Comprehensive 100 MCQs based on Surveying in Civil Engineering with answer keys
Section A: Fundamentals of Surveying (1–10)
1. The primary objective of surveying is to determine:
A. Chemical composition of soil B. Relative positions of points on or near the Earth’s surface C. Strength of construction materials D. Water content of soil
Answer: B — Relative positions of points on or near the Earth’s surface.
2. Which type of surveying assumes that the Earth’s curvature is negligible?
A. Geodetic surveying B. Astronomical surveying C. Plane surveying D. Satellite surveying
Answer: C — Plane surveying.
3. Geodetic surveying is generally required when:
A. Surveying a small building plot B. Measuring a single room C. Establishing a large national control network D. Setting out a short wall
Answer: C — Establishing a large national control network.
4. The principle of working from whole to part means:
A. Surveying small details before establishing control B. Establishing main control points before locating minor details C. Measuring every distance twice without control D. Avoiding triangulation
Answer: B — Establishing main control points before locating minor details.
5. Which of the following is a direct method of measuring distance?
A. Stadia method B. Electronic distance measurement C. Chain measurement D. Subtense-bar method
Answer: C — Chain measurement.
6. The conventional unit of bearing in the whole-circle bearing system is:
A. Radians B. Degrees measured clockwise from north C. Degrees measured anticlockwise from south D. Gradians measured from east
Answer: B — Degrees measured clockwise from north.
7. A benchmark is a point whose:
A. Longitude is known B. Elevation relative to an adopted datum is known C. Magnetic declination is known D. Horizontal distance is zero
Answer: B — Elevation relative to an adopted datum is known.
8. Which surveying method is particularly suitable for locating details around a small site with simple features?
A. Chain surveying B. Astronomical surveying C. Hydrographic surveying D. Satellite triangulation only
Answer: A — Chain surveying.
9. The accuracy of a measurement refers to its closeness to:
A. The average of all measurements B. The true or accepted reference value C. The largest observed value D. The instrument’s least count only
Answer: B — The true or accepted reference value.
10. A systematic error generally:
A. Occurs entirely at random B. Follows a predictable pattern or consistent bias C. Is always caused by human carelessness D. Cannot be corrected
Answer: B — Follows a predictable pattern or consistent bias.
Section B: Chain and Tape Surveying (11–20)
11. The metric chain commonly used in traditional surveying is:
A. 5 m long B. 10 m long C. 20 m or 30 m long D. 100 m long
Answer: C — 20 m or 30 m long.
12. Ranging is the process of:
A. Measuring vertical angles B. Establishing intermediate points on a straight line C. Determining magnetic declination D. Calculating reduced levels
Answer: B — Establishing intermediate points on a straight line.
13. An offset in chain surveying is used to:
A. Locate details relative to the survey line B. Measure magnetic bearing C. Determine atmospheric pressure D. Establish a vertical datum
Answer: A — Locate details relative to the survey line.
14. Which offset is generally more accurate for locating a nearby detail?
A. Long oblique offset B. Short perpendicular offset C. Long random offset D. Offset without a reference line
Answer: B — Short perpendicular offset.
15. A 30 m chain is actually 30.15 m long. If the measured distance is 300 m, the true distance is:
A. 298.51 m B. 300.00 m C. 301.50 m D. 315.00 m
Answer: C — 301.50 m.
16. The correction for an incorrectly long chain is:
A. Positive B. Negative C. Always zero D. Equal to the measured distance
Answer: A — Positive.
17. A tie line in chain surveying is primarily used to:
A. Check magnetic declination B. Locate interior details and provide checks C. Measure reduced levels D. Determine latitude
Answer: B — Locate interior details and provide checks.
18. The main purpose of a check line is to:
A. Increase magnetic attraction B. Verify the accuracy of the survey framework C. Replace all survey stations D. Eliminate the need for offsets
Answer: B — Verify the accuracy of the survey framework.
19. If the measured length is 100 m and the tape is 0.02 m too short per 20 m, the true length is approximately:
A. 99.90 m B. 100.00 m C. 100.10 m D. 100.20 m
Answer: A — 99.90 m.
20. Which condition makes chain surveying unsuitable?
A. Open, fairly level ground B. An area with simple details C. An area with numerous obstacles and complex details D. A small field with clear boundaries
Answer: C — An area with numerous obstacles and complex details.
