map distance to ground distance, expressed as a fraction (e.g., 1/1000).

NTSQA0007

Question: What is a "Great Circle" on Earth?

Answer: It is the largest possible circle that can be drawn on the Earth's surface, passing through the center of the Earth.

NTSQA0008

Question: What is the direction of a Plumb Line?

Answer: It is normal to the force of gravity and perpendicular to the level surface at any point.


Chain & Tape Surveying

NTSQA0009

Question: What is the standard length and link count of an Engineering Chain?

Answer: 100 feet in length with 100 links.

NTSQA0010

Question: What is the length of a Gunter’s Chain?

Answer: 66 feet (comprised of 100 links).

NTSQA0011

Question: How many links are in a Revenue Chain?

Answer: 16 links, with a total length of 33 feet.

NTSQA0012

Question: What are the two standard lengths for a Metric Chain?

Answer: 20m and 30m.

NTSQA0013

Question: What is the chemical composition of an Invar Tape?

Answer: An alloy of 36% Nickel and 64% Steel.

NTSQA0014

Question: Why is Invar Tape considered the best for baseline measurements?

Answer: Because it has an extremely low coefficient of thermal expansion, making it stable against temperature changes.

NTSQA0015

Question: When is Chain Surveying most suitable?

Answer: For small, fairly level ground areas with few details.

NTSQA0016

Question: What is a Base Line in a survey framework?

Answer: The longest and most important central line upon which the accuracy of the entire survey depends.

NTSQA0017

Question: What is the function of Check Lines?

Answer: They are used to verify the accuracy of the framework and the plotting.

NTSQA0018

Question: Why are Tie Lines established?

Answer: To locate subsidiary or interior details and to check the accuracy of the main survey lines.

NTSQA0019

Question: Define an "Offset" in surveying.

Answer: It is the lateral distance measured from the main survey line to locate an object.

NTSQA0020

Question: What are Cumulative Errors?

Answer: Errors that always occur in the same direction and increase as the survey progresses.

NTSQA0021

Question: What are Compensating Errors?

Answer: Errors that occur in both directions and tend to cancel each other out over a series of observations.

NTSQA0022

Question: What is the nature of Sag Correction in taping?

Answer: It is always Negative, as the sagged tape measures a distance longer than the actual straight line.

NTSQA0023

Question: Provide the formula for Slope Correction.

Answer: $C_s = h^2 / 2L$ (where $h$ is the vertical height and $L$ is the slope length).


Compass Surveying

NTSQA0024

Question: Where is the zero-degree mark located on a Prismatic Compass?

Answer: At the South end.

NTSQA0025

Question: Where are the zero-degree marks located on a Surveyor’s Compass?

Answer: At both the North and South ends.

NTSQA0026

Question: How are graduations marked on a Prismatic Compass?

Answer: They are marked inverted (upside down) and range from $0^\circ$ to $360^\circ$.

NTSQA0027

Question: What does WCB stand for?

Answer: Whole Circle Bearing.

NTSQA0028

Question: What does QB (or Reduced Bearing) stand for?

Answer: Quadrantal Bearing.

NTSQA0029

Question: What is Magnetic Declination?

Answer: The horizontal angle between the True North and the Magnetic North.

NTSQA0030

Question: What are Isogonic Lines?

Answer: Lines on a map joining points that have the same magnetic declination.

NTSQA0031

Question: What are Agonic Lines?

Answer: Lines joining points of zero magnetic declination.

NTSQA0032

Question: What is the value of the "Dip of the Needle" at the Equator?

Answer: Zero ($0^\circ$).

NTSQA0033

Question: What is the value of the "Dip of the Needle" at the magnetic poles?

Answer: $90^\circ$.

NTSQA0034

Question: What causes "Local Attraction"?

Answer: Magnetic interference from nearby objects like electric lines, steel structures, or iron deposits.

NTSQA0035

Question: How do you check if a line is free from Local Attraction?

Answer: If the difference between the Fore Bearing (FB) and Back Bearing (BB) is exactly $180^\circ$.

NTSQA0036

Question: Does True Bearing change with time?

Answer: No, True Bearing remains constant.


