Fundamentals of Surveying Exam (FS) Mapping, Plats, and Spatial Data Representation Syllabus

Mapping, Plats, and Spatial Data Representation syllabus — full chapter and topic list

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics. This is the whole examinable outline for Mapping, Plats, and Spatial Data Representation in Fundamentals of Surveying Exam (FS), not a summary of it.

1. 1

   Plats, Maps, and Drawings

   3 topics

   • Plat and Map Elements
     • Title block, scale, north arrow, and legend
     • Dimensions, bearings, and curve data tables
   • Subdivision Platting
     • Lots, blocks, and easements
     • Dedications and recording requirements
   • Drafting and CAD Standards
     • Layering, symbology, and line types
     • Scale, accuracy, and plotting conventions
2. 2

   Topographic Mapping

   3 topics

   • Terrain Representation
     • Contours and contour interval selection
     • Digital terrain and elevation models (DTM/DEM)
   • Field-to-Finish Mapping
     • Feature coding and breaklines
     • Triangulated irregular networks (TIN)
   • Map Accuracy Standards
     • National Map Accuracy Standards
     • ASPRS positional accuracy standards
3. 3

   Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry

   3 topics

   • Photogrammetry Fundamentals
     • Scale, flying height, and ground sample distance
     • Stereoscopy, parallax, and relief displacement
   • Aerial Imaging Platforms
     • Aerial and UAS (drone) data acquisition
     • Ground control and aerotriangulation
   • LiDAR and Laser Scanning
     • Airborne and terrestrial LiDAR principles
     • Point clouds, classification, and registration

Mapping, Plats, and Spatial Data Representation flashcards for Fundamentals of Surveying Exam (FS)

18 of 60 cards from the Mapping, Plats, and Spatial Data Representation deck — real questions with worked answers.

1. On a recorded plat, what is the difference between a 'bearing' and an 'azimuth' used to describe a boundary line direction?

   A bearing is measured from north or south toward east or west and ranges $0^{\circ}$ to $90^{\circ}$ (e.g., $N\ 45^{\circ}\ E$). An azimuth is measured clockwise from a single reference meridian (usually north) and ranges $0^{\circ}$ to $360^{\circ}$.

2. What are the essential elements that must appear on a recorded subdivision plat?

   A title block, north arrow, graphic and written scale, legend, boundary description (metes and bounds or curve data), lot/block numbers, dimensions and bearings, easements, dedications, monumentation, surveyor's certification/seal, and approval signatures of governing authorities.

3. In plat curve data, define the relationship between radius $R$, central angle (delta) $\Delta$, and arc length $L$.

   $$L = R\,\Delta \quad (\Delta \text{ in radians}), \qquad L = \frac{\pi R \Delta}{180^{\circ}} \quad (\Delta \text{ in degrees}).$$

4. What is the formula for the long chord $C$ of a circular curve given radius $R$ and central angle $\Delta$?

   $$C = 2R\sin\!\left(\frac{\Delta}{2}\right).$$

5. Define the 'tangent distance' $T$ of a simple circular curve and give its formula.

   The tangent distance is the distance from the point of curvature (PC) or point of tangency (PT) to the point of intersection (PI) of the two tangents: $$T = R\tan\!\left(\frac{\Delta}{2}\right).$$

6. What does the 'middle ordinate' $M$ of a circular curve represent, and what is its formula?

   It is the distance from the midpoint of the long chord to the midpoint of the arc: $$M = R\left(1-\cos\frac{\Delta}{2}\right).$$

7. What is the formula for the external distance $E$ of a circular curve?

   $$E = R\left(\sec\frac{\Delta}{2}-1\right) = R\left(\frac{1}{\cos(\Delta/2)}-1\right).$$

8. In subdivision platting, what is a 'metes and bounds' description?

   A boundary description that proceeds around the perimeter giving the direction (bearing or azimuth) and distance (metes) of each line and the natural or artificial markers/monuments (bounds), returning to the point of beginning.

9. What is the 'point of beginning' (POB) in a metes and bounds description, and why must a description close on it?

   The POB is the fixed starting corner of the traverse. The description must return to it (close) so the parcel forms a complete, mathematically consistent polygon with no gaps or overlaps.

10. How is the area of a plat traverse computed from coordinates using the shoelace (coordinate) method?

    $$A = \frac{1}{2}\left|\sum_{i=1}^{n}\left(X_i\,Y_{i+1} - X_{i+1}\,Y_i\right)\right|,$$ with the polygon closed so that point $n+1 = $ point $1$.

11. In the U.S. Public Land Survey System (PLSS), how many acres are in a standard section and how is it subdivided?

    A standard section is $1$ square mile $= 640$ acres. It subdivides into quarter-sections ($160$ acres), then quarter-quarter-sections ($40$ acres), the basic 'forty.'

12. In the PLSS, what are townships and ranges measured relative to?

    Townships are measured north or south of a baseline; ranges are measured east or west of a principal meridian. A township is nominally $6$ miles square containing $36$ sections.

13. Why are 'correction lines' (standard parallels) needed in the PLSS?

    Because meridians converge toward the poles, north-south range lines get closer together going north. Correction lines periodically re-establish full-width townships to compensate for this convergence.

14. What is a 'dedication' on a subdivision plat?

    A formal grant by the landowner conveying streets, easements, parks, or other lands to public use, recorded on the plat and accepted by the governing authority.

15. Define 'easement' as shown on a plat and name two common types.

    An easement is a recorded right to use a portion of another's land for a specific purpose without owning it. Common types: utility easements and drainage easements (also access/ingress-egress easements).

16. What is the difference between a 'lot' and a 'block' on a subdivision plat?

    A lot is an individual parcel intended for conveyance/development; a block is a group of contiguous lots bounded typically by streets. Lots are numbered within blocks for unique identification.

17. What is a 'setback' (building line) shown on a plat?

    A minimum required distance from a lot line (front, side, or rear) within which permanent structures may not be built, established by zoning and shown as a building line on the plat.

18. On a map, what is the difference between a representative fraction (RF) scale and a graphic (bar) scale?

    An RF expresses scale as a unitless ratio such as $1{:}24{,}000$ (one map unit equals 24,000 ground units). A graphic/bar scale is a drawn ruler that remains valid even after the map is enlarged or reduced.

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