NCEES Principles and Practice of Surveying Practice Exam

What are meander lines used for in surveying?

1. To establish legal boundaries

2. To measure property abutting bodies of water

3. To represent roads and trails

4. To indicate elevation changes

The correct answer is: To measure property abutting bodies of water

Meander lines are particularly significant in surveying as they serve a primary function in measuring and delineating property that adjoins bodies of water, such as lakes or rivers. These lines are established during the surveying process to help define the boundary of land that is adjacent to water, capturing the undulating nature of the shoreline. The purpose of meander lines is not to establish legal boundaries in a strict sense, but rather to provide a reference for where the water's edge is at the time of the survey. They allow for a more practical understanding of how land is utilized in relation to water bodies, which is crucial for landowners, developers, and governmental regulation. As a result, meander lines help in creating legal descriptions of property in areas where the boundaries may fluctuate due to changes in water levels. For this particular context, selecting the answer related to measuring property abutting bodies of water captures the essence of what meander lines are designed for and illustrates their critical role in efficient and accurate surveying practices.