NCEES Principles and Practice of Surveying Practice Exam

What is the main purpose of a dependent resurvey?

1. To establish new boundary markers based on the original survey

2. To reconstruct land boundaries by using previous official survey data

3. To identify and reestablish lost or obliterated corners and lines

4. To conduct an initial survey without reference to prior data

The correct answer is: To identify and reestablish lost or obliterated corners and lines

The main purpose of a dependent resurvey is to identify and reestablish lost or obliterated corners and lines. This type of resurvey relies heavily on the original survey data and existing records to accurately reconnect and restore the original boundaries of a property. By analyzing prior measurements, corner records, and related documents, surveyors can determine the original positions of boundaries that may have been lost due to natural erosion, man-made alterations, or other factors. In a dependent resurvey, the surveyor is not creating new boundaries but is instead focused on accurately retracing existing boundaries that have legal significance based on the original survey. This task is crucial for ensuring the integrity of property lines and facilitating property transactions, resolving disputes, or supporting land development projects. Reestablishing lost corners and lines helps maintain the continuity of land ownership and enforce property rights, which is a fundamental aspect of land surveying. Other options, while related to surveying, do not focus specifically on the intent of a dependent resurvey. For instance, establishing new boundary markers based on the original survey leans more towards a process that creates new reference points rather than restoring lost ones. Reconstructing land boundaries can imply a broader approach that may not strictly rely on prior data. Lastly, conducting