NCEES Principles and Practice of Surveying Practice Exam

Which conditions must be met for a monument to be considered controlling?

1. It must be positioned in a publicly accessible area

2. It must be called for in a document, identifiable, and undisturbed

3. It must be agreed upon by all parties involved in the survey

4. It must be supported by historical evidence of its existence

The correct answer is: It must be called for in a document, identifiable, and undisturbed

For a monument to be considered controlling, it is essential that it is called for in a legal document, easily identifiable, and undisturbed. This criterion ensures that the monument has an official and recognized significance in the context of property boundaries and legal descriptions. When a monument is called for in a document, it indicates that it has been specifically cited as a reference point in legal frameworks, such as property deeds or survey records. This formal recognition adds weight to its authority in boundary determinations. Identification is crucial; a monument must be easily recognizable in the field to ensure that surveyors can accurately locate it and rely on it to define boundaries. Additionally, the undisturbed condition of the monument is vital because any alterations or disturbances could potentially compromise its validity as a boundary marker, leading to uncertainties in boundary determinations. The other conditions mentioned, while they might have their own importance, do not specifically define what makes a monument controlling. For instance, public accessibility can be important for practical purposes, but it does not inherently affect the legal standing of the monument. Similarly, consensus among parties, although useful in collaborative contexts, is not required for a monument to maintain its controlling status. Lastly, while historical evidence can contribute to the credibility of a monument,