Survey Questions and Answers For Colleges, Professional Exams and Promotion Interview

Survey Questions and Answers for Colleges, Professional Exams and Promotion Interview
A Surveyor’s Companion
Surv. Araen Asanarimam Shinge

Araen, A.S (2016)- Survey Questions and Answers for Colleges, Professional Exams and Promotion Interview
Preface
We live in the age of examination. Our journey up the professional ladder is characterized by
various promotional and professional examinations both in private and public organizations.
This has become a great challenge to surveyors hence the need to constantly develop their
mental knowledge because our entire career and promotion is tied to passing these multiple
examinations especially in the federal public service. Consequently, for us to grow in the
service, we are left with no option than to prepare for these examinations. The scarcity of
reference materials for proper guidance calls for concern and is largely responsible for massive
failure in these public examinations. This book in your hand contains sample Questions and
Answers for Professional Exams and Promotion Interview. This book covers questions on Global
Positioning System (GPS), SURCON, GIS, land use act, Survey coordination act, Surveyor’s
Licence Board, chain surveying, traverse and lots more,
Good luck
Surv. Araen S. Asanarimam
Lissam, Nigeria
Distributors wanted nationwide
For bulk purchase or order for a copy contact:
Surv. Araen S. Asanarimam,anis,
OSGOF, Katsina, Katsina State, Nigeria
Cell phone: +2347063440190, +2348086932058
OR
Surv. Abubakar Jatau (OSGOF Zonal Office, Barnawa,
Kaduna, Kaduna State. Phone: 08035999965, 08025163421

Table of contents
Preface
Global Positioning System
SURCON
Minefields boundary surveys
Land use Act
Arrangement needed for survey work
Structure of private survey organization
Management in Surveying
Survey Coordination Act
General Hints on Oral Interview and Folio defence
Chain surveying
Surveyors Licence Board
Geographic Information System
Q1. Discuss the methodology of GPS data collection

A. Planning: Planning is a broad overview of planning a project to establish what the
purpose is, what the data will be used for and who will be using them. All these factors
will help determine the proper equipment and methods to be used.
i. Satellite Availability & Known Outages: Before collecting data, the user should be
aware of the theoretical satellite availability. Most GPS software has the ability to
provide a theoretical estimate of satellite availability at a certain geographic
location, on a certain day, at a specific point in time. This information is often
displayed in a variety of methods, including graphs, charts and diagrams, such as a
skyplot which displays the satellite constellation over a location.
ii. Position Dilution of Precision (PDOP): The user should plan their data collection at
times when there is optimum satellite availability (four or more) and when the
satellites are in an appropriate configuration to produce an acceptable (lower) PDOP
value. Data collection can be planned to exclude poor (higher) PDOP times. PDOP
values should be reviewed daily as satellite geometry changes constantly. Most GPS
desktop software has the capability of providing graphics indicating the number of
satellites available over the course of a day at a specific location as well as the PDOP
values.
iii. Local Obstructions of the Sky: The user should consider performing field reconnaissance
in advance of data collection to identify local obstructions of the sky, including urban
canyon, forest canopy, etc., that can affect results. Reference Vermont’s GPS
Guidelines (section III – GPS Accuracy Considerations) for further information about
collecting data in difficult conditions:
iv. GPS Data Dictionary Design: A data dictionary is very important and should be designed
for specific projects and/or specific data types being collected (e.g. cataloging tree
species type for environmental projects, the cataloging of pipe size for infrastructure
mapping projects). Most project planning software has the capability to help the
user construct a data collection schema, which, through the use of rules, allows the
user to control which features types can be mapped (i.e. points, lines, and polygons)
as well as the attribute values for those features. A well-planned data dictionary will
seamlessly develop GIS layers and help to provide consistency in the data collection
process for multiple users. The user should take into consideration that a well-
planned data dictionary will increase efficiency in both the field and office and
permit higher level GIS analytical operations.
B. GPS Receiver Configuration: It is recommended that the following values be set on the
GPS receiver prior to field data collection. These values are subject to the accuracy
requirements of specific projects. The values below may be modified depending on GPS
receiver model.
C. Additionally, the user should consult the manufacturers’ guidelines for optimal GPS
receiver configuration recommendations.
i. PDOP Values: It is the generally accepted standard that the GPS receiver be set to collect data
at a PDOP level of 6 or less. PDOP levels higher than 6 can result in reduced positional accuracy
and less reliable data.
ii. Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) Mask: Setting the value of the SNR mask higher will help
minimize noise error. Varies from GPS receiver manufacturer; each manufacturer has their
own recommendations; user must refer to their specific user manual.
iii. Elevation Mask: It is recommended setting the GPS receiver’s elevation mask to 15º. This is
the default angle to minimize the amount of atmosphere through which the satellite signal
has to travel. This also helps to ensure that a roving GPS receiver is tracking a subset of the
satellites that the base station is tracking.
iv. Data Collection Rate (Sync Rate):It is recommended to collect point data at a 1-second
interval, and to collect polygon and line data at a 5-second interval. However, to maximize
the potential accuracy, the user should collect point data at the same data collection
interval as the base station. Data collection rates will be dependent upon several factors
developed in mission planning.
v.Datum:GPS receivers are designed to collect GPS positions relative to the WGS-84 datum,
however the user has the option of designating into which datum the data will be displayed.
Users must have an understanding of the datum in which the GIS project is developed.
For most GIS applications, the WGS-84 datum is similar to the NAD-83 datum, however NAD-27
is significantly different from the NAD-83 datum. Most manufacturers allow the user the option
of displaying the data being collected in most datums. Various software exists that allow for the
transformation of data from one datum to another. Refer to Appendix B for more information
on datum transformation.
vi.Projection: It is recommended that data being collected with GPS be displayed on the GPS
receiver in the UTM or New York State Plane projections:
vii.Units of Measure:Users should be aware of the units of measure that are commonly used
with each projection. The UTM projections are always published in meters; the State Plane
projections can be published in US Survey Feet or meters. Users should also be aware of the
International Foot unit of measurement which is different than the more commonly used US
Survey Feet. Users should have an understanding of the units of measure in which the data can
be displayed on the GPS receiver.
Q2. Discuss the SOURCES OF ERROR that affect the quality of GPS observation
In order to effectively gather precise/accurate data, it is necessary to understand potential

sources of error that can affect GPS data quality.
A. Multipath: Errors caused by reflected GPS signals arriving at the GPS receiver, typically as a
result of nearby structures or other reflective surfaces (e.g. buildings, water). Signals traveling
longer paths produce higher (erroneous) pseudorange estimates and, consequently, positioning
errors. The user should be aware that multipath errors are not detectable or correctable with
recreational grade GPS receivers. Some mapping grade GPS receivers as well as most or all
survey grade GPS receivers have antennas and software capable of minimizing multipath
signals.
B. Atmosphere: GPS signals can experience some delays while traveling through the
atmosphere. Common atmospheric conditions that can affect GPS signals include tropospheric
delays and ionospheric delays. Tropospheric delays have the capability of introducing a
minimum of 1 meter variance. The troposphere is the lower part (from ground level to 13 km)
of the atmosphere that experiences the changes in temperature, pressure, and humidity
associated with weather changes. Complex models of tropospheric delay require estimates or
measurements of these parameters.Weather conditions, including cloud cover and
precipitation, generally do not affect the GPS receivers’ (hardware) capability of collecting
accurate data. However, cold temperatures near and below freezing could affect the GPS
receiver LCD screen and battery life.
C. Distance from Base Station: While differential correction will increase the quality of the
data, accuracy is degraded slightly as the distance from the base station increases. Users should
use the nearest base station to where the data is being collected.
D. Selective Availability (SA): SA is the intentional degradation of the GPS signals by the
Department of Defense (DOD) to limit accuracy for non-U.S. military and government users. The
potential error due to SA is between 30 to 100 meters.10 SA is presently turned off, but the
DOD reserves the right to turn it back on at any time and in specific geographic theaters.
E. Noise: Noise error is the distortion of the satellite signal prior to reaching the GPS receiver
and/or additional signal “piggybacking” onto the GPS satellite signal. All three grades of GPS
receivers are capable of suffering from noise error. The amount of error due to noise cannot be
determined.
Q3. What are the main segments of GNSS?

Space segments ：GNSS satellites
Ground segments ：control stations
User segments ：GNSS receivers
Q4. Define the following acronym as applied to GPS and GNSS precision?
GDOP (Geometric Dilution Of Precision): Overall accuracy; 3D-coordinates and time
PDOP (Positional Dilution Of Precision): Position accuracy; 3D-coordinates
HDOP (Horizontal Dilution Of Precision): horizontal accuracy; 2D-coordinates
VDOP (Vertical Dilution Of Precision): vertical accuracy; height
TDOP (Time Dilution of Precision): time accuracy; time In the case of GPS point positioning,
which requires the estimation of 3-D position and receiver clock error, the most appropriate
DOP factor is GDOP
Q5. What are the advantages and disadvantages of GNSS?
Advantages
- It is available 24hours daily

- It has world coverage.
- Independent to weather conditions
- Independent to visibility conditions: night, fog and dust.
- Open signal
Disadvantages
- A good visibility for the sky is necessary

- Don’t work under tunnels or inside buildings.
- Vertical precision is not enough for some applications.
Q6. Name GPS segments
i. Space segment: a network of 24 satellites placed into orbit

ii. Control segment: which consists of ground stations, located around the world that make sure
the satellites are working properly.
iii. User segment: The GPS receivers used by the community.
Q7. Define the word metadata? Metadata is “data about data”, or information that describes
the characteristics of a GIS data set. In describing a GIS data set, metadata usually provides
information about its content and origins; it may also be used to track the updates, corrections
or changes to a data set. In addition, metadata should also contain distribution information,
which explains how a potential user can acquire the data set.
Q8. Define Accuracy?

The degree of conformity with a standard or accepted value. Accuracy relates to the quality of
the result, and is distinguished from precision which relates to the quality of the operation by
which the result is obtained.
Q9. What do you understand by the following terms?

i. Atmosphere delays — The satellite signal slows as it passes through the atmosphere.
The GPS system uses a model that calculates an average amount of delay to correct
for this type of error.
ii. Receiver clock errors — A receiver's built-in clock is not as accurate as the atomic clocks
onboard the GPS satellites. Therefore, it may have very slight timing errors.
iii. Orbital errors — Also known as ephemeris errors, these are inaccuracies of the satellite's
reported location.
Q10. Autonomous Positioning

The least precise form of positioning that a GPS receiver can produce. The position fix is
calculated in real time from satellite data alone. Autonomous positions are generally accurate
to within 10 meters.
Q11 Base Station

A base station is comprised of a GPS antenna and GPS receiver positioned at a known location
specifically to collect data for differential correction. The purpose of the base station is to
provide reference data for performing differential correction on data collected in the field. Base
data need to be collected at the same time as you collect data with a GPS rover receiver. A base
station can be a permanent installation that collects base data for provision to multiple users,
or a GPS rover receiver that you temporarily locate on known coordinates for the duration of a
specific project or datalogging session.
Q12. Define the following terms

i. Backlight: Selectable on/off illumination that lights the display for enhanced screen at
night and in low light.
ii. Contrast: The difference between the lightest and darkest areas on a display screen.
iii. Coordinates : The unique description of a geographic position using numeric characters.
iv. Dilution of Precision (DOP): The dilution of precision (DOP) is an indication of the
quality of the results that can be expected from a GPS point position. It is a measure
based solely on the geometry of the satellites in the sky.
v. Ephemeris: The predictions of current satellite position that are transmitted to the user
in the data message.
Q13 What is Initialization in GPS Surveying?:

Initialization refers to the procedure of telling a GPS receiver where it is, when it is turned on
for the first time. Information required for initialization includes approximate present position
in latitude/longitude coordinates, the current local time and date.
Q14. What is a Map Datums?