Section C: Compass Surveying and Traversing (21–30)
21. Whole-circle bearings are measured clockwise from:
A. South B. East C. North D. West
Answer: C — North.
22. The whole-circle bearing of a line is 135°. Its reduced bearing is:
A. N 45° E B. S 45° E C. S 45° W D. N 45° W
Answer: B — S 45° E.
23. The fore bearing of a line is 70°. If local attraction is absent, its back bearing is:
A. 70° B. 110° C. 250° D. 290°
Answer: C — 250°.
24. The back bearing of a line can be obtained from its whole-circle fore bearing by:
A. Adding 90° in every case B. Subtracting 90° in every case C. Adding or subtracting 180° as appropriate D. Multiplying the bearing by two
Answer: C — Adding or subtracting 180° as appropriate.
25. Magnetic declination is the horizontal angle between:
A. True north and magnetic north B. Grid east and magnetic east C. The vertical and horizontal planes D. The fore bearing and back bearing
Answer: A — True north and magnetic north.
26. Local attraction may be caused by:
A. Nearby iron objects or electrical equipment B. The length of a benchmark description C. A correctly levelled staff D. The use of a plumb bob alone
Answer: A — Nearby iron objects or electrical equipment.
27. A closed traverse is one that:
A. Has no measured angles B. Ends at its starting point or another known control point C. Contains only one station D. Cannot be adjusted
Answer: B — Ends at its starting point or another known control point.
28. The algebraic sum of latitudes in an ideally closed traverse should be:
A. 1 B. 90° C. Zero D. 180°
Answer: C — Zero.
29. In a compass survey, the latitude of a traverse line refers to its:
A. North–south component B. East–west component C. Vertical height D. Magnetic dip
Answer: A — North–south component.
30. The departure of a traverse line refers to its:
A. North–south component B. East–west component C. Vertical component D. Slope correction
Answer: B — East–west component.
Section D: Levelling and Contouring (31–40)
31. Levelling is primarily used to determine:
A. Horizontal bearings B. Differences in elevation C. Magnetic declination D. Soil density
Answer: B — Differences in elevation.
32. The reduced level (RL) of a point is its:
A. Horizontal distance from the instrument B. Elevation relative to a specified datum C. Magnetic bearing D. Slope angle only
Answer: B — Elevation relative to a specified datum.
33. In the height-of-instrument method, the height of instrument is calculated as:
A. RL of benchmark − backsight B. RL of benchmark + backsight C. RL of benchmark + foresight D. Backsight − foresight
Answer: B — RL of benchmark + backsight.
34. The RL of a benchmark is 100.000 m, and the backsight is 1.500 m. The height of instrument is:
A. 98.500 m B. 100.000 m C. 101.500 m D. 102.500 m
Answer: C — 101.500 m.
35. If the height of instrument is 101.500 m and the staff reading at a point is 2.250 m, the RL of the point is:
A. 99.250 m B. 100.250 m C. 103.750 m D. 101.500 m
Answer: A — 99.250 m.
36. Which staff reading is usually taken on a point of known RL to establish the height of instrument?
A. Foresight B. Backsight C. Intermediate sight only D. Check sight only
Answer: B — Backsight.
37. A change point in levelling is used when:
A. The instrument must be moved while maintaining the level survey B. Magnetic declination changes C. The chain length changes D. A contour map is printed
Answer: A — The instrument must be moved while maintaining the level survey.
38. Contour lines connect points having equal:
A. Horizontal distances B. Elevations C. Magnetic bearings D. Slopes in all directions
Answer: B — Elevations.
39. Closely spaced contour lines generally indicate:
A. Flat ground B. Steep ground C. Constant elevation over a large area D. Absence of relief
Answer: B — Steep ground.
40. The contour interval is the:
A. Horizontal distance between adjacent contours B. Constant vertical difference between successive contours on a map C. Distance from the instrument to the staff D. Difference between fore bearing and back bearing
Answer: B — Constant vertical difference between successive contours on a map.
Section E: Theodolite Surveying (41–50)
41. A theodolite is primarily used to measure:
A. Soil moisture B. Horizontal and vertical angles C. Concrete strength D. Water pressure
Answer: B — Horizontal and vertical angles.
42. The line of collimation is the line passing through the:
A. Telescope’s optical centre and the intersection of its crosshairs B. Tripod legs C. Levelling staff graduations only D. Plumb bob and ground point only
Answer: A — The telescope’s optical centre and the intersection of its crosshairs.