Levelling

NTSQA0037

Question: What is the primary use of a Dumpy Level?

Answer: To find the relative elevation difference between two or more points.

NTSQA0038

Question: Define Bench Mark (BM).

Answer: A fixed point of known elevation (Reduced Level) used as a reference.

NTSQA0039

Question: What is a Back Sight (BS)?

Answer: The first staff reading taken on a point of known elevation after the instrument is set up.

NTSQA0040

Question: What is a Fore Sight (FS)?

Answer: The last staff reading taken before shifting the instrument or finishing the work.

NTSQA0041

Question: What is the Line of Collimation?

Answer: The imaginary line passing through the intersection of the cross-hairs and the optical center of the objective lens.

NTSQA0042

Question: What are the three checks for the Rise and Fall method?

Answer: $\sum BS - \sum FS = \sum Rise - \sum Fall = Last RL - First RL$.

NTSQA0043

Question: Why is the Height of Instrument (HI) method faster?

Answer: Because it requires fewer arithmetic calculations for intermediate points.

NTSQA0044

Question: What is the sign of Curvature Correction?

Answer: Always Negative.

NTSQA0045

Question: What is the sign of Refraction Correction?

Answer: Always Positive.

NTSQA0046

Question: Provide the Combined Correction formula for levelling.

Answer: $C = 0.0673 D^2$ (expressed as a Negative value).

NTSQA0047

Question: When is Reciprocal Levelling used?

Answer: When an obstacle like a river or a wide valley prevents balancing of sights.

NTSQA0048

Question: What errors are eliminated by Reciprocal Levelling?

Answer: Errors due to Earth's curvature, atmospheric refraction, and collimation error.

NTSQA0049

Question: How is bubble tube sensitivity improved?

Answer: By having a larger radius of curvature for the tube.


Contouring

NTSQA0050

Question: Define a Contour Line.

Answer: A line on a map joining points that have the same elevation.

NTSQA0051

Question: What is a Contour Interval?

Answer: The constant vertical distance between two consecutive contour lines.

NTSQA0052

Question: What is Horizontal Equivalent?

Answer: The horizontal distance between any two consecutive contour lines.

NTSQA0053

Question: How are contours spaced on a steep slope?

Answer: They are closely spaced.

NTSQA0054

Question: How are contours spaced on a gentle slope?

Answer: They are widely spaced.

NTSQA0055

Question: Where do contour lines cross each other?

Answer: Only in the case of an Overhanging Cliff.

NTSQA0056

Question: What happens to contours in the case of a Vertical Cliff?

Answer: Multiple contour lines merge to form a single line.

NTSQA0057

Question: What do closed contours with higher values inside represent?

Answer: A hill or a ridge.

NTSQA0058

Question: What do closed contours with lower values inside represent?

Answer: A depression, hollow, or pond.


Theodolite & Traversing

NTSQA0059

Question: What is the purpose of a Theodolite?

Answer: Measuring both horizontal and vertical angles with high precision.

NTSQA0060

Question: What is a Transit Theodolite?

Answer: A theodolite whose telescope can be rotated $180^\circ$ in the vertical plane about its horizontal axis.

NTSQA0061

Question: What is the process of "Changing Face"?

Answer: Switching from "Face Left" to "Face Right" to eliminate instrument errors.

NTSQA0062

Question: Define "Swing of Telescope."

Answer: Rotating the telescope in the horizontal plane about its vertical axis.

NTSQA0063

Question: List the fundamental lines of a theodolite.

Answer: Vertical axis, Horizontal (Trunnion) axis, Line of Collimation, Bubble line.

NTSQA0064

Question: What are the temporary adjustments of a theodolite?

Answer: Centering, Levelling, and Elimination of Parallax (Focussing).

NTSQA0065

Question: Why are permanent adjustments performed?

Answer: To establish a fixed relationship between the fundamental lines of the instrument.

NTSQA0066

Question: What is the typical least count of a Transit Theodolite?

Answer: 20 seconds ($20"$).

NTSQA0067

Question: What is the least count of a Prismatic Compass?

Answer: 30 minutes ($30'$).

NTSQA0068

Question: What is a Traverse?