This is a mathematical model used for GPS observation Since the Earth is not flat a model in
order for the GPS receiver to give the coordinates.
Q15. Define the following terms?

i. Multipath: Mutipath is the phenomena by which the GPS signal is reflected by some
object or surface before being detected by the receptor antenna creating multipath
for a same signal that results in a calculation error when estimating the distance
between the satellite and the receiver.
ii. Position: A geographic location on the earth, commonly measured in latitude and
longitude.
iii. Satellite constellation: The arrangement in space of a set of satellites.
Q16. What is a segment? Briefly discuss the GPS segments.

i. Segment is one of several parts or pieces that fit with others to constitute a whole
object.
ii. GPS Control segment: A Master Control Station and a number of monitoring stations
round the world that ensure the accuracy of satellite positions and their clocks.
iii. GPS Space segment: The network of 24 GPS satellites.
iv. GPS User segment: The receivers of GPS signals.
Q17. Briefly discuss how GPS errors can be corrected:

i. Since the GPS calculated positions (false positions) oscillates about the true position,
averaging closes in to the true position. Although Good satellite constellation, sharp
Intersection averaging reduces bias, good results might require averaging for a long
time maybe more than three hours.
ii. Differential Correction Errors caused by atmospheric phenomenon and due to Selective
Availability (SA) can be corrected by differential correction. By differential
correction, bias errors at one location are corrected with measured bias errors at a
known position. Data recording by the reference station and roving receiver must be performed
during the same time frame. Differential corrections can be applied on the fly, i.e., real time
differential, or later, using postprocessing techniques i.e., Post processing differential
correction.
iii. For Real-time differential, the master reference station, at a known position, decimetre
accuracy, transmits differential corrections to rover units over an internal radio or an
external one. Timing of the correction is so critical, so the differential correction is
‘time stamped’ before transmission. The rate of change of the differential correction
values is calculated and transmitted to roving units. It is possible to get signals from
private services e.g., FM sub-carrier broadcasts, satellite links, or private radio
beacons for real-time applications.
iv. In Post processing procedure, a reference station records information to be used to
generate a correction file at same time as rover units collect data. Data is then
processed on your personal computer by post processing software (such as Grafnav,
Postpoint, or Centipoint) to remove position error.
v. Correction files for a particular time period may also be available from public and
private agencies (e.g. bulletin board service) that record dGPS corrections for
distribution by electronic means. With differential correction, position error is
reduced to sub-metre.
Q18 What is the function of BlueTooth in GPS?

A wireless technology capable of using short-range radio technology for Internet and mobile
devices, aimed at simplifying communications among them. Some GPS receivers use Bluetooth
to communicate with the datalogger.
Q19. Define a Carrier Phase in GPS?

The difference between the carrier signal generated by the internal oscillator of a roving GPS
receiver and the carrier signal emitted from a particular GPS satellite.
Q20. What is Coarse or Acquisition (C/A) Code?

A pseudorandom noise code (PRN) modulated onto a L1 signal which helps the GPS receiver to
compute the distance from each satellite. Specifically, the difference between the
pseudorandom number code generated by the GPS rover software and the pseudorandom
number code coming in from the satellite is used to quickly compute the distance to a satellite
and therefore calculate your position.
Q21 What is a Data Dictionary or Feature Library?

A term used to describe the schema, or structure, that defines the relationship between
features and their descriptive attributes that will be located in the field with a professional GPS
receiver. This description typically includes feature name(s), data type classification (point, line,
or polygon), attribute names, attribute types, and attribute values. After being created on a PC,
a data dictionary is transferred to a GPS datalogger and used when collecting data in the field.
Q22. Define the following?

i. Data Message: A message included in the GPS signal, which reports a satellite’s location,
clock correction, and health. It includes information on other satellites’ health and
their approximate positions.
ii. Datum: A mathematical model of the earth’s surface. World geodetic datums are
typically defined by the size and shape of an ellipsoid and the relationship between
the center of the ellipsoid and the center of the earth. Because the earth is not a
perfect ellipsoid, any single datum will provide a better model in some locations
than others. Therefore, various datums have been established to suit particular
regions. For example, maps in the United States are often based on the North
American datum of 1927 (NAD-27) or 1983 (NAD-83). All GPS coordinates are based
on the WGS-84 datum surface.
Q23. What is Datum Transformation?

A mathematical calculation that converts the coordinates of a position in one datum to
coordinates in terms of another datum. Two types of datum transformations are supported by
most professional grade GPS data collection and management software: three parameter and
seven parameter. A datum transformation is used when the GPS results are required in terms
of a local datum.
Q24. What is Differential Correction?

The process of correcting GPS data collected on a rover with data collected simultaneously at a
base station. Because it is on a known location, any errors in data collected at the base station
can be measured, and the necessary corrections applied to the rover data. Differential
correction can be done in real time, or after the data has been collected by post processing.
Q25. Define the following terms:

i. Dilution of Precision (DOP):An indicator of the quality of a GPS position, which takes
account of each satellite's location relative to the other satellites in the
constellation, and their geometry in relation to the GPS receiver. A low DOP value
indicates a higher probability of accuracy.
ii. Dual-frequency (GPS) Receiver: A type of GPS receiver that uses both L1 and L2 signals
from GPS satellites. A dual-frequency GPS receiver can compute more precise
position fixes over longer distances and under more adverse conditions by
compensating for ionospheric delays.
iii. Earth Centered, Earth Fixed (ECEF):A Cartesian coordinate system used by the WGS-84
reference frame. The center of the system is at the earth’s center of mass. The z axis
is coincident with the mean rotational axis of the earth, the x axis passes through
0×N and 0×E, the y axis is perpendicular to the plane of the x and z axes.
iv. EGNOS (European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service)
A satellite-based augmentation system (SBAS) that provides a differential correction service for
GPS users in Europe. EGNOS is the European equivalent of WAAS, which is available in the
United States.
v. Elevation Mask: The angle above and relative to the horizon, below which your GPS
rover will not track satellites. It is normally set to 15º to avoid interference problems
caused by buildings and trees and multipath errors and avoid the rover GPS receiver
using a GPS satellite that the base station is not tracking.
Q26. Define the Ellipsoid a reference datum?

i. Ellipsoid: An ellipsoid is the three-dimensional shape that is used as the basis for
mathematically modeling the earth’s surface. The ellipsoid is defined by the
lengths of the minor and major axes. The earth’s minor axis is the polar axis and
the major axis is the equatorial axis.
ii. Ephemeris: The current satellite position predictions that are transmitted from a
GPS satellite in the NAVDATA message.
iii. Epoch: The measurement interval of a GPS receiver.
iv. Geoid: A mathematical surface of constant gravitational potential that
approximates sea level (See Mean Sea Level, below). Or, the equipotential
surface of the Earth's gravity field which best fits, in a least squares sense, global
mean sea level.
Q27. What is Global Positioning System (GPS)

The generic term used to describe the satellite-based timing and positioning system operated
by the United States Department of Defense (DoD).

i. Grid North: The meridian of any particular grid that is referenced to true north.
Height Above Ellipsoid (HAE) Distance (h) above the reference ellipsoid. HAE is always
measured orthogonal to the ellipsoidal surface. Three dimensional GPS positions reference
HAE. Recreational grade GPS receivers calculate approximate orthometric height (elevation) for
the user.
ii. Horizon: The line at which the earth and sky seem to meet for any particular observer.
Horizontal Dilution of Precision (HDOP)
Q29. Define L1 and L2 frequency in GPS?

L1 frequency: The primary L-band carrier used by GPS satellites to transmit satellite data. The
frequency is 1575.42 MHz. It is modulated by C/A code, P-code and a 50 bit/second navigation
message.
L2 frequency: The secondary L-band carrier used by GPS satellites to transmit satellite data. The
frequency is 1227.6 MHz. It is modulated by P-code and a 50 bit/second navigation message.
Q30. What is Latitude and Longitude?

Latitude: Is an angular measurement made from the center of the earth to north or south of
the equator. It comprises the north/south component of the latitude/longitude coordinate
system, which is used in GPS data collection. Traditionally, north is considered positive, and
south is considered negative.
Longitude: Is an angular measurement made from the center of the earth to the east or west of
the Greenwich meridian (London, England). It comprises the east/west component of the
latitude/longitude coordinate system, which is used in GPS data collection. Traditionally, east is
considered positive, and west is considered negative.
Q31. What is Magnetic Declination?

The local angular difference between magnetic and true north. Declination is expressed as a
positive or negative angle, and varies by location and over time.
Q32. What is Magnetic North?

The direction of the north-seeking end of a magnetic compass needle, not subject to transient
or local disturbance
Q33. Define Map Projection?

A defined method of transforming positions defined on an ellipsoid to a map grid; for example,
the Transverse Mercator and Parallel Lambert projections.
Q34. Briefly describe Mean Sea Level (MSL)?

The average height of the surface of the sea at a tide station for all stages of the tide over a 19-
year period, usually determined from hourly height readings measured from a fixed
predetermined reference level.
Q35. What is a NAVDATA?

The Navigation Message broadcast by each GPS satellite on both the L1 and L2 transmitters.
This message contains system time, clock correction parameters, ionospheric delay model
parameters, and the satellite vehicle’s ephemeris and health. A GPS receiver uses this
information to process GPS signals and thus obtain user position and velocity. NAVigation
Satellite Timing And Ranging (NAVSTAR) System. The formal name given to the United States
Department of Defense’s navigation and timing system comprised of GPS satellites, monitoring
stations, and Master Control Station.

i. P-Code: The precise code transmitted by the GPS satellites. Each satellite has a unique
code that is modulated onto both the L1 and L2 carrier waves. The P-code is
replaced by a Y-code when Anti-Spoofing is active.
ii. PDOP Mask: The highest level of PDOP that will allow the GPS receiver to compute a fix.
For example, if the PDOP Mask is set to (6), the GPS receiver will not record a
location when the PDOP exceeds (6).
iii. Position Dilution of Precision (PDOP)
A unitless figure of merit expressing the relationship between the error in user position and the
error in satellite position. Values considered good for positioning are small, such as 3. Values
greater than 7 are considered poor. PDOP is related to horizontal and vertical DOP by the
following formula: PDOP² = HDOP² + VDOP². See also DOP.
Q37. Briefly explain the following?

i. Postprocessing (Differential Correction)
The processing of satellite data after it has been collected in order to eliminate error. This
involves using PC software to compare data from the rover to data collected at the base
station. Because the base station is on a known location, systematic errors can be determined
and removed from the rover data.
ii. Precision
A measure of the repeatability or uniformity of a measurement. Precision relates to the quality
of the operation by which the result is obtained, and is distinguished from accuracy which
relates to the quality of the result. In order to comply with a specific standard, accuracy results
must meet the minimum while complying with the precision required. Obtaining suitable
accuracy results without complying with the precision is not acceptable to meet the standards.
iii. Pseudorandom Noise or Number (PRN)
A signal that carries a code that appears to be randomly distributed like noise, but can be
exactly reproduced. PRN codes have a low auto-correlation value for all delays or lags, except
when they are exactly coincident. Each NAVSTAR satellite has its own unique PRN code.
iv. Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services (RTCM)
A commission established to define a differential data link for real-time differential correction
of roving GPS receivers. There are two types of RTCM differential correction messages. Most
modern GPS receivers use the newer Type 2.2 RTCM protocol.
v. Real Time (Differential Correction)
The processing of satellite data as it is being collected in order to eliminate error. This involves
using software to compare data from the rover to data collected at the base station. Because
the base station is a known location, systematic errors can be determined and removed from
the rover data as it is being logged. This correction is not instantaneous and adequate time on
station should be planned for accurate readings.

i. Root Mean Square (RMS)
An expression of the accuracy of a point measurement. It is the radius of the error circle, within
which approximately 68% of position fixes are to be found. RMS is typically expressed in
distance units of feet or meters.
ii. Rover/Roving (GPS) Receiver

Any mobile GPS receiver and data collector used for determining location in the field. A roving
GPS receiver’s position can be differentially corrected relative to a stationary base GPS receiver.
iii. RTK (Real-Time Kinematic)

