NCEES Principles and Practice of Surveying Practice Exam

What type of monument can be accepted based on hearsay?

1. A monument that cannot be proven or disproven

2. A monument that is undisputed

3. A monument that is legally documented

4. A monument with clear physical evidence

The correct answer is: A monument that cannot be proven or disproven

The correct choice is a monument that cannot be proven or disproven. In legal and surveying contexts, hearsay refers to information that is not based on personal knowledge or direct evidence, but rather on what others have said. A monument that cannot be proven or disproven relies heavily on such informal accounts or anecdotal evidence rather than on physical verification or documentation. In many cases, particularly in historical surveying or land disputes, surveyors might have to contend with monuments or boundaries that lack direct evidence. These situations often require the use of hearsay to establish a monument's existence or position based on local tradition or testimony from individuals. The acceptance of such monuments may also be influenced by how long these accounts have been accepted in practice and by the surrounding community. Other types of monuments, such as those that are undisputed, legally documented, or have clear physical evidence, rely on concrete proof or formal documentation, making them more reliable and verifiable compared to those based on hearsay.