Answer: A series of connected survey lines whose lengths and bearings are measured.

NTSQA0069

Question: Provide the formula for Closing Error ($e$).

Answer: $e = \sqrt{(\sum L)^2 + (\sum D)^2}$ (where $L$ is Latitude and $D$ is Departure).

NTSQA0070

Question: When is Bowditch’s Rule applied?

Answer: When linear and angular measurements are assumed to be equally accurate.

NTSQA0071

Question: When is the Transit Rule applied?

Answer: When angular measurements are more accurate than linear measurements.

NTSQA0072

Question: What is the formula for Latitude ($L$)?

Answer: $L = l \cos \theta$.

NTSQA0073

Question: What is the formula for Departure ($D$)?

Answer: $D = l \sin \theta$.


Tacheometry & Plane Table

NTSQA0074

Question: Where is Tacheometry surveying primarily performed?

Answer: In rough, hilly, or broken terrain where chaining is difficult.

NTSQA0075

Question: What is a Tacheometer?

Answer: A transit theodolite fitted with a stadia diaphragm.

NTSQA0076

Question: What is the standard value of the Multiplying Constant ($k$)?

Answer: Usually 100 ($f/i$).

NTSQA0077

Question: What is the formula for the Additive Constant ($c$)?

Answer: $c = f + d$.

NTSQA0078

Question: What is the effect of an Anallatic Lens?

Answer: It makes the additive constant zero ($c=0$), simplifying distance calculations.

NTSQA0079

Question: What is the function of Stadia Hairs?

Answer: To take staff intercepts for calculating horizontal distances and vertical heights.

NTSQA0080

Question: What is the main advantage of Plane Table surveying?

Answer: Plotting and fieldwork are done simultaneously, reducing the chance of missing details.

NTSQA0081

Question: Define Orientation in plane tabling.

Answer: Keeping the table parallel to its position at previous stations.

NTSQA0082

Question: When is the Resection method used?

Answer: To locate the station point occupied by the plane table on the map.

NTSQA0083

Question: What is the Three-Point Problem?

Answer: A resection method to locate the table's position given three already plotted points.

NTSQA0084

Question: Where is Lehman’s Rule applied?

Answer: In the Trial and Error method of solving the Three-point problem.

NTSQA0085

Question: What is the greatest drawback of plane table surveying?

Answer: It is not suitable for work in wet or rainy weather.


Area, Volume, & Curves

NTSQA0086

Question: What instrument is used for measuring area on a map?

Answer: A Planimeter (specifically the Amsler Polar Planimeter).

NTSQA0087

Question: What is another name for Simpson’s Rule?

Answer: The Parabolic Rule.

NTSQA0088

Question: When can Simpson’s Rule be applied?

Answer: Only when the total number of offsets is Odd.

NTSQA0089

Question: Why is the Trapezoidal Rule less accurate than Simpson's?

Answer: Because it assumes the boundary between offsets is a straight line.

NTSQA0090

Question: What formula is used for calculating volume in earthwork?

Answer: The Prismoidal Formula.

NTSQA0091

Question: State the relationship between Degree ($D$) and Radius ($R$) of a curve.

Answer: $R = 1720 / D$ (for a 30m arc).

NTSQA0092

Question: What is the tangent length of a simple circular curve?

Answer: $T = R \tan(\Delta / 2)$.

NTSQA0093

Question: What is the formula for the length of a long chord?

Answer: $L = 2R \sin(\Delta / 2)$.

NTSQA0094

Question: Why is a Transition Curve provided?

Answer: To provide a gradual change in curvature from a straight path to a circular path.

NTSQA0095

Question: What is considered the ideal transition curve?

Answer: The Clothoid (Euler) spiral.


Modern Surveying & Others

NTSQA0096

Question: What parameters can a Total Station measure?

Answer: Horizontal/vertical angles, slope distances, and 3D coordinates.

NTSQA0097

Question: What does GPS stand for?

Answer: Global Positioning System.

NTSQA0098

Question: How many satellites are minimum required for a 3D GPS fix?

Answer: 4 satellites.

NTSQA0099

Question: Define Photogrammetry.

