ETC Surveying & Site Measurement Flashcards
6 cards from real ETC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 ETC Surveying & Site Measurement flashcards as text
What is the purpose of a topographic survey?
Answer: To map the elevations and contours of the land surface
A topographic survey measures and maps the elevation, slope, and surface features of the terrain using contour lines and spot elevations.
In differential leveling, what does backsight (BS) refer to?
Answer: A rod reading taken on a point of known elevation to establish the instrument height
A backsight is the first rod reading taken after setting up the level, placed on a benchmark to calculate the height of instrument.
What instrument measures both horizontal and vertical angles and is commonly used for triangulation surveys?
Answer: Theodolite
A theodolite precisely measures horizontal and vertical angles, making it essential for triangulation and traversing in engineering surveys.
What is a rod reading in differential leveling?
Answer: The graduated staff measurement read through the level to determine elevation difference
A rod reading is the numeric value read on a graduated leveling rod through the telescope to compute elevation differences.
What does cut and fill mean in site grading work?
Answer: Excavating high areas and using that material to build up low areas
Cut and fill balances earthwork by excavating elevated areas and using the soil to raise lower areas to the design grade.
Which coordinate system is commonly used on US construction drawings for specifying grid layout?
Answer: State Plane Coordinate System
The State Plane Coordinate System is widely used in US construction and land surveying because it provides high accuracy within individual state zones.