A real-time differential GPS method that uses carrier phase measurements for greater accuracy.
RTK measurements typically yield relative horizontal accuracy of approximately one centimeter.
iv. SBAS (Satellite Based Augmentation System)

The generic term that refers to differential GPS applied to a wide area, such as an entire
continent. WAAS and EGNOS are examples of SBAS networks, and are comprised of a series of
reference stations that generate GPS corrections which are broadcast to GPS rovers via
geostationary satellites.
v. Selective Availability (SA)
The artificial and deliberate degradation of GPS satellite signals by the United States
Department of Defense. Selective Availability was implemented in order to enhance national
security, but was turned off on May 10, 2000 due to the presence of several sources of various
differential correction (DGPS) messages, which rendered SA obsolete. The SA bias on each
satellite signal is different, and so the resulting position solution is a function of the combined
SA bias from each satellite used in the navigation solution. Because SA is a changing bias with
low frequency terms in excess of a few hours, position solutions or individual satellite vehicle
pseudo-ranges cannot be effectively averaged over periods shorter than a few hours.
Differential corrections must be updated at a rate less than the correlation time of SA (and
other bias errors).
vi. Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR)
The signal strength of a satellite is a measure of the information content of the signal, relative
to the signal’s noise. The typical SNR of a satellite at 30° elevation is between 47 and 50 dBHz.
The quality of a GPS position is degraded if the SNR of one or more satellites in the
constellation falls below 39. This value is used to determine whether the signal strength of a
satellite is sufficient for that satellite to be used by the GPS receiver. If a satellite’s SNR is below
the configured minimum SNR, that satellite is not used to compute positions.
vii. Satellite Vehicle
Satellite Vehicle or Space Vehicle, referring to the actual GPS satellite.
viii.Time on Station
The amount of time needed to be at a location in order to accurately collect an X,Y value per
the project requirements.

i. True North
True North is a term used to define an astronomic meridian; a geodetic meridian, the direction
of north from magnetic north corrected for declination; and the meridional direction assumed
in a survey description;.
ii. VRS (Virtual Reference Station)

A VRS system consists of GPS hardware, software, and communication links. It uses data from a
network of base stations to provide corrections to each rover that are more accurate than
corrections from a single base station. To start using VRS corrections, the rover sends its
position to the VRS server. The VRS server uses the base station data to model systematic
errors (such as ionospheric noise) at the rover position. It then sends RTCM correction
messages back to the rover.
iii. WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System)

WAAS was established by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for flight and approach
navigation for civil aviation. WAAS improves the accuracy and availability of the basic GPS
signals over its coverage area, which includes the continental United States and outlying parts
of Canada and Mexico. The WAAS system provides correction data for visible satellites.
Corrections are computed from ground station observations and then uploaded to two
geostationary satellites. This data is then broadcast on the L1 frequency, and is tracked using a
channel on the GPS receiver, exactly like a GPS satellite.
iv. Waypoint
A geographical point that, unlike a feature, holds no attribute information beyond a name and
location. Typically, waypoints are used to denote objects or locations of primary interest, such
as a survey mark.
Q40. Under what conditions can an office of a member of Council be declared vacant?
i. If He/she become Bankrupt,
ii. He/she has a mental illness that makes him unable to function,
iii. Convicted of an offence of fraud, dishonesty and moral turpitude.
Q41. Discuss the power of the Minister to give directive to the Council?
i. The Council shall not borrow or dispose any property without the consent of Minister.
ii. The Minister may give directive to Council on general character.

Q42. Discuss the conditions for persons seeking registration as surveyors under the act.
i. He/she must pass the qualifying examination conducted by Council.
ii. Not a Nigerian but holds a qualification provided the other country accord Nigerian
professional surveyors the same treatment and satisfies Council of sufficient
practical experience.
iii. If he holds a certificate recognized by Council and not less than 2 years post practical
experience in the profession.
iv. He must be of good character,
v. Has attained the age of 21 years
vi. Has not been convicted in Nigeria or elsewhere of an offence
Q43. What are conditions for persons seeking to be registered as pupil surveyor?
i. He/she Must hold a certificate recognized by Council
ii. Have not less than 2 years post qualification practical experience in the profession
iii. Passed an examination approved/conducted by Council.
Q44. What is the composition of Surveyor’s disciplinary committee?
i. It shall consist of the President of Council
ii. Ten (10) other members of Council appointed by Council of whom not less than four
shall be members of council.
Q45. What are functions of SURCON?
i. Determining who are surveyors for the purpose of the decree.

ii. Determining what standards of knowledge and skill are attained by persons seeking to
be registered.
iii. Securing in accordance with decree, establishment and maintenance of a register of
persons entitle to practice the profession and publication from time to time.
iv. Regulating and controlling the practice of the profession in all its ramifications.
v. Maintaining in accordance with the act, of discipline within the profession.
vi. Performing other functions conferred upon the council by this decree.
Q46. What is the composition and the function of Surveyors Investigation Panel (SIP)?
S.I.P is composed of seven (7) members and has the following functions:
i. Conducting a preliminary investigation into any case where it is alleged that a person
registered has misbehaved.
ii. Deciding whether the case should be referred to the disciplinary committee.
iii. Submitting a report on any action taken by the SIP to the disciplinary committee.
Q47. What are the challenges facing SURCON as a professional body?
i. Increase in the intake of students into survey programmes of tertiary institutions.

ii. Keeping pace with advances in technology who are changing the methods, skills, and
machines used in survey operations.
iii. Quackery or tackling invasion of surveying by persons who are not qualified or duly
registered to practice.
iv. Agencies of government having land as base for their operations should have a strong
survey units manned by surveyors and reporting to the office of the Surveyor-
General of the Federation.
Q48. A pupil Surveyor has presented a survey plan for you to sign. What are the necessary
checks you may likely carry out before signing the plan?
The surveyor should check the following:
i. Field books, ii. Computation sheets, iii. Survey reports, iv. Title of the survey, v.
Location of survey, vi. origin, vii. scale used, viii. North arrow, ix.
bearing and distance, x. area, address and signature of the surveyor.
Q49. State the composition and functions of SURCON state committee of Ethics (SSCE)?
SSCE is composed of the following:
i. Surveyor General of the State.

ii. NIS state chairman
iii. Council member (to be appointed by council)
iv. Council member of group states (to be appointed by the President).
Functions
i. Issuing beacon number.
ii. Making quarterly returns to SURCON headquarters of beacons and plans.
iii. Handling matters on professional ethics.
iv. Supervising the practices of the profession in the state.
v. Collecting beacon fees for SURCON and remitting such monies to SURCON
headquarters.
vi. Performing other functions which the Council may direct from time to time.
Q50. What are the data to be shown on certified property plan?
i. Title of the survey, ii. Locality, street, iii. Town/village, iv. LGA and State
v. details, vi. Scale and its linear representation, vii. North direction/origin,
viii. area, ix. Bearing and distances, x. calculated bearings and distance, xi. Plan
no, xii. Certification by surveyor, xiii. Name, signature and address of
surveyor.
Q51. Is it a Must that the registrar of SURCON should be a surveyor?
The law did not specify that but said any fit and proper person for the purpose of this decree
and the functions are strictly administrative.
Q52. What is the composition of SURCON?
i. Shall consist of a President which shall be a surveyor and must be appointed by the President
and Commander-in-Chief of the armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
ii. Five (5) persons to be appointed by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the
armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria one of which must be the Surveyor-
General of Federation and other interest field of surveying.
iii. Surveyor-General of each state of the federation.
iv. Twelve (12) persons to be appointed by NIS
v. Four (4) persons to be appointed by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the
armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from University offering surveying
courses leading to approved qualification in surveying.
Q53. What is the qualification and tenure of the Council members?
i. He must be a citizen of Nigeria,

ii. He must be fully registered as a surveyor, Had engaged in practice of surveying for not
less than five years,
iii. The president shall hold office for a period of three (3) years and shall be eligible for re-
appointment.
Q54. Suspension from practice: means withholding the right to be issued with beacon
numbers.
Q55. A surveyor applying for a beacon shall pay for beacons. How much shall he pay and
show how the amount shall be disbursed?
The surveyor shall prepay N900 and it shall be disbursed as follows:
SURCON (N400), SSCE (N200), NIS National (N200), NIS State(-N100)
Q56. What are the provisions of code of ethics as contained in the enabling act?
Remuneration of surveyors:
i. A surveyor shall be remunerated by a scale of fees for consultants as approved by

FMOW and bill of quantities as approved by NIS.
ii. A surveyor shall not offer his services at a reduced fees nor shall he compete with any
other surveyor by under cutting the fees for his services (refer to enabling act for
penalty.
Private practice by surveyors in paid employment.
A surveyor in paid employment shall not undertake any other survey practice except with
permission of his employer.
Attitude towards professional colleagues:
A surveyor on instructions to proceed with professional work upon which another surveyor
was previously engaged or certify true copies of another surveyors plan or production without
surveyor’s consent except in the case of a deceased surveyor “Shall cause a notice of facts to be
given to Surveyor General where the survey is situated and take all reasonable care to satisfy
himself that there are no outstanding obligations between the previous surveyor and the client
before he proceeds to undertake such works, otherwise he is guilty of an offence”.
Malicious injury to professional colleagues
A Surveyor who attempts to injure falsely or maliciously, directly or indirectly the professional
reputation or prospects of any other surveyor, is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction
(refer to enabling act for penalty.
Advertisement
A surveyor who advertises or offers his services by means of circulars or paid announcements in
any newspaper or magazine is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction(refer to enabling act
for penalty.
Issuance of false certificate
Any surveyor who issues a false certificate of conduct and training and field experience to a
pupil surveyor is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction (refer to enabling act for penalty.
Q57. Discuss SURCON provision on conduct relating to the Council’s seal?
A surveyor shall not
Duplicate SURCON seal, Duplicate plan numbers, Duplicate beacon numbers, Backdates survey
records, charts, plans or data.
Q58. Who is an ex-officio member?
An ex-offcio is a member of the council by virtue of his office e.g Surveyor-General of states.
Q59. Discuss in detail, the duties of the registrar under SURCON decree 44 of 1989?
i. Maintenance of registers of persons so registered to practice.
ii. Publish the names of such persons
ii. Acts as a secretary of Council.
Q60. Write short notes on the following?
i. Survey work: means all survey exercises that includes but are not limited to conducting
surveys, GPS surveys, Geodetic surveys, controls and location, right of way survey
for road, and railways as may be defined from time to time by Council.
ii. Returns: means beacon number issued (used or unused and lodgment of record of plans
produced.
Q61. What are the problems associated with classical geodetic reference systems?
Ans:
i. Each country has its own geodetic reference system.

ii. Mismatch at the national boundaries.
Q62. What are the objectives of NIGNET?
i. Adoption of a modern geodetic infrastructure fully compatible with the actual

techniques of georeferencing.
ii. Low quality of the existing network based in observations carried out using old
techniques.
iii. Lack of geodetic beacons with known coordinates in some areas of the country.
iv. Compatibility with the reference frames of neigbouring countries through the
collaboration with international projects such as AFREF.
Q63. Give Reasons why we need to promote NIGNET?

