NCEES Principles and Practice of Surveying Practice Exam

What is the major difference between dependent and independent resurveys?

1. Dependent resurveys do not reestablish anything

2. Independent resurveys ignore previous survey boundaries entirely

3. Dependent resurveys only work with recoverable evidence

4. Independent resurveys can only be conducted by licensed professionals

The correct answer is: Independent resurveys ignore previous survey boundaries entirely

The major difference between dependent and independent resurveys lies in how they utilize existing survey evidence. Independent resurveys are characterized by their approach of overlooking previous surveys and their established boundaries. This means that independent resurveys will conduct a new survey without acknowledging or relying on any prior survey data or markers, effectively starting from scratch regarding boundary definition. Dependently, resurveys, on the other hand, build upon, verify, or reestablish previously defined boundaries, typically using existing evidence, such as monuments or other markers from earlier surveys. This distinction is crucial for understanding the methodologies and applications of different types of resurveys in surveying practice, especially when it comes to resolving property boundaries or legal disputes. The other options all reflect misconceptions about the nature of dependent and independent resurveys. For example, dependent resurveys do involve establishing boundaries utilizing previous evidence, so the assertion that they do not reestablish anything is incorrect. Additionally, while independent resurveys may be conducted without considering previous boundaries, there is no requirement that only licensed professionals conduct such surveys; the professional requirements depend on jurisdictional regulations rather than being a defining characteristic of independent resurveys. Lastly, dependent resurveys do indeed work with recoverable evidence, confirming their reliance on historic data.