About this previous year paper
This examination evaluates a student’s understanding of the foundational and advanced concepts of Surveying and Geomatics, including plane surveying, curves, EDM, leveling, Total Station, photogrammetry, GIS, and remote sensing. The paper measures technical accuracy, analytical ability, and field application skills essential for civil engineering.
The paper is divided into three sections, covering short-concept questions, applied numerical problems, and descriptive/analytical tasks.
SECTION A – Short Answer (14 Marks)
Seven questions × 2 marks each
This section evaluates fundamental concepts, definitions, and basic techniques used in surveying and geomatics.
Topics Covered:
1. Uses of Plane Surveying
Small-area mapping, boundary marking, topographic details, route surveying, setting out works.
2. Classification of Surveying Based on Instruments & Methods
• Chain surveying
• Compass surveying
• Plane table surveying
• Theodolite surveying
• Levelling
• EDM and GPS-based methods
3. Sketch of Compound Curve
A curve composed of two or more circular arcs with different radii.
4. Shift of Transition Curve
Lateral movement of alignment due to smooth transition between straight and circular curve.
5. Benefits of EDM (Electronic Distance Measurement)
High accuracy, long range, speed, all-weather capability.
6. Branches of Terrestrial Photogrammetry
• Topographic photogrammetry
• Non-topographic photogrammetry
7. Principle of Remote Sensing
Interaction of electromagnetic radiation with earth surface features; detection & measurement using sensors.
Section A checks essential surveying vocabulary and conceptual clarity.
SECTION B – Application-Based Questions (21 Marks)
Attempt any three questions × 7 marks each
This section includes numerical problems and conceptual applications relevant to modern surveying.
1. Area Correction for Shrinkage & Chain Error
A field plan made to scale 1 cm = 15 m shrinks from 10 cm to 9.75 cm; chain is 5 cm too short.
Students compute:
• Shrinkage factor
• Corrected scale
• Chain correction
• True area = measured area × corrections
2. Shift & Length of Transition Curve
Definition, purpose (smooth entry to circular curve), and factors affecting length:
• Design speed
• Radius
• Lateral acceleration
• Rate of change of acceleration
• IRC recommendations
3. EDM Slope Measurement Problem
Given slope distance, instrument heights, vertical angle, prism height → compute:
• Horizontal distance AB
• Difference in elevation
• Reduced level of station B (using RL of A = 345.472 m)
4. Elevation of a Point by Photographic Measurement
Derive relationship using:
• Parallax
• Camera focal length
• Flying height
• Differential parallax equations
5. Remote Sensing – Types with Sketches
• Active vs Passive
• Aerial vs Satellite
• Thermal, Microwave, Multispectral
• Sketches illustrating platforms and sensor geometry
Section B assesses numerical accuracy, theoretical derivations, and engineering reasoning.
SECTION C – Analytical / Descriptive Problems (35 Marks)
Each question contains two options. Attempt one from each.
3. Rise & Fall Method / Contour Features (7 Marks)
Option A – Rise & Fall Method
Merits: accuracy, error check, flexibility
Demerits: time-consuming, lengthy calculations
Option B – Contour Sketching
Draw contours for:
• Pond (closed contours with decreasing values inward)
• Overhanging cliff (contours meet or cross)
• Depression (closed contours with hachures)
4. Circular Curve Setting Out (7 Marks)
Option A – Curve with Deflection Angle 80° & Radius 400 m
Compute:
• Tangent length
• Long chord
• Offsets from long chord for setting out
Option B – Perpendicular Offset Method
Describe:
• Long chord
• Offsets computed using formula O=x22RO = \frac{x^2}{2R}O=2Rx2
• Step-by-step field procedure
5. Total Station / GIS Benefit Calculation (7 Marks)
Option A – Total Station
Objectives: high speed, precision, automation
Sketch including:
• Telescope
• EDM
• Microprocessor
• Display
• Control panel
• Tribrach
Option B – GIS Key Elements
Data input, data storage, data processing, analysis tools, visualization, decision support.
6. Parallax & Vectorization (7 Marks)
Option A – Parallax Difference
Using:
Δp=h⋅bH−h\Delta p = \frac{h \cdot b}{H - h}Δp=H−hh⋅b
Given:
• Base = 98.5 mm
• Flying height = 1500 m
• Focal length = 250 mm
Compute parallax difference between top & bottom.
Option B – Vectorization & Data Acquisition
Concept of converting raster to vector.
Advanced technologies include:
• LiDAR
• UAV photogrammetry
• Satellite imaging
• Total station scanning
• Mobile mapping systems
7. IR Region / Range Finder & DIAL (7 Marks)
Option A – IR Region
Wavelength 0.7–1000 μm; thermal sensing, vegetation studies, moisture detection.
Option B – Short Notes
(i) Range Finders: optical, ultrasonic, laser types
(ii) DIAL (Differential Absorption LIDAR): for gas detection, air pollution analysis