NCEES Principles and Practice of Surveying Practice Exam

What does acquiescence refer to in surveying?

1. A formal agreement between landowners

2. An act of concurrence by adjoining owners

3. A definitive survey line established in court

4. A method of surveying using electronic tools

The correct answer is: An act of concurrence by adjoining owners

Acquiescence in surveying refers to an act of concurrence by adjoining landowners, where one property owner implicitly or explicitly accepts the boundary defined by another owner, often through long-term use or acknowledgment of that boundary line. This occurs when one party has behaved in a way that suggests they accept the boundary as delineated by another, even in the absence of a formal agreement or legal documentation. This concept is crucial in boundary disputes, where longstanding acceptance and use of a land boundary can establish legal boundaries, sometimes even in the absence of a definitive survey line established in court or any formal recording. The mutual acknowledgment helps in preventing disputes over property lines that might arise from differing perceptions of boundary limits. In contrast, the other choices do not accurately define acquiescence in the surveying context. A formal agreement between landowners suggests a legal contract existence rather than mutual acceptance over time. A definitive survey line established in court pertains to legal rulings rather than private recognition. Lastly, a method of surveying using electronic tools is unrelated to the concept of acquiescence, which deals more with social or legal behavior rather than technological methods.