Answer: The science of obtaining reliable measurements and maps from photographs.

NTSQA0100

Question: What is "Sounding" in surveying?

Answer: The process of measuring depths below a water surface (Hydrographic survey).


Theodolite & Angle Measurement

NTSQA0101

Question: What is the "Horizontal Axis" of a theodolite also known as?

Answer: It is also known as the Trunnion Axis, about which the telescope rotates in the vertical plane.

NTSQA0102

Question: What is a "Vertical Circle" in a theodolite used for?

Answer: It is used to measure vertical angles (angles of elevation or depression) relative to the horizontal line of sight.

NTSQA0103

Question: Define "Centering" in theodolite adjustments.

Answer: The process of setting the vertical axis of the theodolite exactly over the center of the station mark using a plumb bob or optical plummet.

NTSQA0104

Question: What is "Transiting"?

Answer: The operation of rotating the telescope $180^{\circ}$ in the vertical plane about its horizontal axis.

NTSQA0105

Question: What error is eliminated by taking the average of both Face Left and Face Right readings?

Answer: It eliminates the error due to the line of collimation not being perpendicular to the horizontal axis and the error due to the horizontal axis not being perpendicular to the vertical axis.

NTSQA0106

Question: What is the "Telescope Normal" condition?

Answer: It is the condition when the vertical circle is to the left of the observer (Face Left).

NTSQA0107

Question: What is the "Index Error" in a theodolite?

Answer: The error caused when the vertical circle does not read exactly $0^{\circ}$ (or $90^{\circ}/270^{\circ}$ depending on the type) when the line of sight is perfectly horizontal.

NTSQA0108

Question: Define the "Plate Level" test.

Answer: A test performed to ensure that the vertical axis of the theodolite is truly vertical when the plate bubbles are centered.


Traversing & Coordinate Geometry

NTSQA0109

Question: What is an "Open Traverse"?

Answer: A traverse that starts from a known point and ends at an unknown point, making it impossible to check for closing errors mathematically.

NTSQA0110

Question: What is a "Closed Traverse"?

Answer: A traverse that either returns to its starting point or connects two points whose positions are already known.

NTSQA0111

Question: What is "Balancing a Traverse"?

Answer: The process of adjusting the observed latitudes and departures of traverse legs so that their algebraic sums equal zero (for a closed loop).

NTSQA0112

Question: In which quadrant is both Latitude and Departure positive?

Answer: The First Quadrant (North-East).

NTSQA0113

Question: If the Latitude is negative and Departure is positive, in which quadrant does the line lie?

Answer: The Second Quadrant (South-East).

NTSQA0114

Question: Define "Consecutive Coordinates."

Answer: The Latitude and Departure of a point measured with respect to the immediately preceding point.

NTSQA0115

Question: Define "Independent Coordinates" (Total Coordinates).

Answer: The coordinates of a point measured with respect to a common fixed origin (the starting point of the survey).

NTSQA0116

Question: What is the "Gale’s Traverse Table" used for?

Answer: It is a standardized table used for recording observations and calculating the adjusted coordinates of a traverse.

NTSQA0117

Question: What is "Angular Misclosure"?

Answer: The difference between the sum of measured interior angles and the theoretical sum $(2n - 4) \times 90^{\circ}$.

NTSQA0118

Question: What is the "Relative Precision" of a traverse?

Answer: It is the ratio of the closing error to the total perimeter of the traverse (e.g., 1:5000).


Tacheometry & Distant Measurements

NTSQA0119

Question: What is the "Stadia Interval" ($i$)?

Answer: The fixed distance between the upper and lower stadia hairs on the diaphragm of a tacheometer.

NTSQA0120

Question: What is the "Staff Intercept" ($s$)?

Answer: The difference between the readings of the upper and lower stadia hairs as seen on the levelling staff.

NTSQA0121

Question: When the line of sight is horizontal, what is the formula for horizontal distance ($D$) in tacheometry?

Answer: $D = ks + c$.

NTSQA0122

Question: What is the primary purpose of an "Anallatic Lens"?

Answer: To move the analytical center of the objective lens to the vertical axis of the instrument, thereby making the additive constant ($c$) equal to zero.