i. Many geodetic pillars materializing the reference frame have been destroyed, and only
a small percentage of beacons are still usable.
ii. The original geodetic network was implemented using techniques having lower accuracy
and requiring the installation of points at locations of difficult access (e.g., top of
hills).
Q64. What did AFREF stand for and what are its goals?
AFREF stands for African Geodetic Reference Frame.
Goals:
i. AFREF is an effort carried out by the international community, in particular the African
countries, to establish a continental reference system, consistent and homogeneous
with the global reference system (ITRS) as a basis for the national reference
networks.
ii. To realize a unified vertical datum and to support efforts to establish a precise African
geoid.
iii. To determine the relationship between the existing national reference frames and the
new system (and ITRS) in order to preserve legacy information of the existing
frames.
iv. To provide a sustainable development environment for technology transfer so that
these activities will enhance the national networks and other GNSS related
applications.
Q65. What are the Future prospects and contributions of NIGNET to surveying and mapping
industry in Nigeria?
i. NIGNET will establish a new and modern reference frame for Nigeria.
ii. NIGNET will be linked and will also contribute to realize AFREF in West Africa
iii. By providing an accurate reference frame, NIGNET will also contribute to support
activities related with other technical and scientific applications.
Q66. Suggest ways of rebranding the declining surveyor’s image and professional ethics in
Nigeria?
(i) Surveyors should own and maintain respectable offices.
(ii) In any given state in which a surveyor wishes to practice, he should retain a paid and
qualified registered junior.
(iii) A surveyor should have only one registered head office in Nigeria.
(iv) When a surveyor is consulted in a field he is not competent or registered to operate, such a
surveyor should refer such a client to another surveyor who is registered to operate in that
field.
(vi) Since certificates on the plans surveyor sign bear the full names of the surveyor it is
suggested that surveying firms should use the names of the surveyor and not pseudo names,
for ease of identification any time.
(vii) Surveyors should cultivate the habit of originality in their work. He should not allow himself
to be pushed around by a lawyer as to what and what not to show on his survey plan while
carrying out a land in dispute. He should always be an unbiased, independent and professional
witness in the court.
(viii) Surveyors should be seen as members of a noble and respectable profession. Therefore
every surveyor should be loyal and obedient to his profession’s scale of fees and code of ethics.
A surveyor should have total respect for these documents and not mere lip service.
Q67. What are the information that must be included in the mining lease plan?
i. Number of lease, ii. Lot number, iii. Name of applicant, iv. North point,
v. Any adjoining leases, vi. Details e.g roads, railways etc, vii.
Connection to control points, viii. Coordinates of location mark, ix. All
corner and Line beacons, x. Bearing and distances to nearest degree,
xi. Areas in hectares, xii. Surveyor’s signature and date.
Q68. Distinguish between a property beacon and mining beacon?
Property beacon
18cm 18cm 20cm
8cm - ---
20cm- - -------
- -----
Property Beacon 15cm
Mining beacon
Q69. Define the following terms as applied to mineral acts?
Mining lease (ML): This is an area of land which the lease has the right to extract specified
minerals. It is usually granted for a maximum of 21 years in the first instance.
Mining right: This is defined as an area long a stream or river of total width including the
width of the stream, of not more than 30m in which the holder has the right to extract
specified minerals.
Exclusive prospecting licence: An area of land over which the licence holder has the
exclusive right to prospect for specified minerals. Its maximum size is 20sqKm.
Prospecting right (PR): This is an authority granted to the holder to prospect for specified
minerals in a specified state.
Special exclusive prospecting licence(SEPL): This is occasionally granted in uncongested

areas to companies which made to prospect large areas in a relatively short period of time.
Mines reclamation area (MRA): A worked area of land which has been reclaimed and
permanently closed to mining.
Q70. What type of classical survey methods is GPS survey similar to?
GPS is similar to astronomy. GPS track information from satellite to fix a point while
astronomy fixes a point using stellar observation.
Q80. Despite GPS surveys, of what relevance is astronomy today?
Astronomy is still relevant particularly for the definition of vertical.
Q81. Differentiate between Layout surveys and subdivisions of plots?
A layout surveys covers large number of plots while subdivision of plots is division of plots into
one or more parts.
Q82. When a river forms part of boundary, how do you carry out beaconing?
The beacons should be placed at that point that the river meet with the boundary and beacons
must be placed above flood level.
E
A
D
B
C
Q83. In a situation where a corner beacon cannot be placed or not accessible, what would
you do?
Two beacons a1 and d1 should be placed since their intersection will define the point E. Note
that a1 and c1 may not carry beacon number.
D
C
d1
………………………….. E
A a1
Q84. Where a boundary is co-terminus boundary of old and new survey?
The beacons must be placed in line with or aligned with the old beacons.
N1 new beacons
N2
Developed land: is any land that has any physical improvement in the nature of road, water,
electricity etc on it.
Easement: means a right annexed to a land holder to utilize other land in different holding in a
particular manner not involving the taking part of the natural produce of that land.
Improvement: Means anything of any quality permanently attached to land.
Q86. What are the objectives of the land use act of 1978?
i. To remove controversies usually generated by land.

ii. To simplify management and ownership of land.
iii. To assist all citizens to own land.
iv. To enable government plan and zone land for a particular uses such as residential,
agricultural, commercial etc
Q87. Discuss the roles of a surveyor under the land use Act of 1978?
Demarcation and marking of the corner of the plot with pillar, Re-establishment of beacons,
Beaconing, Property surveys, Subdivision of plots, Establishment of controls to be used,
Preparation of cadastral map.
Q88. What are the powers of the governor over land as contained in the land use act?
i. To grant statutory right of occupancy.

ii. To grant easement and appurtements to C of O
iii. To demand rental for such land granted.
iv. To impose a penal rent for a breach of any covenant in a C of O.
v. To revise such a renting for the property.
Q89. What are the functions of land use allocation committee as contained in the land use act
of 1978?
i. To advise the Governor on issues connected with management of land.

ii. To advise the Governor on matters connected with resettlement by the revocation of R
of O
iii. Determining disputes as to amount of compensation payable under decree.
Q90. What is the composition of the land use allocation committee?
i. It shall consist of not less than two persons possessing qualification approved for
appointment into the public service as estate surveyors and land officers not less
than five years.
ii. A legal practitioner
Q91. The land use act has been under criticism for a long while. Discuss the major provisions
of this act that are contentious. Discuss the necessary amendment particularly the surveyor’s
role in the implementation of the act?
i. The land use act vested all states or urban land on the Governor.
ii. The non inclusion of a surveyor whose duty is to identify, delineate parcel of land in the
allocation committee. Only estate surveyors, land officers and legal practitioner
were included.
iii. Lack of reference to the type of accuracy of survey document to be produced when
applying for C of O.
iv. The act does not specify who should be the chairman of the committee.
Q91. What are the powers of local government to land?
i. To grant customary right of occupancy

ii. To grant customary R of O not excess of 500hectare for agricultural and 5000 for
grazing purposes
iii. Shall enter upon, use or occupy for public interest any land within the area.
iv. Where customary right of occupancy is revoked. Local government shall allocated
alternative land for use.
v. Where local government agrees to pay compensation within a reasonable time, the
Governor may assess compensation and direct local government to pay such.
Q92. What are the powers of the Governor to revoke the Right of Occupancy?
i. Revoke right of occupancy for overriding public interest.

ii. Overriding public interest requirement of land for mining purpose.
iii. Over riding interest for extraction of building materials
iv. Breach of provisions contained in the certificate of occupancy.
v. Alienation of land by way of transfer, sale to another person.
Q93. What is the compensation payable under the land use act of 1978?
i. An amount equal to the right, if paid by occupier.

ii. Compensation for buildings, installation, or improvement thereon.
iii. Crops on the land.
iv. Economic trees there on.
Q94. Discuss the technical problems of land use decree?
i. The membership of a surveyor whose duty is to identify, delineate parcels is omitted in

allocation committee.
ii. - Lack of reference to the type of accuracy of survey document to be produced when
applying for CofO
iii. - The act does not specify who should be the chairman of the committee.
Q95. What are the provisions of land use act 1978?
i. all land situated in the territory of each state in the country is vested in the Governor of the
state. For southern Nigeria in particular, this means state appropriation of land from families
and communities without any compensation except for economic crops and other betterment
on the land.
ii. All land control and management, including land allocation in urban areas come under the
Governor of each state while land located in rural areas becomes the responsibility of the
various local governments. Only the Governor can declare parts of the state territory governed
by him as an urban area by an order published in the state gazette;
iii. all land in urban areas is to be administered by a body know as the Land Use and Allocation
Committee which has the responsibility of advising the Governor on the management of urban
land; similarly, a Land Allocation Advisory Committee is provided to advise local governments in
like manner;
iv. all land which has already been developed remained the possession of the person in whom it
was vested before the Act became effective;
v. the Governor is empowered to grant statutory certificate of occupancy (C of O) which would
be for a definite term to any person for all purposes and rights of access to land under his
control;
vi. The maximum area of undeveloped land that any person could hold in any one urban area in
a state is one half of an hectare; in the rural areas this must not exceed 500 hectares except
with the permission of the governor;
vii. The consent of the Governor must be secured for the transfer of a statutory right of
occupancy through either mortgage or assignment. The consent of the Local government or
that of the Governor in appropriate cases must also be obtained for the transfer of customary
right of occupancy.
Q96. The land use decree created serious problems for land management in the Nigeria.
Discuss.
i) The Decree, as it stands, represents an abrogation of the right of ownership of land hitherto
enjoyed by Nigerians, at least in the southern half of the country, and its nationalization by
government is inconsistent with democratic practices and the operations of a free market
economic system;
ii) Many State Governments failed to establish the Land Use and Allocation Committee in their
states for many years. This has hampered the steady and continuous delivery of land for
building purposes;
iii) Many Governors do not give the urgent attention needed to their responsibility of granting
consent for land assignments or mortgaging, thereby impeding the development of an efficient
land market and housing finance institutions in the country;
iv) Equally serious is the attempt by some Governors to use the provision requiring their
consent for assignments or mortgaging as a means of raising revenue for their States through
imposing heavy charges for granting such consent, thereby again obstructing the development
of an efficient land market and housing finance institutions in the country;
v) At least in the case of one State, the attempt of the Governor to declare all land in his state
as urban land gave rise to considerable absurdities in the operation of the land market;
vi) The inconveniences and delays in securing Statutory Certificates of Occupancy have induced
many land transactions among Nigerians to move to the informal market or be falsely dated as
having been concluded before March 28, 1978, the operative date for the Land Use Decree;
vii) The exclusion by the Decree of the rights of families or individuals to develop private
lay‐outs has led to the emergence of a disjointed, uncoordinated and incoherent system of
physical planning in Nigerian cities and a declining rate of housing provision in the country;
viii) The power of Governors and the Local Governments to revoke any right of occupancy over
land “for overriding public interest” has been used arbitrarily in the past and helps to
underscore the fragility of the rights conferred by the Certificate;
ix) In consequence of the above, there is increasing reluctance by both the Courts and the
banks to accept the Statutory Certificate of Occupancy as a conclusive evidence of the title of
the holder to the land nor as adequate security in an application for loan.
Q97. What are the arrangements needed for a survey works.
i. Accommodation, ii. Transportation, iii. Technical staff recruitment, iv.

Local labour, v. Equipment to be used, vi. Tools and materials, vii.
Authorization e.g to clear route or survey lines, viii. Informing the local people, ix.
Medical facilities, x. Finance, xi. Report writing
Q98. What is a survey office?
A survey office is an office manned by a principal working for a limited liability company or
himself.
Q99. What are the structures of a private survey organization?
A principal (Must be a registered surveyor, Must be financially up to date, If maintaining an

office should be manned by a surveyor).
Company (Must be registered with corporate affairs commission, VAT clearance, Enlistment
with SURCON, Company profile
Office (Accommodation (min of 2bed room flat, Surveying equipment, Staffing (1no admin
staff, accountant, 3technical staff, Logistics (vehicle, 1no boat)
Q100 CORS (Continuously Operating Reference) Station

A network of GPS base stations coordinated by the National Geodetic Survey for the purpose of
providing GPS reference data to permit end users to perform post-processed differential
correction of GPS data collected with roving GPS receivers. Reference data are typically
acquired via direct download from the Internet.
Q101. What is the difference between CORS and other surveying methods?
CORS provides active data while other surveying pillars are passive.
Q102. What are advantages of CORS over other surveying methods?

