Fundamental of Land Surveying(FLS) Exam Prep. Handouts...•Casio:All fx‐115 and fx‐991 models (Any Casio calculator must have “fx‐115” or “fx‐ 991” in its model name.)

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Fundamental of Land Surveying(FLS) Exam

Prep.ABOUT THE EXAM

How do I sign up for the exam?

NCEES (National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying)

https://ncees.org/surveying/

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• Once registered for the exam through your MyNCEESaccount• You will be able to select your exam location

• WI exam locations include:• Green Bay• Madison• Milwaukee• Brookfield• Kenosha• Platteville

• Once you select your exam location• You will be prompted with the available exam dates


• The Wisconsin Board does not require examinees to submit an application or an additional fee prior to registering with NCEES and scheduling an exam.

• Examinees will be provided one attempt per testing window and no more than three attempts in a 12 month period.

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How do I know if I passed?

• Typically available within 7–10 business days.

• You will receive an email notification from NCEES

• Results will include a link to your licensing board for additional state‐specific information or instructions.

• All results are reported as pass or fail.

What happens if I fail?

• If you fail the examination, you will receive a diagnostic report showing your performance for each of the major topics covered on the exam.

• The FS exam is offered in testing windows throughout the year during the following months:• January–March

• April–June

• July–September

• October–December

• Registration is open year‐round.

• You can only take the exam one time per testing window and no more than three times in a 12‐month period.

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How much will it cost?

• Cost: $175

• Computer based test

• Closed book

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What are acceptable calculators?

• The only calculator models acceptable for use during the exams are as follows.• Casio: All fx‐115 and fx‐991 models (Any Casio calculator must have “fx‐115” or “fx‐991” in its model name.)

• Hewlett Packard: The HP 33s and HP 35s models, but no others• Texas Instruments: All TI‐30X and TI‐36X models (Any Texas Instruments calculator must have “TI‐30X” or “TI‐36X” in its model name.)

About the exam• 110 question exam (multiple choice format)

• 6 hours long• 2 minutes – Nondisclosure agreement• 8 minutes – Tutorial• 25 minutes – scheduled break• 320 minutes(5 hours 20 minutes) – Exam

• 2 minutes 49 seconds per question

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About the exam• What topics does the exam cover?

• Mathematics• Basic Sciences• Spatial Data Acquisition and Reduction• Survey Computations and Computer

applications• Statistics and Adjustments• Geodesy• Boundary and Cadastral Survey Law• Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing• Survey Processes and Methods• Geographic Information Systems(GIS)• Graphical Communication and Mapping• Professional Communication• Business Concepts

About the exam

• Mathematics • Algebra, trigonometry and basic geometry• Spherical Trigonometry• Linear Algebra and Matric theory• Analytic geometry and calculus

• 13‐20 questions (11‐18% of the exam)

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About the exam

• Basic Sciences • Geology• Dendrology• Cartography• Environmental Sciences


About the exam

• Spatial Data Acquisition and Reduction• Vertical Measurements• Distance Measurements• Angle Measurements• Unit Conversions• Redundancy• Knowledge and utilization of instruments and methods

• Understanding of historical methods and instruments


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About the exam

• Survey Computations and Computer Applications• Coordinate Geometry• Traverse Closure and Adjustment• Area• Volume• Horizontal Curves• Vertical Curves• Spirals• Spreadsheets


About the exam

• Statistics and Adjustments• Mean, Median, Mode• Variance, standard deviation• Error analysis• Least Squares Adjustment• Measurement and positional tolerance• Relative, network, and positional accuracy


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About the exam

• Geodesy• Basic theory• Satellite positioning• Gravity• Coordinate systems• Datums• Map projections


About the exam

• Boundary and Cadastral Survey Law• Controlling elements• Gathering and identifying evidence• Records research• Legal descriptions• Case law• Riparian rights• Public Land Survey System• Metes and Bounds• Simultaneously created parcels• Easements and Encumbrances


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About the exam

• Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing• Interpretation and analysis• Project and Flight Planning• Quality control• Ground control• LiDAR