NTSQA0123

Question: Why is a Tacheometer preferred over a Chain in broken ground?

Answer: Because it measures distances optically, eliminating the physical difficulty and errors associated with dragging a chain over obstacles and uneven slopes.

NTSQA0124

Question: What is the "Subtense Bar" method?

Answer: A method of tacheometry where a horizontal bar of fixed length is used at the target point, and the horizontal angle subtended by it at the instrument is measured.


Curve Surveying

NTSQA0125

Question: What is a "Simple Circular Curve"?

Answer: A curve consisting of a single arc of a circle connecting two tangents.

NTSQA0126

Question: Define the "Point of Curve" (PC).

Answer: The point where the alignment changes from a straight line to a circular curve.

NTSQA0127

Question: Define the "Point of Tangency" (PT).

Answer: The point where the circular curve ends and the alignment becomes straight again.

NTSQA0128

Question: What is the "Deflection Angle" ($\Delta$) of a curve?

Answer: The angle between the back tangent and the forward tangent.

NTSQA0129

Question: What is "Super-elevation" (Cant)?

Answer: The raising of the outer edge of a road or railway track above the inner edge to counteract centrifugal force on a curve.

NTSQA0130

Question: Define the "Mid-ordinate" of a curve.

Answer: The distance from the midpoint of the long chord to the midpoint of the curve.

NTSQA0131

Question: What is a "Vertical Curve"?

Answer: A curve (usually parabolic) provided to connect two different gradients for a smooth transition.

NTSQA0132

Question: What is a "Summit Curve"?

Answer: A vertical curve with convexity upwards, formed when an ascending gradient meets a descending gradient.

NTSQA0133

Question: What is a "Valley Curve" (Sag Curve)?

Answer: A vertical curve with convexity downwards, formed when a descending gradient meets an ascending gradient.

NTSQA0134

Question: What is Rankine’s Method used for?

Answer: It is a method of setting out circular curves using a theodolite and tangential angles.


Plane Table Surveying (In-depth)

NTSQA0135

Question: What is an "Alidade"?

Answer: A straight-edge ruler with sighting vanes used in plane table surveying to draw lines of sight.

NTSQA0136

Question: What is the difference between a Plain Alidade and a Telescopic Alidade?

Answer: A Plain Alidade uses simple slits for sighting, while a Telescopic Alidade includes a telescope for better accuracy and sighting distant or elevated objects.

NTSQA0137

Question: What is the purpose of a "U-Frame" (Plumbing Fork) in Plane Table surveying?

Answer: It is used to center the point on the drawing sheet exactly over the station on the ground.

NTSQA0138

Question: What is "Orientation" by Trough Compass?

Answer: Aligning the plane table such that the magnetic north line drawn at the first station matches the magnetic north at subsequent stations.

NTSQA0139

Question: What is "Orientation" by Back Sighting?

Answer: Aligning the table by sighting back to a previously occupied station whose position has already been plotted.

NTSQA0140

Question: Why is the "Three-Point Problem" more efficient than the "Two-Point Problem"?

Answer: It requires fewer station setups and is mathematically more robust, though the two-point problem is used when only two known points are visible.


Levelling & Hypsometry (Advanced)

NTSQA0141

Question: What is "Fly Levelling"?

Answer: A type of levelling done to determine the approximate RL of a distant point from a known benchmark, usually using only back sights and fore sights.

NTSQA0142

Question: What is "Profile Levelling"?

Answer: Levelling performed along a central line to determine the elevations of points at regular intervals, used for designing roads or canals.

NTSQA0143

Question: What is "Check Levelling"?

Answer: Levelling done at the end of a day's work to verify the accuracy by returning to the starting benchmark.

NTSQA0144

Question: Define "Cross-sectioning" in levelling.

Answer: Determining the elevations of points on lines perpendicular to the main alignment (profile).

NTSQA0145

Question: What is a "Change Point" (CP) or Turning Point?

Answer: A stable point on which both a fore sight and a back sight are taken when the instrument is being moved to a new position.

NTSQA0146

Question: What is "Hypsometry"?

