Principles and Practice of Surveying Exam (PS) Plats, Plans, Subdivisions, and Spatial Data Systems Syllabus

Plats, Plans, Subdivisions, and Spatial Data Systems syllabus — full chapter and topic list

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics. This is the whole examinable outline for Plats, Plans, Subdivisions, and Spatial Data Systems in Principles and Practice of Surveying Exam (PS), not a summary of it.

1. 1

   Boundary, ALTA/NSPS, and Topographic Surveys

   4 topics

   • Types of surveys and their purposes
     • Boundary, topographic, and control surveys
     • ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey requirements
   • Scope of work and client requirements
   • Survey research and record gathering
   • Survey report and certification preparation
2. 2

   Subdivision Design and Platting

   4 topics

   • Subdivision regulations and approval process
     • Preliminary and final plat stages
     • Dedications and public improvements
   • Lot layout, block design, and easements
   • Street and right-of-way geometry
     • Horizontal curve elements and stationing
     • Cul-de-sac and intersection design
   • Plat content, monumentation, and recording requirements
3. 3

   Mapping, GIS, and Geospatial Data

   4 topics

   • GIS data models and the surveyor's role
     • Vector and raster data structures
     • Topology and attribute data
   • Metadata, accuracy, and data quality standards
   • Remote sensing and photogrammetry fundamentals
     • Stereo imagery, scale, and ground control
     • Orthophotography and digital elevation models
   • LiDAR and emerging mapping technologies
4. 4

   Elevation, Earthwork, and Construction Layout

   4 topics

   • Vertical curves and grade computations
   • Earthwork volume computation
     • Average end area and prismoidal methods
     • Cut and fill from cross sections
   • Construction staking and as-built surveys
   • Floodplain and elevation certificate surveys

Plats, Plans, Subdivisions, and Spatial Data Systems flashcards for Principles and Practice of Surveying Exam (PS)

18 of 51 cards from the Plats, Plans, Subdivisions, and Spatial Data Systems deck — real questions with worked answers.

1. What is a cadastral (boundary) survey, and what is its primary purpose?

   A cadastral survey establishes, re-establishes, or retraces the legal boundaries of a parcel of land. Its purpose is to define ownership lines, corners, and the extent of real property for conveyance, taxation, and dispute resolution.

2. Distinguish between an original survey, a retracement survey, and a resurvey.

   An original survey creates new boundaries that did not previously exist (e.g., first subdivision of a parcel). A retracement follows and recovers the footsteps of a prior surveyor to re-mark existing lines. A resurvey re-establishes lost or obliterated corners of an existing survey.

3. List the four general purposes/types of surveys by function.

   Boundary (cadastral) surveys, topographic surveys, control surveys (geodetic/horizontal-vertical), and construction (engineering/layout) surveys. Other functional types include ALTA/NSPS, hydrographic, route, and as-built surveys.

4. What is an ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey and who typically requires it?

   It is a detailed boundary survey performed to national standards jointly set by ALTA (American Land Title Association) and NSPS (National Society of Professional Surveyors). It is typically required by title insurers and lenders for commercial real estate transactions to insure title without standard survey exceptions.

5. In defining the scope of work for a survey, what key elements must be agreed upon with the client?

   Type/purpose of survey, deliverables, accuracy/precision required, datum and coordinate system, deadlines, fees, area/limits of work, and any special client or jurisdictional requirements (e.g., ALTA Table A items).

6. During survey research, name at least four record sources a surveyor should gather before fieldwork.

   Deeds and chain of title, recorded plats/subdivision maps, prior surveys, public land survey (GLO) field notes and plats, tax/assessor maps, easement and right-of-way records, and adjoiner deeds.

7. What is 'senior rights' (priority of calls) in boundary determination?

   When parcels are created by sequential conveyance, the earlier-described (senior) parcel takes its full described dimensions first; the later (junior) parcel receives only the remainder. Senior rights resolve gaps and overlaps in favor of the earlier grant.

8. State the standard order of priority of conflicting deed elements (calls).

   1) Rights of senior/written intent, 2) calls for monuments (natural then artificial), 3) calls for bearings/directions, 4) calls for distances, 5) calls for area, 6) calls for coordinates. Higher priority controls lower when they conflict.

9. What is the difference between a monument 'called for' in a deed and an uncalled monument?

   A called-for monument is referenced in the deed/record and, if undisturbed, holds controlling weight over distance and bearing. An uncalled monument is found on the ground but not referenced in the record; it carries less evidentiary weight unless tied to the original survey.

10. What is a surveyor's certification on a plat or survey, and what does it generally attest?

    A signed and sealed statement by the licensed surveyor attesting that the survey was performed under their responsible charge, meets applicable standards and laws, and accurately represents the conditions found. It establishes professional and legal accountability.

11. What is the typical sequence in the subdivision approval process?

    Pre-application/concept review, preliminary plat submission and review (planning commission), public hearing, conditional approval with conditions, construction of improvements (or bonding), final plat preparation, final approval, and recording.

12. Differentiate a preliminary plat from a final plat.

    A preliminary plat shows the proposed layout (lots, streets, easements, drainage) for review and conditional approval; it is not recorded. The final plat is the precise, monumented, surveyed map meeting all conditions and is recorded as the legal subdivision document.

13. What is the difference between a major subdivision and a minor subdivision?

    Definitions vary by jurisdiction, but a minor subdivision typically creates a small number of lots (often 4 or fewer) with no new public streets or major infrastructure and a simplified review. A major subdivision creates more lots and/or new streets, requiring full preliminary/final review.

14. Define an easement and distinguish the dominant and servient estates.

    An easement is a nonpossessory right to use another's land for a specific purpose. The dominant estate benefits from the easement; the servient estate is burdened by it. Example: an access easement benefits the landlocked dominant parcel across the servient parcel.

15. Compare an easement appurtenant with an easement in gross.

    An easement appurtenant runs with the land, benefiting a particular parcel (dominant estate) and transferring with ownership. An easement in gross benefits a person or entity (e.g., a utility company) rather than a parcel and does not require a dominant estate.

16. In lot and block design, what is a 'flag lot' (panhandle lot)?

    A flag lot is a parcel with a narrow strip of land (the 'pole' or panhandle) providing access to a public road, while the main buildable portion (the 'flag') lies behind another lot. Used to develop deep interior parcels.

17. What is a building setback line on a plat?

    A line, established by zoning or subdivision regulation, defining the minimum required distance from a lot line (front, side, rear) within which no structure may be built. It governs the buildable envelope of the lot.

18. What is the difference between a right-of-way and a roadway pavement width?

    The right-of-way (ROW) is the full legally dedicated corridor width (e.g., 60 ft) reserved for the street, utilities, and sidewalks. The pavement (roadway) width is the actual paved travel surface within the ROW, which is narrower.

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