43. The purpose of centering a theodolite is to place its:
A. Telescope at maximum height B. Vertical axis directly over the station point C. Horizontal circle at zero D. Eyepiece toward magnetic north
Answer: B — Vertical axis directly over the station point.
44. The purpose of levelling a theodolite is to make its:
A. Vertical axis truly vertical B. Telescope permanently horizontal C. Tripod legs equal in length D. Horizontal circle rotate only clockwise
Answer: A — Vertical axis truly vertical.
45. The repetition method of measuring horizontal angles helps to:
A. Increase the effect of random reading errors B. Improve precision by accumulating repeated angle measurements C. Determine soil bearing capacity D. Replace centering
Answer: B — Improve precision by accumulating repeated angle measurements.
46. A theodolite telescope is transited when it is rotated:
A. About its vertical axis B. Through 180° about its horizontal axis C. Through 90° about its vertical axis D. Around the tripod head
Answer: B — Through 180° about its horizontal axis.
47. Which operation involves rotating the instrument about its vertical axis?
A. Transiting B. Swinging C. Focusing the eyepiece D. Changing the staff reading
Answer: B — Swinging.
48. The least count of a measuring instrument is the:
A. Maximum measurable distance B. Smallest reading or increment it can resolve C. Average error of every observation D. Maximum angle of elevation
Answer: B — The smallest reading or increment it can resolve.
49. Face-left and face-right observations are taken mainly to:
A. Eliminate the need for a tripod B. Reduce certain instrumental errors C. Measure distances without a telescope D. Determine soil compaction
Answer: B — Reduce certain instrumental errors.
50. If the horizontal angle between two lines is measured repeatedly, the mean is generally used to:
A. Reduce the effect of random observational errors B. Increase systematic error C. Change the true angle D. Avoid all instrument adjustments
Answer: A — Reduce the effect of random observational errors.
Section F: Tacheometry and Plane-Table Surveying (51–60)
51. Tacheometry is a method of surveying used to determine:
A. Distances and differences in elevation indirectly B. Soil permeability only C. Concrete setting time D. Magnetic declination only
Answer: A — Distances and differences in elevation indirectly.
52. In stadia tacheometry, the staff intercept is the:
A. Difference between the upper and lower stadia readings B. Sum of the upper and lower stadia readings C. Difference between backsight and foresight D. Vertical angle of the telescope
Answer: A — Difference between the upper and lower stadia readings.
53. For a horizontal line of sight and a vertical staff, the stadia distance equation is commonly written as:
A. \(D=Ks+C\) B. \(D=K/s+C\) C. \(D=s/K-C\) D. \(D=K+s+C\)
Answer: A — \(D=Ks+C\).
54. In the stadia equation \(D=Ks+C\), the symbol \(K\) represents the:
A. Staff intercept B. Multiplying constant C. Elevation of the instrument D. Vertical angle
Answer: B — Multiplying constant.
55. Plane-table surveying is particularly useful for:
A. Rapid plotting of details directly in the field B. Measuring underground pressure C. Determining precise astronomical time only D. Testing concrete cubes
Answer: A — Rapid plotting of details directly in the field.
56. Which is an essential accessory for plane-table surveying?
A. Alidade B. Compression testing machine C. Sieve shaker D. Hydrometer
Answer: A — Alidade.
57. The process of setting a plane table so its plotted lines are parallel to the corresponding ground lines is called:
A. Levelling B. Orientation C. Ranging D. Transiting
Answer: B — Orientation.
58. The radiation method in plane-table surveying involves:
A. Drawing rays from a single station to detail points B. Measuring only vertical angles C. Establishing a closed levelling circuit D. Determining magnetic dip
Answer: A — Drawing rays from a single station to detail points.
59. The intersection method of plane-table surveying is especially useful when:
A. Details are inaccessible but visible from two stations B. No ground point can be seen C. Only elevations are required D. The drawing board cannot be oriented
Answer: A — Details are inaccessible but visible from two stations.
60. One major advantage of plane-table surveying is that:
A. Field observations and plotting can be performed simultaneously B. It never requires orientation C. It is unaffected by rain or wind D. It always provides the highest geodetic precision
Answer: A — Field observations and plotting can be performed simultaneously.
Section G: Curves and Setting Out (61–70)
61. A simple circular curve consists of:
A. Two parabolas B. A single circular arc of constant radius C. Two straight lines only D. A spiral with continuously changing radius
Answer: B — A single circular arc of constant radius.