Answer: The measurement of height or elevation above sea level, often using the boiling point of water.

NTSQA0147

Question: How does the boiling point of water change with altitude?

Answer: The boiling point decreases as the altitude increases because the atmospheric pressure is lower.

NTSQA0148

Question: What is "Barometric Levelling"?

Answer: Determining the elevation difference between points based on the difference in atmospheric pressure.


Contours & Earthwork

NTSQA0149

Question: What is the "Contour Gradient"?

Answer: A line on the ground surface that maintains a constant inclination to the horizontal.

NTSQA0150

Question: What is a "Saddle" in a contour map?

Answer: A low point between two higher areas (summits) or a gap in a ridge.

NTSQA0151

Question: How is the "Contour Interval" decided for a map?

Answer: It depends on the scale of the map, the purpose of the survey, the nature of the terrain, and available time/funds.

NTSQA0152

Question: What is "Direct Method" of contouring?

Answer: Locating points of a specific elevation directly on the ground using a level and then plotting them.

NTSQA0153

Question: What is "Indirect Method" of contouring?

Answer: Taking elevations at various random or grid points and then interpolating the contour lines between them.

NTSQA0154

Question: What is "Interpolation" of contours?

Answer: The process of estimating the position of contour lines between points of known elevation.

NTSQA0155

Question: Which method of interpolation is most accurate?

Answer: Arithmetic Calculation.


Area & Volume Calculations

NTSQA0156

Question: What is the "Prismoidal Excess"?

Answer: The difference between the volume calculated by the Trapezoidal (End-Area) rule and the Prismoidal rule.

NTSQA0157

Question: Why is Simpson's Rule generally preferred for area calculation?

Answer: Because it assumes the boundary is a series of parabolic arcs, providing a more accurate result for irregular boundaries.

NTSQA0158

Question: What is "Cross-sectional Area" in earthwork?

Answer: The area of a vertical plane perpendicular to the centerline of a road or excavation.

NTSQA0159

Question: Define "Lead" and "Lift" in earthwork.

Answer: "Lead" is the horizontal distance over which excavated soil is transported, and "Lift" is the vertical distance.


Modern Surveying Equipment

NTSQA0160

Question: What are the components of a Total Station?

Answer: An electronic theodolite, an Electronic Distance Meter (EDM), and a microprocessor with internal storage.

NTSQA0161

Question: What is "EDM"?

Answer: Electronic Distance Measurement, which uses electromagnetic waves (like infrared or laser) to determine distance.

NTSQA0162

Question: How does a Total Station measure distance?

Answer: By measuring the "phase shift" or "travel time" of a reflected light pulse from a prism.

NTSQA0163

Question: What is a "Passive Remote Sensing"?

Answer: Sensing that detects natural radiation reflected or emitted by the Earth's surface (e.g., sunlight).

NTSQA0164

Question: What is "Active Remote Sensing"?

Answer: Sensing where the instrument emits its own energy (like Radar or Lidar) to scan objects.

NTSQA0165

Question: What is "GIS"?

Answer: Geographic Information System—a framework for gathering, managing, and analyzing spatial and geographic data.

NTSQA0166

Question: What is the "User Segment" in GPS?

Answer: It consists of the GPS receivers (like phones or surveying units) that receive signals from satellites.

NTSQA0167

Question: What is the "Space Segment" in GPS?

Answer: It consists of the constellation of satellites orbiting the Earth.

NTSQA0168

Question: What is "Differential GPS" (DGPS)?

Answer: An enhancement to standard GPS that uses a network of fixed ground-based reference stations to correct GPS signals for higher accuracy.


Photogrammetry & Hydrography

NTSQA0169

Question: What is "Tilted Photograph"?

Answer: An aerial photograph taken with the camera axis unintentionally tilted from the vertical.

NTSQA0170

Question: What is "Oblique Photograph"?

Answer: An aerial photograph taken with the camera axis intentionally inclined at a significant angle to the vertical.

NTSQA0171

Question: Define "Principal Point" in a photograph.

Answer: The point where the optical axis of the camera intersects the plane of the photograph.

NTSQA0172

Question: What is "Overlap" in aerial photography?