It reduces cost, Provides Better accuracy, It provide a 24hour data streaming, It is more
versatile and flexible, It is a source of income generation/investment.
Q103. The use of different datum and local origin has been a long age problem of survey in
Nigeria. What is the relevance of CORS in cadastral surveying practice in Nigeria?
Cadastral surveys in the states have been based on what was regarded as local origins. The
implication is that surveys carried out on different local origins do not fit well and so are not in
harmony. The only way to change this is through the the use of GNSS CORS reference network.
This will provide a unified geodetic reference frame for survey harmonization in the country.
Q104. What are the factors to be considered in costing survey jobs?
Nature of work, The type of topography, Size and coverage of land, Cost of materials, Cost of
equipment hire, Cost of labour and services, presentation, mobilization and demobilization,
accommodation, overhead and contingencies, VAT and Tax.
Q105. Write short notes on building lines?
Building lines regulation states that “no person shall create obstruction within 3om from the
centre line of the road”. The Governor can at his discretion reduce it to 15m. Anyone who
contravenes this law is guilty of an offence and punishable by law.
Q106. What is a consultancy outfit?
A consultancy outfit is an outfit consisting of a surveyor and allied professionals offering survey
services amongst others.
Q107. What is a profession?
A profession is a vocation based on a long specialized training that enables particular services
to be rendered.
Q108. What are the roles of a surveyor in a boundary disputes?
The role of the surveyor in land disputes that of a professional witness, an investigator, an
assessor of evidence, a demarcator and a graphic presenter of information which are useful in
the resolution of the boundary or disputes. He will also be required to produce an up to date
map/plan of the disputed area showing very clearly the claimed boundaries by the parties as
well as historical details and features.
Q109. What is management in surveying?
Management is a process of maintaining an environment in an enterprise where individuals

working together in groups can perform effectively and efficiently towards attainment of
organizational goals.
Q110. What are the functions of a manager?
i. Planning: selecting objectives, policies, programmes, and procedures for enhancing

them.
ii. Organizing: involves the establishment of a structure of roles and activities required to
achieved goals of the enterprise.
iii. Staffing: involves manning the position provide for by the organization be manpower
requirement for the job.
iv. Directing: guiding and supervising subordinates.
v. Controlling: seeks to compel events to conform to plans.
Q111. What are the types of survey records to be kept in a survey organization?
i. Record keeping: all surveys done should be kept for reference.

ii. Stores records: a complete record of stores issued to each surveys should be kept
together with their signature indicating responsibility.
iii. Transport: surveyor should know how to drive a car and regular maintenance of the
vehicle.
iv. Labour: The normal duty of a survey is to recruit his labour force as required for the job
and to train them according to his requirement.
v. Finance: responsible for finance organization of his work. An impress account is
maintained for day to day running of the office.
vi. Report writing.
Q112. Define the following:
i. Laws: are acts of parliament or law passed by national assembly.

ii. Regulations: these are code of practice, rules prescribed for management of some
matter.
iii. Ordinance: is an authoritative direction, decree or command of government on how to
act used during colonial rules.
iv. Decree: are laws promulgated during military rules.
v. Edict: is an order or proclamation issue by an authority e.g state
Q113. Define the following:
i. Urban lands: are lands designated as urban by the Governor of a State.

ii. Rural lands: all other lands than urban lands are rural lands.
iii. Boundary: is a line or plane that lies at the interface between one property rights and
those of his neighbor.
iv. Treaty: is a formal agreement between nations.
Q114. Write short notes on the following:
i. Territorial waters: this extends from the coast to a maximum of 12 nautical miles from
the coast to the sea.
ii. Exclusive economic zone (EEZ): This extends to a maximum of 200 nautical miles into
the sea.
iii. The continental shelf: extends to as far as 350 nautical miles.
Note: 1 nautical mile = 1.853m
Q115. Define the following terms.
i. Owner: any person receiving rent or profit from any tenant or occupier.
Public survey: any survey made for the purpose of defining the boundaries of any
land owned by the public authority.
ii. Registrable instrument: any document relating to land registration required by any
written law.
iii. Beacons: means a permanent survey mark of any kind made of concrete, iron or stone,
pillars and boundary posts.
iv. Demarcation: means of marking lines by means of post pillars or beacons.
Q116. Write short notes on the following?
Private property: Means land holding or lease demised to private persons, organizations or
corporate.
Q117. Mention two bodies that regulate surveying profession in Nigeria?
iv. Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation (SGOF)

v. Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON)

i. Surveying: is the science, technology and act of determining, representing the relative
position of the earth surface.
ii. Surveyor: Means a person registered or deemed to be registered as such under SURCON
decree cap 425 laws of federation.
iii. Surveyor-General: means a surveyor appointed as the professional head of government
survey department of a state or federation.
Q119. (a) What do you consider to be the purpose which the survey co-ordination Act 1962
and its subsequent amendment set to achieve?
(b). The manager of a company has given the SGOF a notice that his company has been
awarded a contract to carry out topographical mapping in one of the states. On receipt of this
notice, the SGOF in turn gives a counter notice. What are essential differences between the two
notices?
Ans:
The notice given by the contractor to the Surveyor General of Federation shall contain the
following:
i. The name and address of surveyor carrying out the project, name of firm who awarded
the contract.
ii. Date the project is to start and finish.
iii. The sketch or recce of the proposed project.
iv. Other details that would help the SGOF to better understand the project.
The SGOF in less than one month of receipt of the notice shall issue a counter notice stating the
following:
i. To erect all survey beacons in connection with the proposed project.

ii. Process all films in connection to the survey.
iii. On completion of the job, submit the following:
iv. 2 copies maps and plans produced.
v. All original field books.
Q120. Which body is responsible for organizing survey coordination conference? What are
the main objectives of the conference?
The office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation organizes survey coordination conference.
The main objectives of the conference are:
i. It affords all stakeholders in surveying and mapping industry to brainstorm on issues
affecting surveying and mapping in Nigeria.
ii. It is a forum where survey and mapping community assess and evaluate the dynamism
of its programmes as well charting a new course for the development of the
profession.
Q121. Examine the legal instrument behind the survey conference and its relevance?
The legal provision for coordinating these activities is through the survey coordination act of
1962 and its amendment aimed at avoiding duplication and wastages of scarce resources. The
act also seeks to embrace security of the country by preventing unauthorized acquisition of
such data imageries and aerial photographs of all or any section of the country.
Q122. Highlights the aim and objectives of the survey coordination Act of 1962:
Aim: is to coordinate survey activities in Nigeria for security reasons and maintenance of
uniform standards, adherence to regulations and specifications and duplication of survey works
in Nigeria
Objective: To furnish the Surveyor-General of the Federation of the information relating to the
proposed survey works to be carried out in Nigeria.
Q123. General hints on Oral interview and folio defence.
Candidates for folio defence must take note of the following:
i. Appearance: candidates for oral interview must be neatly dressed and cute. He must
dress either corporately by putting on a pair of suit and a neck tie or dress in a
complete national attire with a fitting cap. There is no restriction to the particular
type of dress but be it English or national, the candidate must be complete and
neatly dressed.
ii. Composure and comportment: once the candidate appears before the panel of
examiners, courtesy demands that he greets them and wait for their response and
be shown a seat before seating down. The candidate must maintain good posture,
speak with controlled voice and maintain eye contact. Similarly, the candidate
should see the panel as a professional colleagues and not gods. Hence, candidates
are expected or advised to be claimed and not nervous or afraid of them.
iii. Practical knowledge: this the main trust of the defence. The candidate is usually given
between 10-15minutes to present a summary of the projects submitted. he/she
should be able to summarized both his major and minor discourses. The panel would
seek for clarification on areas to be clarified. The candidate is expected to be
conversant with the methodology and principles of surveying used in those projects
carried out.
iv. General knowledge: candidates are advised to possess general knowledge on surveying
and mapping.
v. Current affairs: candidate’s current affairs knowledge is also tested. The panel would
want to know candidate’s knowledge and exposure to news, events and general
happenings locally, internationally and the world at large.
vi. Knowledge of professional other bodies: candidates are advised to acquaint themselves
with the leadership, relationship, composition and activities for e.g SURCON, OSGOF,
NIS etc.
Q124. Discuss the reasons for changes in Surveying practices in Nigeria?

i. Global Challenges: The main global drivers for change in the spatial information world
can be identified as technology development, micro-economic reform, globalisation,
and sustainable development. These global drivers therefore also affect the profile
of the surveying profession and they challenge the whole educational basis of the
profession.
ii. Technology development: The technological development in the surveying and mappig
industry is the major driving force in changing the face of the spatial information world. The
GPS technologies for measuring have revolutionized the traditional surveying discipline and the
high-resolution satellite imagery tends to revolutionize the mapping discipline. The database
technologies for storage of large data sets and the GIS technologies for data management,
analysis and manipulation arguably have had the greatest impact on the spatial information
environment.
iii. Micro-economic reform: The micro-economic reform initiatives by the Federal
Government of Nigeria represent the institutional and governmental side of the changes
observed during the latest one decade. These changes includes initiatives such as
privatization, decentralization, monetization, downsizing, cost recovery, performance
contracts, quality assurance, value for money, public/private partnership, and other
policies to ensure service delivery and cost effectiveness. These initiatives have changed
the focus from the pure technological issues to include also the more managerial
components of building and maintaining national spatial data infrastructures.
iv. Globalization: A globalised world is one in which political, economic, cultural, and social
events become more interconnected. The process includes that events in one part of
the world increasingly have potential to impact on people and societies in other parts of
the world. Globalization widens the perspectives from the local to the global level. This
should lead to a world movement towards improving the quality of lives of people by
thinking, working together on common concerns. Globalization has a social, economic,
political, as well as an educational dimension. The www is the most graphic example of
this trend, even if the full potential of the web as an educational resource is still to be
seen.
v. GIS and Surveying Reforms: The last decade has seen moves towards incorporation of
GIS as part of Surveying services as it is done in the surveying community throughout
the world. GIS and Surveying are beginning to evolve as components of more global land
administration systems. GIS Business in Nigeria is gradually becoming big time business.
More people are getting interested each day and Changes in Surveying Practices in
Nigeria: Opportunities, Responsibilities and Challenges Integration of Surveying Services
more ideas are being unveiled as GIS practitioners search for enduring legacies for
sustainable wealth creation for Surveying through GIS.
vi. Capacity Building
The Capacity Building Challenge is about establishing
− Sustainable Survey Departments
− Sustainable Survey and Mapping infrastructures
− Sustainable human resources and skills
The new paradigm for Capacity Building in surveying and mapping offers a wide range of
principles and options such as:
− redefining the current market potential including existing competition
− redetermining available/potential sources of funds for surveying and mapping
− re-examining surveying and mapping specific manpower and equipment needs
− Making surveying departments as core income generation area
Q125. What are the opportunities for surveyors in the digital age?
- Mapping with Satellite Imagery
- Provision of Controls with GNSS CORS/Total Station
- Global Satellite Positioning
126. List the stages involved in carrying out control establishment.

i. Planning/drawing of control scheme ii. Recce to select stations iii. Clearing where necessary
iv. Beaconing. v. data acquisition vi. Data processing v. plotting.
Q127. Define the term ‘control’ in surveying.

A control is a survey point or station whose coordinates are known.
Q128. Define an angle? The distance in arc between two directions that meet at a point which
is the center of the circle that contains the arc.
Q129. What is the information contain in traverse field book.

i. description of survey (ii. Unit of tape used (iii. Date of survey (iv. Instrument used
v. observer/booker’s name (vi. All connections measured (vii. Rank of the surveyor & date
Q130. List the information contain on a survey map.