62. The tangent length \(T\) of a simple circular curve is:
A. \(R\sin(\Delta/2)\) B. \(R\tan(\Delta/2)\) C. \(2R\cos(\Delta/2)\) D. \(R\Delta\), where \(\Delta\) is in degrees
Answer: B — \(T=R\tan(\Delta/2)\).
63. A simple circular curve has radius 100 m and intersection angle 60°. Its tangent length is approximately:
A. 50.00 m B. 57.74 m C. 86.60 m D. 100.00 m
Answer: B — 57.74 m.
64. The length of a circular arc with radius \(R\) and central angle \(\Delta\) in radians is:
A. \(R/\Delta\) B. \(R\Delta\) C. \(2R+\Delta\) D. \(R\Delta^2\)
Answer: B — \(L=R\Delta\).
65. The main purpose of a transition curve on a highway or railway is to:
A. Introduce curvature gradually B. Eliminate all surveying errors C. Replace the straight section D. Maintain zero curvature throughout the curve
Answer: A — Introduce curvature gradually.
66. The degree of a circular curve is related to its:
A. Radius or defined standard chord/arc length B. Benchmark RL only C. Magnetic declination only D. Staff intercept only
Answer: A — Radius or defined standard chord/arc length.
67. Setting out is the process of:
A. Transferring design positions and dimensions onto the ground B. Converting field notes into a report only C. Measuring rainfall D. Calculating soil plasticity
Answer: A — Transferring design positions and dimensions onto the ground.
68. The deflection angle method is commonly used to set out:
A. Circular curves B. Contour intervals only C. Benchmarks only D. Chain lengths only
Answer: A — Circular curves.
69. A vertical curve is generally provided to:
A. Connect two different road gradients smoothly B. Measure magnetic bearings C. Correct tape temperature D. Establish a horizontal datum
Answer: A — Connect two different road gradients smoothly.
70. A benchmark used during construction setting out provides a reference for:
A. Elevation control B. Magnetic north only C. Horizontal angle only D. Atmospheric pressure
Answer: A — Elevation control.
Section H: Triangulation, Trilateration and Geodetic Surveying (71–80)
71. In triangulation, the positions of points are determined primarily using:
A. Measured angles and a known baseline B. Soil samples C. Staff readings alone D. Contour intervals alone
Answer: A — Measured angles and a known baseline.
72. Trilateration determines point positions primarily by measuring:
A. Horizontal and vertical angles only B. Distances between control points C. Atmospheric temperature D. Magnetic dip only
Answer: B — Distances between control points.
73. The sum of the interior angles of a plane triangle is:
A. 90° B. 180° C. 270° D. 360°
Answer: B — 180°.
74. In a plane triangle, the longest side lies opposite the:
A. Smallest angle B. Largest angle C. Right angle in every triangle D. Angle nearest north
Answer: B — Largest angle.
75. A well-conditioned triangle in conventional triangulation has angles preferably close to:
A. 10°, 10°, 160° B. 30°, 60°, 90° C. 60°, 60°, 60° D. 20°, 80°, 100°
Answer: C — 60°, 60°, 60°.
76. The principal purpose of a triangulation baseline is to:
A. Provide a measured distance from which the network can be computed B. Establish the contour interval C. Determine the soil’s unit weight D. Replace all angular observations
Answer: A — Provide a measured distance from which the network can be computed.
77. In geodetic surveying, the Earth’s curvature is:
A. Always ignored B. Taken into account when significant C. Replaced by magnetic declination D. Considered only for building interiors
Answer: B — Taken into account when significant.
78. The geoid is best described as:
A. A perfect mathematical sphere B. An equipotential surface approximating mean sea level extended beneath the continents C. A flat horizontal drawing sheet D. The surface of a survey tripod
Answer: B — An equipotential surface approximating mean sea level extended beneath the continents.
79. A map projection transforms positions from:
A. A curved reference surface to a plane B. A plane to soil samples C. A vertical staff to a chain D. Magnetic north to true north only
Answer: A — A curved reference surface to a plane.
80. The scale of a map is the ratio between:
A. Map distance and corresponding ground distance, expressed in the same units B. Ground elevation and map elevation C. Horizontal angle and vertical angle D. Contour interval and benchmark RL
Answer: A — Map distance and corresponding ground distance, expressed in the same units.