About the exam

• Survey Processes and Methods• Land Development‐ principles, standards, and regulations

• Boundary Location• Mapping, cartography, and topography

• Construction• Riparian Surveys• Route Surveys• Control Surveys


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About the exam

• Geographic Information Systems(GIS)• Feature collection and integration• Database concepts and design• Accuracy and use• Metadata


About the exam

• Graphical Communication and Mapping• Plans and specifications• Contours and slopes• Scales• Planimetric features and symbols• Land forms• Digital terrain modeling and digital elevation modeling

• Survey maps, plats, drawings, and reports


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About the exam

• Professional Communication• Oral• Written• Alternate forms of communication• Documentation and recordkeeping


About the exam

• Business Concepts• Contracts• Liability and risk management• Financial practices• Leadership and management principles• Personnel management principles• Project planning and design• Ethics• Safety


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Summary

• Make up of the exam• Mathematics (11‐18%)• Survey Computations and Computer applications (17‐26%)

• Boundary and Cadastral Survey Law (12‐18%)

• Survey Processes and Methods (10‐15%)

• These 4 subject areas make up roughly 50% of the exam

ResourcesText books, etc

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Cited Sources “NCEES surveying.” NCEES, ncees.org/surveying/.

Fundamental of Land Surveying(FLS) Exam

Prep.EXAMPLE PROBLEMS

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Mathematics Examples

• Right Triangle Formulas


A 90C

B

a

b

c

Solve for the missing parts of the right triangle and compute the area in square feet and acres with the following given conditions for each number 1-7: Accuracy should be to the nearest second and hundredth of a foot. Area accuracy to the nearest square foot and hundredth of an acre. 1. B = 41° 12’ 38”, a = 625.16’ 2. A = 66° 22’ 37”, a = 492.72’ 3. B = 38° 04’ 48”, c = 585.20’ 4. A = 22° 13’ 50”, a = 376.26’ 5. B = 75° 35’ 41”, b = 237.68’ 6. a = 427.82’ b = 396.95’ 7. b = 445.64’ c = 616.38’

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• Coordinate Calculations

• Find the coordinates of the points of a figure if Point A is 1000.00 North and 1000.00 East (1000.00, 1000.00) with the following bearings and distances:• Line AB – N28° 19’ 00”E, 560.27’• Line BC – N56° 23’ 00”W, 484.18’• Line CD – S08° 50’ 00”W, 375.42’• Line DE – S45° 10’ 00”W, 311.44’• Line EA – S67° 41’ 00”E, 449.63’


• Rectangular Coordinate Problem and Area Calculation:

• The (N, E) coordinates (in feet) for a closed‐polygon figure ABCDA as follows:• A (1000.00, 1000.00) • B (1300.00, 1100.00) • C (1400.00, 700.00) • D (1100.00, 700.00)

• Solve for the bearings and distances of the figure and compute the interior angles and compute the area of the figure by using the area by coordinates method.

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Survey Computations and Computer Apps Examples• Horizontal Curves Formulas

• PC = Point of curvature. It is the beginning of curve.

• PT = Point of tangency. It is the end of curve.• PI = Point of intersection of the tangents. Also

called vertex• T = Length of tangent from PC to PI and from PI

to PT. It is known as subtangent.• R = Radius of simple curve, or simply radius.• L = Length of chord from PC to PT. Point Q as

shown to the right, is the midpoint of L.• Lc = Length of curve from PC to PT. Point M in

the figure is the midpoint of Lc.• E = External distance, the nearest distance from

PI to the curve.

Survey Computations and Computer Apps ExamplesHorizontal Curves Formulas• m = Middle ordinate, the distance from midpoint of curve to

midpoint of chord.

• I = Deflection angle (also called angle of intersection and central angle). It is the angle of intersection of the tangents. The angle subtended by PC and PT at O is also equal to I, where O is the center of the circular curve from the above figure.

• x = offset distance from tangent to the curve. Note: x is perpendicular to T.

• θ = offset angle subtended at PC between PI and any point in the curve

• D = Degree of curve. It is the central angle subtended by a length of curve equal to one station. In English system, one station is equal to 100 ft and in SI, one station is equal to 20 m.