(i) Title of the map (ii. Legend (iii. Grid (iv. Scale (v. date of production (vi. Standard sheet no.
(vii. Details of map per theme (viii. North direction (ix. Index to adjoining sheet
Q131. List the type of maps

i. Political map ii. Forestry map iii. Population map iv. Agricultural map v). Navigation map vi.
Recreation map vii. Administrative map viii. Road map ix. Solid minerals map
x. Exploitation and Exploration map
Q132. List the various methods of control establishment

Horizontal control: i. GPS ii. Traversing iii. Trilateration and resection iv. Total station
v. Astro positioning vi. Photogrammetric method vii. Triangulation
Vertical Control: i. Spirit Levelling ii. Trigonometric leveling iii. GPS v. barometric
Q133. What is the purpose and objective of boundary demarcation?

i. peaceful coexistence among communities involved ii. To achieve national security
iii. Administrative convenience iv. Economic and natural needs
Q134. What is the importance of survey coordination Act of 1962.

i. consistency ii. To avoid duplication iii. National security iv. Harmonization of survey
activities in the country v. keeping survey records for planning purposes.
Q135. List the stages for carrying out survey.

i. Office and field recce ii. Data acquisition iii. Data processing iv. Analysis/plotting
v. report vi. Presentation
Q136. What are the methods of area calculation in surveying?

i. Trapezoidal ii. Simpson rule iii. Area from Coordinates iv. Area by Triangle v.
Graphical method vi. Planimetric method
Q137. What factors determine the cost of survey undertaken in a virgin land?
i. instrumentation ii. Methodology iii. Specification iv. Terrain nature v.
transportation vi. Extent/coverage vii. Accuracy required viii. Astro for origin establishment ix.
Personnel x. accessibility
Q138. List the types of Theodolite adjustment?

i. Temporary adjustment ( Centering, leveling and focusing to remove parallax)
ii. Permanent adjustment ( Plate bubble, collimation, trinion axis, diaphragm, index error)
Q139. List the equipment required for carrying out theodolite traversing?
a. Theodolite/Tripod b. Arrows/ranging rods c. fieldbooks/writing materials d.
EDM/steel tape f. Targets g. barometer/thermometer
Q140. How do you determine the accuracy of field result in order to convince you that it is
suitable for mapping?
i. instrumentation ii. Methodology/field procedure iii. Need for final usage iv.
Specification v. corrections applied vi. Adjustment procedure vii. Computation procedure
Q141. Itemize the stages involved in photogrammetric map production?

i. office and field planning ii. Aerial photography iii. Computation iv. Field
completion v. Photographic reproduction vi. Establishment of control vii. Aerial
triangulation viii. Editing ix. Scribing & pasting (x.) plastic proof printing & distribution
Q142. What are the factors that determine the choice of a scale of map?
i. map users need ii. Accuracy of the map iii. Purpose of the map iv. Size of the
area to be mapped v. maximum size of the map
Q143. Mention ways of scale representation on maps?

i. Representative fraction ii. Graphical scale bar iii. Linear or statement scale
Q144. Define bearing of a line?

The angular distance of that line measured clockwise at observer’s position north direction as
zero to that direction.
Q145. List five stages of carrying out a topographic mapping using a raw satellite imagery?
i. Office and field planning ii. Georeferencing/groundtruthing iii. Data acquisition iv.
Data processing v. cartographic representation/reporting
Q146. What is remote sensing? State two merits and demerits

Remote sensing is a technique of determining relative positions of points on the earth’s surface
without coming in contact with it.
Merits
i. It is faster ii. Less labour intensive iii. More accurate for a larger area iv.
Depends less on weather condition iv. For all purpose maps
Demerits
i. Involves high technology ii. Costlier for small areas iii. Mixes up wanted and
unwanted details iv. Exposes national defence network of countries to super power
Q147. Define the term swing in the EDM measurement? What observational procedure can
be adopted to eliminate swing in EDM.
Swing in EDM is an abnormality introduced into an EDM measured distances by a reflective
surface (body of water, glassy surface) over which to close measured line lines.
To avoid swing in EDM, traverse routes should be set up far from such surfaces and move
instrument away from such reflective body.
Q148. List five corrections to be applied to a chained traverse leg?

i. standardization ii. Term iii. Tension iv. Slope v. Sag vi. Slope vii. Ht
above MSL viii. Scale correction.
Q149. What is a Total Station? A total Station is a survey equipment which enables absolute
determination of the position of stations at the instant of observations.
Advantages: i. It saves time in field ii. Saves labour in field iii. Improve accuracy
iv. Minimizes office computation v. minimizes distance & angular observation
vi. Saves cost
Q150. What is Triangulation? Give three advantages of EDM over triangulation?

Triangulation is a method of by which position of points are determined by measurement of
baseline and angles of triangle or series of triangle whose sides are extension of the baseline.
Advantages: EDM has the following advantages:
i. More economical ii. More accurate iii. Easier to adjust iv. It is not limited to
open hilly country v. it is faster vi. Less labour intensive vii. Reduce computation
Q151. Which parties are involved in the resolution of interstate boundary (ISB)? What is the
final output? Who is the leader?
Parties: Surveyor-General of the Federation, rep. of states involved, National and state
boundary commissions. Final output: Boundary map. Leader: Surveyor-General of the
Federation
Q152. Mention five conditions to be met by an officer that needs to be promoted in the civil
service?
i. served for the minimum period stipulated years on the substantive grade level as follows:
GL01-06 - 2years
GL07-14 - 3years
GL15-above - 4years
ii. Must not be under any form of disciplinary action.
iii. Must have APER forms completed for the last three years preceding the interview.
iv. Must be confirmed
v. Must pass the promotion exam conducted and approved by the service.
Q153. What are the sources of information in the civil service?

i. Constitution, ii. Gazettes, iii. Financial regulations, iv. Public service rules,
iv. Laws, decrees & statutes, v. memo, vi. Circulars, vii. Brief.
Q154. Mention the types of appointment into civil service?
i. Permanent and pensionable, ii. Contract, iii. Acting, iv. Temporary, v. Probational
appointments.
Q155. Mention the types of leave in the service?

Annual, sick, casual, maternity, examination, study leave with pay and study leave without pay.
Q156. What are the conditions for permanent appointment into civil service?
i. Must be a Nigerian (ii. Must not be below 18years (iii. Medically fit (iv). Possess minimum
qualification specified in the scheme of service (v) Free from financial embarrassment
Q157. Differentiate between NTM and UTM?

NTM: i. Limited to Nigeria ii. Belts are 40 intervals iii. Central meridian at 40 30’, 80 30’
and 120 30’
UTM:UTM is universal ii. Divided into 60 zones iii. 00-60 (zone 31), 60-120(zone 32),
0 0
12 -18 (zone 33)
Q158. What is a serious misconduct?

Misconduct is a specific act of very serious and improper behavior which is inimical to the
image of the service and which can be investigated and if proven, may lead to dismissal.
Q159. Mention six (6) Examples of Serious Misconduct

i. Falsification of records ii. Withholding of files iii. Conviction on a criminal charge iv.
Absence from duty without leave v. engaging in partisan political activities vi. Bankruptcy
vii. Unauthorized disclosure of official information viii. Bribery ix. Corruption x.
sabotage xi. willful damage to public property xii. Embezzlement xiii. Sexual
harassment xiv. Misappropriation xv. Violation of oath of secrecy. Xvi. Advanced free fraud
Q160. What equipment do you need to convert an analogue map into a digital map?
i. Scanner, ii. Digitizer, iii. Computer and; iv. plotter/printer
Q161. Mention the equipment you will find in a digital survey office?
i. Total station, ii. Levels, iii. Digital theodolite, iv. GPS, v. computer
systems, vi. Scanner, vii. Digitizer, viii. Plotter, ix. Software.
Q162. Mention disciplinary measures that can be taken against any erring officer?
i. Warning ii. Query iii. Suspension iv. Termination v. dismissal vi. Demotion
vii. Deferment, withholding or forfeiture of increment.
Q163. Mention the types of maps

Topographical map and Thematic map (road map, agric map, census map, geologic map etc).
Q164. What is surveying?

Surveying is the art, science and technology of determining relative positions of points on the
earth’s surface with a view of making graphical representation in form of a map or plan.
Q165. Mention equipment required for field data collection.

i. Theodolite & Tripod, ii. Total station &accessories, iii. EDM/Linen tape, iv. Terrestrial camera,
v. GPS, vi. Levels, vii. Aerial camera and seismographic
equipment.
Q166. What is geoid?

Geoid is an equipotential surface of gravity defining all points in which the force of gravity is
equivalent to that experienced at the ocean's surface.
Q167. List the components of GIS?

i. Hardware ii. Software iii. Data iii. People iv. Input v. output
Q168. Mention the various type of data representation in GIS?

i. Raster data ii. Vector data (such as Points, line, polygons)
Q169. Differentiate between a map and a map legend?

A map is a graphical representation of where features are, explicitly and relative to one
another. A map legend is key linking the attributes to the geographic features e.g road types.
Q170. Define the word Accuracy? Accuracy is the degree of closeness of results of observations
to the true values accepted as being true.
Q171. What are the GIS sub systems?

i. Data input ii. Data storage and retrieval iii. Data manipulation & Analysis iv. Output
Q172. What are the data sources in GIS?

i. hard copy maps ii. Aerial photographs iii. Remotely sensed imagery iv. Point data from
surveys v. existing digital data files vi. Existing hard copy maps (analogue maps)
Q173. What are the data input procedure or techniques in GIS?

i. manual digitizing ii. Automatic scanning iii. Entry of coordinates iv. Conversion of existing
digital data
Q174. What is azimuth? The azimuth of a line on the ground is its horizontal angle measured
from the meridian to the line.
Q175. What is a differential GPS (DGPS)? A differential GPS requires a base station receiver or
beacon placed at known location which then transmits corrections in real time to a roving
receiver via a ground or satellite-based radio signal.
Q176. Mention the challenges of GIS and Remote sensing in Nigeria?

i. cost of software/hardware ii. Infrastructural cost iii. Educational constraints iv. Data cost
Q177. What is a datum?

A datum is a mathematical model of the earth over some area.
Q178. List the equipment required for theodolite traverse?

i. Theodolite and Tripod ii. Arrows/ranging rods iii. Fieldbooks iv. Targets v.
EDM/linen/linen tape vi.
Q179. Mention five (5) corrections to be applied to an EDM measurement?

i. Collimation correction ii. Temperature iii. Slope iv. Refraction v. Pressure vi.
Instrument correction vii. Scale correction viii. Ht above MSL correction
Q180. List Ten (10) contents of a Topo map?

i. Sheet name/title ii. Sheet no iii. North Direction iv. Scale in statement &
representative v. name of map maker vi. Index to adjoining sheets vii. Spot
heights viii. Key
Q181. Briefly list and discuss the different branches of Surveying?
Geodetic Surveying: The branch of surveying that covers a large area and takes into account
the true shape of the earth. These surveys are of high precision and extend over large areas.
Plane Surveying: The type of surveying in which the mean surface of the earth is considered as
a plane, or in which its spheroidal shape is neglected, with regard to horizontal distances and
directions.
Control Survey: This is a survey made primarily to establish the horizontal and vertical
positions of arbitrary points.
Boundary Survey: Boundary survey is the type of survey made to determine the length and
direction of land lines and to establish the position of these lines on the ground.
Topographic Survey: This is a type of survey carried out to gather data in order to produce a
map showing the configuration/relief nature of the terrain and the location of natural and
man-made objects.
Hydrographic Survey: This is a branch of survey which deals with the survey of bodies of
water made for the purpose of determining the profile of sea bed at different points,
nature of sea bed, current flow, nature of shoreline for navigation, water supply, or sub-
aqueous construction in form of chart.
Mining Survey: Mining survey is an aspect of surveying that is done for the primary purpose of
controlling, locate and map underground and surface works related to mining operations.
Construction Survey: This is survey carried out to layout, locate and monitor public and private
engineering works.
Route Survey: This type of survey refers to those control, topographic, and construction
surveys necessary for the location and construction of highways, railroads, canals, transmission
lines, and pipelines.
Photogrammetric Survey: This survey is based on principles of aerial photogrammetry, in which