Answer: The area common to two successive photographs (usually 60% longitudinal overlap).

NTSQA0173

Question: What is "Side Lap"?

Answer: The area common to two adjacent strips of photographs (usually 30%).

NTSQA0174

Question: What is "Fiducial Marks"?

Answer: Small markers at the edges or corners of an aerial photograph used to define the principal point.

NTSQA0175

Question: What is a "Hydrographic Survey"?

Answer: A survey dealing with bodies of water, including mapping the underwater topography (bathymetry).

NTSQA0176

Question: What is an "Echo Sounder"?

Answer: An instrument used to determine water depth by measuring the time it takes for sound waves to reflect off the bottom.

NTSQA0177

Question: What is "Tide Gauge"?

Answer: An instrument used to measure and record the changes in water level (tides).


General Engineering Surveying

NTSQA0178

Question: What is a "Setting Out" operation?

Answer: The process of transferring the measurements from a plan or drawing onto the actual ground surface for construction.

NTSQA0179

Question: What is a "Batter Rail"?

Answer: A horizontal board used in setting out to indicate the slope of an excavation or embankment.

NTSQA0180

Question: What is "Sight Rail"?

Answer: Horizontal boards set at a fixed height above the required level to control the gradient of a trench or pipe.

NTSQA0181

Question: What is a "Bonning Rod"?

Answer: A T-shaped rod used in conjunction with sight rails to maintain a uniform gradient.

NTSQA0182

Question: Define "Precision" in surveying.

Answer: The degree of consistency or repeatability of a measurement.

NTSQA0183

Question: Define "Accuracy" in surveying.

Answer: How close a measurement is to its true or absolute value.

NTSQA0184

Question: What is a "Blunder"?

Answer: A gross mistake caused by carelessness or poor judgment (e.g., misreading a tape).

NTSQA0185

Question: What is a "Random Error"?

Answer: Small, unpredictable errors that remain after systematic errors have been removed.

NTSQA0186

Question: What is the "Law of Accidental Errors"?

Answer: It states that small errors are more frequent than large ones and that positive and negative errors are equally likely.


Miscellaneous Core Concepts

NTSQA0187

Question: What is the "Shrinkage Factor" ($SF$)?

Answer: $SF = \text{Shrunk Length} / \text{Original Length}$.

NTSQA0188

Question: If the RF is 1:500 and the shrinkage factor is 0.9, what is the Shrunk Scale?

Answer: $1 / (500 / 0.9) = 1 / 555.55$.

NTSQA0189

Question: What is a "Plan"?

Answer: A large-scale graphical representation of a small area (e.g., a house plan).

NTSQA0190

Question: What is a "Map"?

Answer: A small-scale graphical representation of a large area (e.g., a country map).

NTSQA0191

Question: What is "Oblique Offset"?

Answer: Any offset that is not perpendicular to the main survey line.

NTSQA0192

Question: What is the use of "Optical Square"?

Answer: It is used to set out a line at right angles ($90^{\circ}$) to the chain line.

NTSQA0193

Question: On what principle does an Optical Square work?

Answer: Double reflection.

NTSQA0194

Question: What is "Ranging"?

Answer: The process of establishing intermediate points on a straight line between two fixed end stations.

NTSQA0195

Question: What is "Indirect Ranging" (Reciprocal Ranging)?

Answer: Used when the end stations are not intervisible due to high ground or an obstacle.

NTSQA0196

Question: What is the length of a link in a 20m Metric Chain?

Answer: 20 cm ($20\text{ m} / 100\text{ links}$).

NTSQA0197

Question: What are "Tallies" in a chain?

Answer: Brass tags attached to the chain at every 5m or 10m interval to facilitate quick reading.

NTSQA0198

Question: What is the "Horizontal Equivalent" of a slope?

Answer: $L \cos \theta$, where $L$ is the slope distance.

NTSQA0199

Question: What is "Magnetic Dip"?

Answer: The vertical angle made by a freely suspended magnetic needle with the horizontal plane.

NTSQA0200

Question: What are "Agonic Lines"?

Answer: Lines passing through points of zero magnetic declination.

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