• Sub chord = chord distance between two adjacent full stations.

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Survey Computations and Computer Apps Examples

PC sta. + T = PI sta.PC sta. + L = PT sta.


• Horizontal Curves• Known: PI sta. =15 + 67.32

I = 8°15’45”R = 500.00’

• Calculate: L, LC, D, M, E, T and the stationing of PC and PT.

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• Horizontal Curves – layout by deflection angles• SUBDEFLECTION ANGLE:

• ∂a = Sa D

200• ∂a = DEFLECTION ANGLE IN DEGREES• Sa = ARC DISTANCE• D = DEGREE OF CURVE IN DECIMAL DEGREES

• SUBCHORD LENGTH:• Ca = 2 R SIN ∂a

• Ca – SUBCHORD• R – RADIUS• ∂a ‐ DEFLECTION ANGLE• THE FLATTER THE CURVE (LARGE RADIUS) THE SUBCHORDS ONLY DIFFER SLIGHTLY FROM THE TRUE ARC LENGTH


• Deflection Angles• Given: PI stationing is 47 + 38.75

Arc Length is 575.32’Radius is 2500.00’

• Calculate the deflection angles, sub chords and chords lengths for full stations throughout the curve. Setup is at the PC of the curve.

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• Vertical Curve Formulas• BVC – BEGINNING OF VERTICAL

CURVE• VPI – VERTEX (VERTICAL POINT OF

INTERSECTION)• EVC – END OF VERTICAL CURVE• g1 – % GRADE OF THE BACK TANGENT• g2 – % GRADE OF THE FORWARD

TANGENT• L – LENGTH OF CURVE (HORIZONTAL

DISTANCE)• Y bvc – ELEVATION OF THE BVC• X – DISTANCE IN STATIONS TO A POINT

ALONG THE VERTICAL CURVE• r = RATE OF CHANGE OF THE CURVE


• Vertical Curve Formulas

Parabola Formula:• Y = Y bvc + g1x + (r/2)x²

• r = rate of change • r = g2 –g1

L • OFFSET DISTANCE = E ( x )²

( ½ L ) • E – IS THE MIDPOINT BETWEEN THE

PVI AND THE MIDPOINT BETWEEN THE BVC AND THE EVC.

• High/Low point: X = ‐g1r

• X = THE DISTANCE IN STATIONING FROM THE BVC

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Survey Computations and Computer Apps Examples• Vertical Curve

• Given: g1 = 3.50% g2 = ‐1.50% L = 1000’ PVI = Station 50+00, Elevation 900.00

• Equal tangent vertical curve

• Compute elevations of curve at full stations.• Compute high point elevation and stationing.• Use parabola formula for calculations.

Boundary and Cadastral Survey Law

• What are the minimum research responsibilities in performing a property survey? • The minimum research for performing a property survey includes:• Adjoining conveyances• Maps• Pertinent recorded adjoining surveys• Deed and Legal description• Public agency maps• GLO notes and plats

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• What are the minimum requirements of a land surveyor after they finish the field work for performing a boundary survey?• Computations should be performed to check for blunders and the quality of measurements, to determine where final corners and monuments belong, to calculate area, and as a check. A drawing or a map has to be made after the field work. It also to be filed with the county as well and the drawing has to be up the administrative code standards. In Wisconsin, it needs to be filed to the county surveyor’s office within 60 days of completion.


• List in order the principals of evidence, measurements and monumentation, as to their order of importance in the interpretation of legal descriptions in deeds.• From most importance to least importance:

• Unwritten title• Senior rights• Written intentions of the parties• Call for an adjoiner• Monuments• Measurements• Area• Coordinates

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• In your own words distinguish between a lost, existent and an obliterated corner. • Lost corner:

• is a point of a survey whose position cannot be determined, beyond reasonable doubt, either from traces of the original marks or from acceptable evidence or testimony that bears upon the original position, and whose location can be restored only by reference to one or more interdependent corners.