measurements made on photographs are used to determine the positions of photographed
objects on the earth’s crust.
Cadastral/legal survey: This survey involves the determining boundary and locations of new
property boundaries.
Chain Surveying
Chain surveying is a type of surveying where chain is used in measuring distances. The Gunter’s
chain is 1/80th of a mile or 66 feet long. It is composed of 100 links, with a link being 0.66 feet
or 7.92 inches long. Each link is a steel rod bent into a tight loop on each end and connected to
the next link with a small steel ring. Starting in the early 1900’s surveyors started using steel
tapes to measure distances. These devices are still called “chains” to this day. The terms
“chaining” and “chainman” are also legacies from the era of the Gunter’s chain.
Q182. Discuss the procedure for chain surveying
It must be remembered in surveying, that under most circumstances, all distances are
presumed to be horizontal distances and not surface distances. This dictates that every field
measurement taken be either measured horizontally or, if not, reduced to a horizontal
distance mathematically.
In many instances, it is easiest to simply measure the horizontal distance by keeping both ends
of the chain at the same elevation. This is not difficult if there is less than five feet or so of
elevation change between points. A hand level or “pea gun” is very helpful for maintaining the
horizontal position of the chain when “level chaining.” A pointed weight on the end of a string
called a “plumb bob” is used to carry the location of the point on the ground up to the elevated
chain by simply suspending the plumb bob from the chain such that the point of the plumb bob
hangs directly above the point on the ground.
When the difference in elevation along the measurement becomes too great for level chaining,
other methods are called for. One option, “break chaining”, involves simply breaking the
measurement into two or more measurements that can be chained level. This works well for
measurements along a gentle slope where a reasonable distance can be measured between
break chaining points. In some cases, it becomes impractical to break chain. When the slope
becomes so steep that frequent chaining points are required, a vertical surface must be
measured across, or intermediate chaining points are not readily accessible, it may be more
desirable to determine the horizontal distance indirectly. The most frequently used method is
“slope chaining”, where the distance along the slope is measured, the slope rate is determined,
and the horizontal distance calculated.
Slope rate angles are measured as Vertical Angles (+/- from horizontal), or as Zenith Angles
(Measured downward from a imaginary point on the celestial sphere directly above the
instrument).
Q183. Discuss the various types of Errors sources in Chain surveying
Proportional Errors
When a chain is manufactured, it is intended to be a specific length, plus or minus some

tolerance. It may or may not actually meet those specifications. When a field measurement is
taken, the acceptable error may be more or less than what the chain was designed for. For high
precision work, we need to measure several known distances and determine if this chain is the
proper length. If not, we need next to determine if the error is in one or more specific locations
along the chain or if the error is proportional along the length. If a known 50 foot distance is
measured to be 49.995 feet and a known 100 foot distance to be 99.99 feet, all measurements
made with that chain should be multiplied by a factor of 100/ 99.99 (known distance over
measured distance).
Constant Errors
If a chain has been kinked or broken and spliced back together, there is a good chance that
there will be a consistent error for any distances measured using that portion of the chain. This
error needs to be added or subtracted as appropriate each time.
Sag Correction
When a chain is suspended from each end and not supported along it’s length, the weight of
the chain causes it to sag and pull the two ends toward each other. It is impossible to exert
enough outward force to fully overcome the sag. For all measurements, adequate tension
should be applied to minimize the effective shortening of the chain. For precise measurements,
a correction should be applied using a mathematical formula.
Tension Correction
While a certain amount of tension is desirable to help offset the sag effect, it will also stretch
the chain. Steel is generally thought of as not being very easily stretched and indeed it is not.
That is one of the reasons it is used for making chains. But steel will still stretch to some
degree if tension is applied. When a chain is checked against a known distance, the applied
tension should be controlled. Subsequent precise measurements should be made using the
same tension, or if not, a correction should be applied.
Temperature Correction
Whatever material is used to make a chain, that material will expand and contract with any
change in temperature. Some materials are more affected than others, but every chain will
change length somewhat if warmed or cooled. If precise measurements are needed, an
adjustment needs to be made for the change in temperature between the current temperature
and the temperature at the time the chain was checked against a known distance.
Q184. Discuss the basic principle of Measuring Distance Using Electronic Distance Meters
(EDM)
The EDM is set up at one end of the distance to be measured and a reflector at the other end.
The EDM generates an infrared continuous-wave carrier beam, which is modulated by an
electronic shutter (Quartz crystal oscillator). This beam is then transmitted through the aiming
optics to the reflector. The reflector returns the beam to the receiving optics, where the
incoming light is converted to an electrical signal, allowing a phase comparison between
transmitted and received signals. The amount by which the transmitted and received
wavelengths are out of phase, can be measured electronically and registered on a meter to
within a millimeter or two.
Suppose the distance to be measured is an exact multiple (n) of 10 m. The optical path
however, will be 2n x 10 m (this is the double distance). As the total path is 2n x 10 m, the total
phase delay is n x 360°. Each 10 m wavelength represents a full 360° phase delay. The phase
difference between a transmitted and received beam is also n x 360°, which cannot be
distinguished from a 0° phase shift.
In general, the distance to be measured may be expressed as n x 10 + d. The total phase delay
Φ between transmitted and received signals becomes:
Φ = n x 360° + ΔΦ
In which ΔΦ equals the phase delay due to the distance d. As n x 360° is equivalent to 0° for a
phase meter, the angle can be measured and will represent d according to the relation.
ΔΦ
d= x 10 m360°
Q185. Define a traverse in Surveying?
A Traverse is a succession of straight lines along or through the area to be surveyed. The
directions and lengths of these lines are determined by measurements taken in the field. There
are two types of traverse;
Open traverse is a type of traverse that starts at a known point and closes at unknown point.
Closed traverse is a type of traverse that starts at a known point and close at a known point.
Q186. Briefly discuss the Procedure for running a traverse?
To begin any traverse, a known point must be occupied. Next, a direction must be established.
This can be done by sighting with the instrument a second known point, or any definite object,
which is in a known direction from the occupied point. The object that the instrument is
pointed to in order to establish a direction is known as a backsight. Possible examples would be
another monument on the ground, a radio tower or water tank on a distant hill, or anything
with a known direction from the occupied point. A celestial body such as Polaris or the sun
could also be used to establish an initial direction.
Once the instrument is occupying a known point, for example point number 2, and the
telescope has been pointed toward the backsight, perhaps toward point number 1, then an
angle and a distance is measured to the first unknown point. An unknown point being
measured to is called a foresight. With this data, the position of this point (lets call it point
number 100) can be determined. In Figure 38, there are graphical representations of three
sample traverses, each beginning with the process described here.
The next step is to move the instrument ahead to the former foresight and duplicate the entire
process. The former occupied point becomes the backsight and a new unknown point becomes
the foresight. This procedure is repeated at each point until measurements have been taken to
all the needed points.
Q187.Discuss the establishment and duties of Surveyor’s Licensing Board (SLB)
The laws of the Federation of Nigeria and Lagos otherwise known as Cap 194 states that
there shall be established a board to be known as “the Surveyors Licensing Board, consisting of
the Director who shall be the chairman of the Board, and two other persons appointed by the
Governor-General of whom one shall be a licensed surveyor”. It also states that
“A member of the Board appointed by the Governor-General shall hold office during the
Governor-General’s pleasure, and may at any time resign his appointment by notice in writing
given to Governor-General”.
Also, the validity of any proceedings of the board shall not be affected by any defect in
the appointment of a member thereof.
Duties of the Board
The duties of the board shall include the following:

- To grant to persons duly qualified therefore in accordance with the provisions of this
ordinance licences to practice the profession of surveying.
- To provide for examination to be taken by applicants for such licences; and
- To perform such other functions as are prescribed by this ordinance or any regulations
made thereunder.
Q188. State the Conditions for grant of Surveyor’s licence under the Surveyor’s Licence Board.
The Board shall not grant a licence to practice the profession of surveying to any person
unless such persons:
- Shall have passed to the satisfaction of the board the prescribed examination and have
paid the prescribed fee for that examination, or
- Shall have satisfied the board that he has passed such examination as may be prescribed
as exempting him from the first mentioned examination, or
- Shall have completed fifteen years service as a surveyor in the survey department of a
region or of the federation or an aggregate period of fifteen years in such departments
and at the date of his leaving such practice or thereafter has been given a certificate by
the head of his department that he is fit and competent person to practice as a surveyor
in Nigeria and unless he shall have paid a fee of five pounds for the issue of the licence.
Q189. What are the composition and duties of Disciplinary Committee under SLB Cap 194
Establishment of Disciplinary Committee
There shall be established in each region a committee to be known as the Northern

Disciplinary Committee, the Eastern Disciplinary Committee, the Western Disciplinary
Committee, the Southern Disciplinary Committee, and the Lagos Disciplinary
Committee, each of which shall consist of the regional Director as chairman and three
other members not being persons employed in the public service of Nigeria.
Duties of Disciplinary committee
Cap 194 states that it shall be the duty of the committee to inquire into all cases in
which it is alleged that a licensed surveyor has:
a. Intentionally or through negligence, carelessness or culpable ignorance made an

incorrect survey or delivered incorrect plan or diagram of any land or plan which
does not conform to the requirements of any regulations made under this
ordinance.
b. Made an untrue report or memorandum of any survey.
c. Failed to comply with any regulations made under this ordinance.
d. Been convicted of any offence involving fraud or dishonesty.
Q190. Discuss the ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF VECTOR AND RASTER

There are several advantages and disadvantages for using either the vector or raster data
model to store spatial data. These are summarized below.
Vector Data
Advantages of vector :
- Data can be represented at its original resolution and form without generalization.
- Graphic output is usually more aesthetically pleasing (traditional cartographic
representation);
- Since most data, e.g. hard copy maps, is in vector form no data conversion is required.
- Accurate geographic location of data is maintained.
- Allows for efficient encoding of topology, and as a result more efficient operations that
require topological information, e.g. proximity, network analysis.
Disadvantages of vector
- The location of each vertex needs to be stored explicitly.
- For effective analysis, vector data must be converted into a topological structure. This is
often processing intensive and usually requires extensive data cleaning. As well,
topology is static, and any updating or editing of the vector data requires re-building of
the topology.
- Algorithms for manipulative and analysis functions are complex and may be processing
intensive. Often, this inherently limits the functionality for large data sets, e.g. a large
number of features.
- Continuous data, such as elevation data, is not effectively represented in vector form.
Usually substantial data generalization or interpolation is required for these data layers.
- Spatial analysis and filtering within polygons is impossible.
.
Advantages of Raster Data

- The geographic location of each cell is implied by its position in the cell matrix.
Accordingly, other than an origin point, e.g. bottom left corner, no geographic
coordinates are stored.
- Due to the nature of the data storage technique data analysis is usually easy to program
and quick to perform.
- The inherent nature of raster maps, e.g. one attribute maps, is ideally suited for
mathematical modeling and quantitative analysis.
- Discrete data, e.g. forestry stands, is accommodated equally well as continuous data,
e.g. elevation data, and facilitates the integrating of the two data types.
- Grid-cell systems are very compatible with raster-based output devices, e.g.
electrostatic plotters, graphic terminals.
Disadvantages:
- The cell size determines the resolution at which the data is represented.;
- It is especially difficult to adequately represent linear features depending on the cell
resolution. Accordingly, network linkages are difficult to establish.
- Processing of associated attribute data may be cumbersome if a large amount of data
exists. Raster maps inherently reflect only one attribute or characteristic for an area.
- Since most input data is in vector form, data must undergo vector-to-raster conversion.
- Besides increased processing requirements this may introduce data integrity concerns
due to generalization and choice of inappropriate cell size.
- Most output maps from grid-cell systems do not conform to high-quality cartographic
needs.
Q191 Briefly discuss Components of GIS?