Section I: Total Station, GPS/GNSS and Photogrammetry (81–90)
81. A total station combines an electronic theodolite with:
A. Electronic distance measurement and onboard computation B. A soil testing laboratory C. A water-level recorder only D. A chain and ranging rods only
Answer: A — Electronic distance measurement and onboard computation.
82. EDM stands for:
A. Electronic Datum Measurement B. Electronic Distance Measurement C. Elevation Data Mapping D. Engineering Drawing Method
Answer: B — Electronic Distance Measurement.
83. A prism reflector used with a conventional total station primarily:
A. Reflects the EDM signal back toward the instrument B. Measures atmospheric pressure C. Establishes the geoid directly D. Replaces the instrument’s vertical axis
Answer: A — Reflects the EDM signal back toward the instrument.
84. GNSS positioning depends on signals transmitted by:
A. Ground chains B. Navigation satellites C. Levelling staffs D. Contour maps
Answer: B — Navigation satellites.
85. GPS is a satellite navigation system operated by:
A. India B. Russia C. The United States D. Japan
Answer: C — The United States.
86. RTK GNSS is commonly used to obtain:
A. Real-time, high-precision positioning using correction data B. Soil moisture without sensors C. Magnetic bearings without satellite signals D. Elevations without any reference system
Answer: A — Real-time, high-precision positioning using correction data.
87. Photogrammetry obtains measurements or spatial information primarily from:
A. Photographs or imagery B. Chain links C. Levelling bubbles D. Magnetic compasses only
Answer: A — Photographs or imagery.
88. Aerial photogrammetry commonly uses images captured from:
A. Aircraft or drones B. Underground tunnels only C. A levelling staff D. A chain survey line only
Answer: A — Aircraft or drones.
89. LiDAR measures distance using:
A. Laser pulses B. Magnetic needles C. Graduated chains D. Water pressure
Answer: A — Laser pulses.
90. A digital elevation model (DEM) represents:
A. Ground elevation over a spatial grid or surface B. Magnetic declination at every station only C. Soil classification only D. Building material strength
Answer: A — Ground elevation over a spatial grid or surface.
Section J: Errors, Adjustments and Numerical Applications (91–100)
91. Random errors are generally characterized by:
A. A consistent bias in one direction B. Unpredictable variations in observations C. Always being exactly zero D. Being entirely removable by calibration
Answer: B — Unpredictable variations in observations.
92. Which of the following is a gross error?
A. Misreading a staff value and recording 2.650 m instead of 2.560 m B. A small unavoidable atmospheric fluctuation C. A calibrated instrument’s known correction D. The Earth’s curvature
Answer: A — Misreading a staff value and recording 2.650 m instead of 2.560 m.
93. The arithmetic mean of the observations 10.2, 10.4 and 10.3 is:
A. 10.2 B. 10.3 C. 10.4 D. 30.9
Answer: B — 10.3.
94. A closed levelling circuit begins and ends at the same benchmark. Ideally, its total algebraic change in RL should be:
A. 1 m B. 10 m C. Zero D. Equal to the backsight
Answer: C — Zero.
95. A rectangular plot is 40 m long and 25 m wide. Its area is:
A. 500 m² B. 800 m² C. 1,000 m² D. 1,200 m²
Answer: C — 1,000 m².
96. A field has a rectangular area of 2,400 m² and a length of 60 m. Its width is:
A. 20 m B. 30 m C. 40 m D. 60 m
Answer: C — 40 m.
97. A slope distance of 100 m is measured at an inclination of 30° to the horizontal. Its horizontal distance is approximately:
A. 50.00 m B. 70.71 m C. 86.60 m D. 100.00 m
Answer: C — 86.60 m.
98. A line has a horizontal distance of 80 m and a vertical difference of 60 m. Its slope distance is:
A. 20 m B. 80 m C. 100 m D. 140 m
Answer: C — 100 m.
99. In Bowditch’s rule for traverse adjustment, corrections to latitude and departure are distributed in proportion to:
A. The respective line lengths B. The squares of the angles only C. The number of benchmarks D. The staff readings only
Answer: A — The respective line lengths.
100. The primary purpose of adjusting a closed traverse is to:
A. Make the measured lengths artificially equal B. Distribute permissible closure errors and obtain a consistent set of coordinates C. Eliminate the need for field measurements D. Convert all bearings to zero
Answer: B — Distribute permissible closure errors and obtain a consistent set of coordinates.
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