• Existent corner: • is one whose position can be identified by verifying the evidence of the monument, or its accessories, by

reference to the description that is contained in the field notes, or where the point can be located by an acceptable supplemental survey record, some physical evidence, or testimony

• Obliterated corner: • is one at whose point there are no remaining traces of the monument, or its accessories, but whose location has

been perpetuated, or the point for which may be recovered beyond reasonable doubt, by the acts and testimony of the interested landowners, competent surveyors, or other qualified local authorities, or witnesses, or by some acceptable record evidence.

Survey Processes and Methods

• What is a riparian owner?• one who owns property along the bank of a watercourse, including a lake, and whose boundary is the water in that course or lake.

• What is a littoral owner?• one who owns land abutting a sea or ocean where the tide regularly rises and falls. Littoral is derived from the Latin "Iitus" meaning seashore or coast. In common usage the word riparian is often used instead of littoral to include seashore boundaries as well as inland water boundaries.

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• What is accretion?• the gradual and imperceptible addition of soil by gradual deposition through the operation of natural causes, to that already in possession of the owner.

• What is reliction?• dry land formed by the withdrawal of water from the shores of a river, lake or sea.

Survey Processes and Methods• What is avulsion?

• is the sudden and perceptible action of water which causes the removal of a considerable quantity of soil from the land of one owner and its deposit upon or annexation to the dry land of another.

• Define the geoid?• The geoid is an equipotential gravitational surface located approximately at mean sea level,

which is everywhere perpendicular to the direction of gravity.”

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• What are the defining parameters to describe an ellipsoid such as GRS80?• For GRS80 and WGS84, the defining parameters are the semimajor axis a and flattening factor f.”

• What organization monitors the instantaneous position of the poles?• the International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service (IERS)


• What is the first requirement in a construction survey?• An accurate control, topographic survey, and site map are the first requirements in designing streets, sewer and

water lines, and structures.”

• A sewer pipe is to be laid from sta on 10+00 to sta on 12+50 on a −0.50% grade, star ng with invert eleva on 3344.23 at 10+00 Calculate invert elevations at each 50‐ft station along the line.

• Station Elevation (ft) • 10+00 3344.23• 10+50 3343.98• 11+00 3343.73• 11+50 3343.48• 12+00 3343.23• 12+50 3342.98

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• What are the requirements for the placement of horizontal and vertical control in a project?• 1. Convenient for use, that is, located sufficiently close to the item being built so that work is minimized and accuracy enhanced in transferring alignment and grade.

• 2. Far enough from the actual construction to ensure working room for the contractor and to avoid possible destruction of stakes.

• 3. Clearly marked and understood by the contractor in the absence of a surveyor.• 4. Supplemented by guard stakes to deter removal, and referenced to facilitate restoring them. Contracts usually require the owner to pay the cost of setting initial control points and the contractor to replace damaged or removed ones.

• 5. Suitable for securing the accuracy agreed on for construction layout.


• Where is the invert of a pipe measured? • the invert (flow line or lower inside surface) of the pipe

• What methods can be used to display relief on a map?• Relief is displayed on maps by using various conventions and procedures. For topographic maps, contours are commonly used and are preferred by surveyors and engineers.

• Define map scale?• Map scale is the ratio of the length of a feature on a map to the true length of the feature.”

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• What is a hydrographic survey?• Hydrographic surveys determine depths and terrain configurations of the bottoms of water bodies. Usually the survey data are

used to prepare hydrographic maps.

• What are the smaller subdivisions of the United States Public Land Survey System commonly referred to?• Aliquot part

• What is the primary responsibility of a professional surveyor?• The responsibility of a professional surveyor is to weigh all evidence and try to establish the originally intended boundary

between the parties involved in any property‐line dispute, although without legal authority to force a compromise or settlement.”


• In a description by metes and bounds, what purpose may be served by the phrase "more or less" following the acreage?• The expression ‘more or less,’ which may follow a computed area, allows for minor errors, and avoids nuisance suits for insignificant variations.”

• What is the primary objective in performing a retracement surveys? • Retracement surveys are run for the purpose of relocating or reestablishing previously surveyed boundary lines.”