GIS mostly can be divided into four components: People, Data, Hardware, and Software.
i. People
The people are the component who actually makes the GIS work. The continued growth of
increasingly powerful GIS systems has increased the amount of practical applications for this
field, and created a demand for skilled GIS trained employees. Therefore, GIS requires expert
and skilled people, but especially willing to learn and confront their knowledge with the local
and indigenous ones in order to have a real impact on development issues. They are
responsible for maintenance of the geographic database and provide technical support. People
also need to be educated to make decisions on what type of system to use. People associated
with a GIS can be categorized into: GIS users, and GIS specialists.
• GIS Users are people who use and View GIS data to browse a geographic database for
referential material, performing professional services, and making decisions.
• GIS specialists are the people who make the GIS work. They are responsible for collecting,
managing and analyzing the geographic data and giving technical support to others
ii. Data
Data capturing is the most time consuming and coasty component of GIS. This is a very
important component and there are two data types in GIS: raster and vector data. Raster data
type is any type of digital image represented in grids and consists of rows and columns of cells,
with each cell storing a single value. Additional values recorded for each cell may be a discrete
value, such as land use, a continuous value, such as temperature, or a null value if no data is
available. The resolution of the raster data set is its cell width in ground units. Raster data can
be stored in various formats; from a standard file-based structure of Tagged Image Files (TIF),
Joint There are several things to be considered before acquiring geographic data. Such aspect
should be checked the quality of data, the cost of data, usefulness /in relation to time,
completeness, scale etc./ of data additional Procedures should be considered in how the data
will be collected, enter into the system, stored, managed, transformed, analyzed, and finally
distributed to others.
Data input in GIS has three parts these are:- entering the spatial data, entering non-spatial data,
and linking the two together. Spatial data can be acquired from existing data in digital or paper
form, survey data by the use of Global Positioning System (GPS) and remotely sensed data
/Arial Photography and Satellite image/Existing data printed on paper maps can be digitized or
scanned to produce digital data. A digitizer produces vector data as an operator traces points,
lines, and polygon boundaries from a map. Scanning a map results in raster data.
iii. Hardware
Hardware consists of the technical equipment needed to run a GIS task. The hardware part
divided in to two parts i.e. Input and Output
iv. METHODS AND PROCEDURES - the geographic information process consists of three
stages: data acquisition, data processing through Geographic Database (GDB) and
data dissemination. Geospatial technologies are used in three stages as shown in
Figure 2: GPS and satellite imagery, among others, are useful tools for geographic
data collection; GIS have demonstrated their powerful capacities to enable data
integration, analysis, display and dissemination. Hence, remote sensing techniques,
GPS and GIS have become ubiquitous in developing policies for integrated
management (United Nation Statistic Division, 2004)
v. Software
The use of GIS software is for data input, storage, management, and analysis. Today there are
many different GIS software packages are available in the market. There difference is in the
ease of usage and price. The common software we are using are ESRI product like ArcView,
ArcInfo and ArcGIS.
Q192. List the various data sources in GIS?
i. hard copy maps;

ii. aerial photographs;
iii. remotely-sensed imagery;
iv. point data samples from surveys; and
v. Existing digital data files.
vi. Existing hard copy maps, e.g. sometimes referred to as analogue maps, provide the
most popular source for any GIS project.
Q193. Discuss the various data Input Techniques in GIS?
There are at least four basic procedures for inputting spatial data into a GIS. These are:
i. Manual digitizing;
ii. Automatic scanning;
iii. Entry of coordinates using coordinate geometry; and the
iv. Conversion of existing digital data.
Q193. Discuss sources of data errors in GIS?

i. Incompleteness of the spatial data: This includes missing points, line segments, and/or
polygons.
ii. Locational placement errors of spatial data: These types of errors usually are the result
of careless digitizing or poor quality of the original data source.
iii. Distortion of the spatial data: This kind of error is usually caused by base maps that are
not scale-correct over the whole image, e.g. aerial photographs, or from material
stretch, e.g. paper documents.
iv. Incorrect linkages between spatial and attribute data: This type of error is commonly
the result of incorrect unique identifiers (labels) being assigned during manual key in
or digitizing. This may involve the assigning of an entirely wrong label to a feature, or
more than one label being assigned to a feature.
v. Attribute data is wrong or incomplete: Often the attribute data does not match exactly
with the spatial data. This is because they are frequently from independent sources
and often different time periods. Missing data records or too many data records are
the most common problems.
Q194. List the challenges OF GIS in Nigeria?
i. Cost constraints: Software and Hardware

ii. Infrastructures constraints
iii. Educational constraints
iv. Data constraints: Existence and Accessibility of data

i. Benchmark: A fixed reference point or object, the elevation of which is known.
ii. Contour: An imaginary line of constant elevation on the ground surface.
iii. Deflection Angle: An angle between a line and the extension of the preceding line.
iv. Departure: The departure of a line is its orthographic projection on the east-west axis of
the survey. East departures are considered positive, West ones negative.
v. Height of Instrument: The height of the line of sight of the telescope above the survey
station or control point (h.i). Sometimes referred to as the actual elevation of the
telescope (H.I.).
vi. Plumb bob: A pointed metal weight used to project the horizontal location of a point
from one elevation to another
vii. Range pole: Metal, wooden, or fiberglass poles used as temporary signals to indicate
the location of points or direction of lines. Usually the pole is painted with alternate
red and white one foot long bands. These poles come in sections and the bottom
section shod with a steel point.
Q196. Describe Digitizing in GIS?

A digitizer is an electronic device consisting of a table upon which the map or drawing is
placed. The user traces the spatial features with a hand-held magnetic pen, often called a
mouse or cursor. While tracing the features the coordinates of selected points, e.g. vertices, are
sent to the computer and stored. All points that are recorded are registered against positional
control points, usually the map corners, that are keyed in by the user at the beginning of the
digitizing session. The coordinates are recorded in a user defined coordinate system or map
projection. Latitude and longitude and UTM is most often used. The ability to adjust or
transform data during digitizing from one projection to another is a desirable function of the
GIS software. Numerous functional techniques exist to aid the operator in the digitizing
process.
Digitizing can be done in a point mode, where single points are recorded one at a time,
or in a stream mode, where a point is collected on regular intervals of time or distance,
measured by an X and Y movement, e.g. every 3 metres. Digitizing can also be done blindly or
with a graphics terminal. Blind digitizing infers that the graphic result is not immediately
viewable to the person digitizing. Most systems display the digitized linework as it is being
digitized on an accompanying graphics terminal.
Q197. Write short note on the following terms?
i. Exclusive Prospecting Licence (EPL):
An area of land over which the licence holder has the exclusive right to prospect for
specified minerals. Its maximum size is 20square Kilometers.
ii. Water Right and water Licence (WR and WL):
A narrow strip of land or part of a stream along which the holder is allowed to
collect, store or recover water for mining purposes.
iii. Right of Occupancy (RO):
A lease of land granted for building, trading or other approved purposes and on the
minesfield generally granted coterminous with mining leases for the construction of
houses, mining camps and stores.
iv. Priority Sheet (PS):
A map at 1:50,000 scale which shows applications and grants of title for mining purposes
and other information which may affect them such as public rights of way, permanent
physical features and topography, survey control points and administrative and other
boundaries.
v. Location Mark (LM):

The initial reference point permanently marked by the surveyor with a concrete beacon
during the survey.
vi. Corner Beacon (CB):
Other corners, than the location mark, of a mining area numbered consecutively thus, CB1,
CB2, CB3
vii. Direction Beacon (DB):
A temporary beacon erected by the applicant when both the boundary lines radiating from
the location beacon are more than 300 meter in length.
viii. Boundary Beacon (BB):
A temporary erected by the applicant where a boundary crosses a public road.
ix. Traverse Point (TP):
A traverse station fixed by a surveyor along a boundary line the corners of which are not
intervisible. Such points are numbered consecutively TP1, TP2 etc
x. Line Beacon (LB):
A survey beacon placed on a boundary line between two corner beacons.
Q198. What are the compensations for revocation of R. of O as contained in the Land use Act
1978?
i. The land for an amount equal to the rent if any, paid by the occupier.
ii. Buildings, installation or improvement thereon, for the amount of the replacement cost
of improvement on the land.
iii. Crops on the land apart from buildings for an amount equal to the value as prescribed
and determined by appropriate officer.
Q199. What are the transitional provisions on land in urban areas under Land use act of
1978.
i. Where the land is developed the land shall continue to be held by the person in whom it
was vested immediately before the commencement of the decree.
ii. The Governor shall issue a certificate of Occupancy to such person in a prescribed form
who the person satisfied that the land was immediately before thr commencement
of this decree.
200. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of Total station surveying?
Advantages of Total station surveying
i. Relatively quick collection of information
ii. Multiple surveys can be performed at one set-up location.
iii. Easy to perform distance and horizontal measurements with simultaneous calculation of
project coordinates (Northings, Eastings, and Elevations).
iv. Layout of construction site quickly and efficiently.
v. Digital design data from CAD programs can be uploaded to data collector.
vi. Daily survey information can also be quickly downloaded into CAD which eliminates
data manipulation time required using conventional survey techniques.
Disadvantages of Total station surveying
i. Vertical elevation accuracy not as accurate as using conventional survey level and rod
technique.
ii. Horizontal coordinates are calculated on a rectangular grid system. However, the real world
should be based on a spheroid and rectangular coordinates must be transformed to
geographic coordinates if projects are large scale.
iii. As with any computer-based application “Garbage in equals Garbage out”. However, in the case
of inaccurate construction surveys “Garbage in equals lawsuits and contractors claims for
extras.”
201. What are the components of Total station?
i. Total station and a Tripod
ii. electronic notebook
iv. Prism and prism pole

iv. Computer interface
v. Batteries

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Surv. Araen Asanarimam Shinge

Surv. Araen S. Asanarimam

Distributors wanted nationwide

For bulk purchase or order for a copy contact:

Surv. Araen S. Asanarimam,anis,

OSGOF, Katsina, Katsina State, Nigeria

Cell phone: +2347063440190, +2348086932058

Surv. Abubakar Jatau (OSGOF Zonal Office, Barnawa,

Kaduna, Kaduna State. Phone: 08035999965, 08025163421

Q1. Discuss the methodology of GPS data collection

In order to effectively gather precise/accurate data, it is necessary to understand potential

Q3. What are the main segments of GNSS?

Q5. What are the advantages and disadvantages of GNSS?

- It is available 24hours daily

- A good visibility for the sky is necessary

i. Space segment: a network of 24 satellites placed into orbit

Q8. Define Accuracy?

Q9. What do you understand by the following terms?

Q10. Autonomous Positioning

Q11 Base Station

Q12. Define the following terms

Q13 What is Initialization in GPS Surveying?:

Q14. What is a Map Datums?

Q15. Define the following terms?

Q16. What is a segment? Briefly discuss the GPS segments.

Q17. Briefly discuss how GPS errors can be corrected:

Q18 What is the function of BlueTooth in GPS?

Q19. Define a Carrier Phase in GPS?

Q20. What is Coarse or Acquisition (C/A) Code?

Q21 What is a Data Dictionary or Feature Library?

Q22. Define the following?

Q23. What is Datum Transformation?

Q24. What is Differential Correction?

Q25. Define the following terms:

Q26. Define the Ellipsoid a reference datum?

Q27. What is Global Positioning System (GPS)

Q28. Define the following terms?

Q29. Define L1 and L2 frequency in GPS?

Q30. What is Latitude and Longitude?

Q31. What is Magnetic Declination?

Q32. What is Magnetic North?

Q33. Define Map Projection?

Q34. Briefly describe Mean Sea Level (MSL)?

Q35. What is a NAVDATA?

Q36. Define the following terms:

Q37. Briefly explain the following?

Q38. Define the following terms?

ii. Rover/Roving (GPS) Receiver

iii. RTK (Real-Time Kinematic)

iv. SBAS (Satellite Based Augmentation System)

Q39. Define the following terms?

ii. VRS (Virtual Reference Station)

iii. WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System)

i. If He/she become Bankrupt,

iii. Convicted of an offence of fraud, dishonesty and moral turpitude.

ii. The Minister may give directive to Council on general character.

i. He/she must pass the qualifying examination conducted by Council.

iv. He must be of good character,

v. Has attained the age of 21 years

vi. Has not been convicted in Nigeria or elsewhere of an offence

i. He/she Must hold a certificate recognized by Council