NCEES Principles and Practice of Surveying Practice Exam

Which term describes an ambiguity clear on the document’s face?

1. Implicit Ambiguity

2. Latent Ambiguity

3. Patent Ambiguity

4. Subtle Ambiguity

The correct answer is: Patent Ambiguity

The term that describes an ambiguity that is clearly presented within a document is known as patent ambiguity. This type of ambiguity arises when the language used in the document is inherently unclear or can be interpreted in various ways. Because it is observable just by looking at the document itself, it requires no further examination or extrinsic evidence to identify the lack of clarity. Patent ambiguity typically surfaces from the actual wording, grammar, or punctuation of the document that can lead to multiple interpretations. Recognizing patent ambiguity is crucial in legal and surveying contexts, as it may necessitate a clarification or an amendment to ensure all parties have a mutual understanding of the document's intent. In contrast, terms like latent ambiguity refer to situations where the ambiguity is not evident on the face of the document but arises when external facts are considered. Implicit ambiguity suggests a lack of clarity that may not be directly observable, and subtle ambiguity implies an obscure level of uncertainty that might not be immediately recognized without careful analysis.