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• Define common elements and limited common elements in relation to condominiums.• Common elements are elements jointly owned and used by all units such as sidewalks, stairways, swimming pool, tennis courts, etc.

• Limited common elements are elements reserved for the exclusive use of a particular unit such as a designated parking space.

• What are the essential elements required when writing a deed description by coordinates?• The date of the survey and the reference datum.

Survey Processes and Methods• What is the point of commencement in a property description?

• This is an established reference point such as a corner of the PLSS monument to which the property description is tied or referenced. It serves as the starting point for the description.”

• Why are lot‐and‐block descriptions not subject to junior and senior rights?• Lot‐and‐block descriptions typically are created simultaneously and thus are not subject to

junior and senior rights.”

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Cited Sources

• Ghilani, Charles D. Elementary Surveying: an Introduction to Geomatics. 15th Edition, Pearson Education, Inc., 2018.

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Principles and practices of surveying(PS) Exam Prep.

ABOUT THE EXAM


NCEES (National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying)

https://ncees.org/surveying/

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• Once registered for the exam through your MyNCEES account• You will be able to select your exam location• Once you select your exam location

• You will be prompted with the available exam dates

Pearson VUE Test Centers

• WI exam locations include:• Green Bay• Madison• Eau Claire• Brookfield• Kenosha• Plattville

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• The Wisconsin Board does not require examinees to submit an application or an additional fee prior to registering with NCEES and scheduling an exam.

• Examinees will be provided one attempt per testing window and no more than three attempts in a 12 month period.

How do I know if I passed?• Typically available within 7–10 business days.

• You will receive an email notification from NCEES

• Results will include a link to your licensing board for additional state‐specific information or instructions.


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• The PPS exam is offered in testing windows throughout the year during the following months:• January–March

• April–June

• July–September

• October–December


• You can only take the exam one time per testing window and no more than three times in a 12‐month period.

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What are the pass rates?

First time test takers• 236 people• Pass Rate: 69%

Repeat test takers• 120 people• Pass Rate: 43%

Statistics posted January 2020 (Test window July – January)


• Cost: $300.00

• Computer Based Test (CBT)

• Closed book

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What are acceptable calculators?• The only calculator models acceptable for use during exams are as follows.• Casio: All fx‐115 and fx‐991 models (Any Casio calculator must have “fx‐115” or “fx‐991” in its model name.)

• Hewlett Packard: The HP 33s and HP 35s models, but no others

• Texas Instruments: All TI‐30X and TI‐36X models (Any Texas Instruments calculator must have “TI‐30X” or “TI‐36X” in its model name.)

About the exam• 100 question exam (AIT Format)• AIT – Alternative Item Types

• Multiple Choice• Point and Click• Drag and Drop• Fill in the blank

• 7 hours long• 2 minutes – Nondisclosure agreement• 8 minutes – Tutorial• 50 minutes – scheduled break• 360 minutes(6 hours) – Actual Exam

• About 3 minutes 36 seconds per question

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About the exam

What topics does the exam cover?• Legal Principles• Professional Survey Practices• Standards and Specifications• Business Practices• Areas of Practice

About the exam

Legal Principles • Principles of Evidence• Common Law Boundary Principles• Sequential and Simultaneous Conveyance Concepts• Legal Descriptions for Real Property Transactions• Evidence for the Perpetuation of the U.S. PLSS

18‐27 questions (18 ‐ 27% of the exam)

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About the examProfessional Survey Practices

• Public/Private Record Sources• Documentation, Supervision, and Clear Communication of Field Procedures

• GPS/GNSS including satellite constellations, static GPS, RTK, PPP, and Virtual Networks

• Surveying Principles and Computations• Monumentation Standards• Land Development Solutions• Survey Maps/Plats/Reports• GIS

22‐33 questions (22‐33% of the exam)

About the exam

Standards and Specifications• BLM Manual of Surveying Instructions

• ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey Standards

• FEMA Requirements


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About the examBusiness Practices

• General Business Practices and Procedures

• Risk Management Procedures

• Professional Conduct• Communication with Clients, Staff, Related Professions, and the Public


