About this previous year paper
This question paper is designed for students studying Surveying, Geomatics, Remote Sensing, GPS, Photogrammetry, and Civil Engineering field measurement techniques. It evaluates the student’s understanding of traditional surveying methods, modern instruments like Total Stations, GPS systems, photogrammetry principles, remote sensing concepts, curve setting, traversing, and various computation techniques used in land measurement and mapping.
The paper is divided into three major sections: A, B, and C, ensuring a balanced assessment of fundamental concepts, analytical calculations, and practical applications necessary for a surveyor or civil engineering professional.
SECTION A — Short Questions (20 Marks)
This section consists of ten questions, each carrying 2 marks, aimed at testing the student’s basic definitions, concepts, and short explanations related to surveying and geospatial sciences.
Key topics covered:
1. Classification of Surveys
Students must learn how surveys are categorized based on the place of work — such as land surveys, marine surveys, mine surveys, astronomical surveys, etc.
2. Staff Reading Corrections
A numerical question checking understanding of staff tilt correction, an essential skill in levelling.
3. Serpentine Curve
Definition and sketch of a curve made up of multiple reverse curves, used in road/rail alignment.
4. Curve Ranging Methods
Students must list field methods used to set out curves (deflection angle method, chord method, rankine’s method).
5. NAVSTAR GPS
Understanding the official name of the U.S. satellite navigation system.
6. Total Station Applications
Applications of electronic surveying equipment like EDM + Theodolite + microprocessor combo.
7. Oblique Photographs
Definition and characteristics of aerial photographs taken at an angle.
8. Categories of Photogrammetry
Two categories typically are: terrestrial photogrammetry and aerial photogrammetry.
9. Remote Sensing Applications
Students must explain how remote sensing is used in agriculture, forestry, geology, water resources, etc.
10. Electromagnetic Energy
Basic definition of EMR used in satellites and sensors.
This section tests foundation-level knowledge, ensuring the student understands key terms and basic principles used in surveying and geomatics.
SECTION B — Analytical & Descriptive Questions (30 Marks)
Students must attempt any three questions, each worth 10 marks, requiring deeper understanding, diagrams, numerical solutions, and conceptual comparisons.
Topics include:
1. Collimation vs Rise & Fall Methods
Comparison of two methods used for levelling error adjustments and reduction of levels.
2. Calculation of Ordinates for Circular Curve
Students must compute ordinates at fixed intervals using the long chord method and approximate curve equations. This tests knowledge of highway and railway curve setting.
3. Sea Level Correction of Slope Distance
Given slope distance and elevations, students must adjust it to sea-level equivalent, requiring understanding of Earth’s curvature and geodetic corrections.
4. Aerial Photography Terminology
Terms such as principal point, nadir point, flight line, exposure station, fiducial marks, etc., explained with neat sketches.
5. Interaction of Electromagnetic Energy with Matter
A theoretical question covering reflection, absorption, scattering, transmission — essential for remote sensing and satellite imagery interpretation.
This section tests the student's ability to perform computations, interpret diagrams, and explain real-world surveying and remote sensing processes.
SECTION C — Advanced Application Questions (30 Marks)
Section C contains five major questions, each with options. Students must attempt one part from each question. Every question carries 10 marks and assesses advanced understanding of surveying practices and modern geospatial techniques.
Q3 — Compass Traverse Local Attraction OR Traversing Methods
Part (a):
Students analyze a closed compass traverse, identify stations affected by local attraction, correct the bearings, and convert them into true bearings using declination.
Part (b):
Requires explanation and sketches for traversing by included angles and direct angle methods, which are essential for plotting closed traverses accurately.
Q4 — Curve Setting OR Parts of a Curve
Part (a):
Procedure of setting out a simple circular curve using the ordinate from long chord method.
Part (b):
Explanation and sketch of curve components such as:
Tangent length Point of intersection (PI)
Deflection angles Apex distance
Long chord, sub-chord, etc. Curve setting is essential for highway, canal, and railway alignment.
Q5 — Geodetic Signal Height OR GPS Positioning
Part (a):
Numerical calculation of minimum signal height needed considering curvature of the earth — important in long-distance inter-visibility surveys.
Part (b):
Principle of GPS positioning, satellite geometry, pseudo-range measurement, and trilateration illustrated with neat sketch.
Q6 — Aerial Photography Scale OR Stereoscopic Parallax
Part (a):
Students calculate average scale based on flying height, ground elevation, and focal length.
Part (b):
Derivation of elevation difference using stereoscopic parallax, crucial for generating 3D terrain models from overlapping aerial photos.
Q7 — Applications of Remote Sensing OR Image Interpretation
Part (a):
Applications of remote sensing in:
Terrain analysis
Construction material mapping
Site investigation for civil engineering
Part (b):
Detailed explanation of image interpretation, including:
Tone Texture
Pattern Shape
Size Shadow
Association Used in both aerial and satellite image analysis.
OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE PAPER
This examination evaluates the student's capability in:
Fundamental surveying concepts
Levelling, traversing, curve setting, geodetic corrections
Modern instruments like Total Station and GPS
Remote sensing and photogrammetry basics
Field computation techniques
Interpretation of aerial and satellite imagery
Civil engineering application of geomatics
The paper ensures students can measure, analyze, compute, map, and interpret spatial data — skills crucial for civil engineering, geographic information systems (GIS), land development, construction, highways, mining, and environmental applications.