About the exam

Areas of Practice• ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys• Control Networks and Geodetic Network Surveys

• Construction Surveys• Boundary Surveys• Route Surveys for Alignments and Utilities• Topographic • Surveys to Establish New Parcels, Lots, and Units

• As‐built/Record Drawing Surveys• Consultation Services


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Summary

• Make up of the exam• Legal Principles (18‐27%)• Professional Survey Practices (22‐33%)• Areas of Practice (24‐36%)

• These 3 subject areas make up roughly 80% of the exam

Studying for the Exam

• How much time?• When do I start?• Where do I study?

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Resources• Text books, etc

Cited Sources“NCEES surveying.” NCEES, ncees.org/surveying/.

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Wisconsin Jurisdictional Exam Prep.

ABOUT THE EXAM

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• DSPS (Department of Safety and Professional Service)

• https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/LandSurveyorProfessional/Exams.aspx

How do I sign up for the

exam?

• DSPS requires Form 2973 be filled out prior to approval to take the Wisconsin Jurisdictional Examination.

• Once the department receives the application, an email will be sent with confirmation.

• Examinees will be provided one attempt every six months from the date of last examination.

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Form #2973

Form #2973

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Form #2973


• Once finished with the on‐line exam, results will be posted.

• Results will include in a link with additional state‐specific information or instructions.


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• Examinees will be provided one attempt every six months from the date of last examination.


• Cost: $75.00

• On‐line computer based test

• Open book

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What are acceptable calculators?• The only calculator models acceptable for use during the 2018 exams are as follows.• Casio: All fx‐115 and fx‐991 models (Any Casio calculator must have “fx‐115” or “fx‐991” in its model name.)

• Hewlett Packard: The HP 33s and HP 35s models, but no others

• Texas Instruments: All TI‐30X and TI‐36X models (Any Texas Instruments calculator must have “TI‐30X” or “TI‐36X” in its model name.)

About the exam

• 50 question exam (multiple choice format)

• 2 hours long

• About 2 minutes 24 seconds per question

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About the exam

What topics does the exam cover?

• U.S. Public Land Survey and Retracement in Wisconsin

• Wisconsin Statutes Relating to Land Surveying

• Wisconsin Administrative Code Provisions Relating to Land Surveying

About the exam

U.S. Public Land Survey and Retracement in Wisconsin• History of Local Land Surveying Systems and Practices in Wisconsin

• Obliterated Corners and evaluation of evidence• Deviations from Federal Method

• Location of Center Section• Special Instructions for Original Government Surveys

• Sources of Local Surveying Records

15 questions (30% of the exam)

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About the exam

Wisconsin Statutes Relating to Land Surveying• Counties• Towns• Assessor’s Plats• Platting• Certified Survey Maps• Condominium Plats• Examining Board• Other (Adverse Possession, Highways, Cemetery Plats, Storm Water Impact)


About the exam

Wisconsin Administrative Code Provisions Relating to Land Surveying

• Registration and Certification• Minimum Standards for Property Surveys• Rules of Professional Conduct• Land Division (DNR, DOT, and Court rulings)


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Exam material references

Statutes• Chapter 59 (Counties)• Chapter 70 (Property Taxes)• Chapter 82 (Town Highways)

• Chapter 157 (Cemeteries)• Ch. Trans 233 (State Hwy)• Chapter 236 (Platting Lands)

• Chapter 706 (Recording)• Ch. 893 (Adverse Possession)

Administrative Codes• Chapter A‐E 2 (Seals)

• Chapter A‐E 7 (Minimum standard for surveys)

• Chapter A‐E 8 (Professional Conduct)

• Chapter A‐E 10 (Continuing Education)

Studying for the Exam

• It’s open book right!• How much time?• When do I start?• Where do I study?

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Resources• Text books, etc

Documents

Fundamental of Land Surveying(FLS) Exam Prep. Handouts...•Casio:All fx‐115 and fx‐991 models (Any Casio calculator must have “fx‐115” or “fx‐ 991” in its model name.)