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com

Surveying for California Civil PE License

Dr. Shahin A. Mansour, PE

Well Organized, Based on the Current California Board Test

Plan and References, Detailed Table of Contents, Computer
Generated Index (8 pages), Simplified Concepts, 66 Sample
Problems with Detailed Solutions, and 181 Supplemental
Practice Problems with Detailed Solutions.

The only book has

A comprehensive summary of surveying equations,
tables, figures, and charts you need for the exam. All
what you need at one location and at your fingertips.
ONE BOOK HAS ALL WHAT YOU NEED!

Surveying
for

California Civil
Engineering License
A Concise and Comprehensive Summary of Surveying
Equations, Tables, and Figures is Included for a Quick
Access During the Exam

Dr. Shahin A. Mansour, PE

First Edition

www.passpe.com

Surveying for California Civil PE License

Dr. Shahin A. Mansour, PE

ISBN: 978-0-9823726-3-0
2010 Professional Engineering Services (PES)

All right reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced by any means, without a
written permission from the author.
The author can be reached by email info@passpe.com

Current printing of this edition 1

Printed in the United States of America

Library of Congress Control Number

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Surveying for California Civil PE License

Dr. Shahin A. Mansour, PE

Preface

ur next generation of Civil PE books were carefully developed by Dr. Shahin A. Mansour, Ph.D.,
P.E., a nationally recognized expert in PE Exam Preparation courses and founder of Professional
Engineering Services, Inc., (PES). This generation is quickly becoming the Best in Class
solution for engineering professionals working to pass upcoming California Board and NCEES
exams. Each and every book in this comprehensive collection has been prepared with your readiness in
mind and will serve as a powerful guide throughout your PE Exam Preparation studies in Civil PE,
Seismic, and Surveying concentrations.

Dr. Mansour has taught and spoken to thousands of engineers and has been teaching PE, Seismic,
Surveying, and EIT/FE classes for the past 22 years enabling his products, classes, and seminars to
continuously evolve and adapt to the changing demands of this challenging field. His real-world
experience and intercommunication with so many engineers throughout America has greatly improved his
ability to craft concise and knowledgeable resources that work for professionals striving to pass their
Professional Engineering Licensing Board Exam and other California special exams.
One of the primary advantages of PES preparation books is their compact and succinct format. The
experiences and feedback of engineering students and professionals that have worked with these materials
affirms our effective use of good, factual diagrams and illustrations to more fully explain concepts
throughout each text. In fact, Dr. Mansour makes great use of this style of teaching through figures,
comparative tables, charts, and illustrations to concisely convey important information to engineers
preparing for the exam. The primary focus of each book in our collection is targeted on subjects that are
directly relevant to the PE exam. This method provides substantial time savings to students that simply
dont have the wherewithal to digest leading competitive volumes, which typically exceed 1,000 pages.
Another strong asset of these next generation books is the separation of Breadth (a.m.) and Depth (p.m.)
topics. Each Civil PE, Seismic, and Surveying book is organized in accordance with the most current
exam specifications and has matured since their inception through the inputs, complaints, wishes, and
other feedback given from course participants and colleagues for over 22 years. Recent changes in the
format of the Civil PE exam have made it necessary to address the change from essay to multiple choice
problems, separation of a.m. and p.m. sections, and the introduction of the construction module. The
books improved organization is completed with a very detailed Table of Contents, which addresses both
the a.m. and p.m. subjects and more, making them a favored resource for preparation as well as exam
time.
The best part in all this growth and continuous improvement is the ability to apply this knowledge and
experience to our supplemental products developed to give you the best head start for passing your
Professional Engineering Licensing Board Exam. Every book, DVD, seminar, and accompanying
Problems & Solutions workbooks are designed with all relevant codes, topics, board test plans, and
NCEES exam specifications. And, these study materials and seminars, also manage to cover these fields
of study in the same order as listed in the latest exam specifications for easy reference at-a-glance.
Not only are our next generation books written to be current and well-organized to save you time during
exam preparation and test taking; they are also affordable and authored by a highly qualified and
nationally recognized Civil Engineering Professor. Dr. Shahin A. Mansour, Ph.D., P.E has helped
thousands of students to pass their Professional Engineering Licensing Board Exam. His easy, step-bystep approach to solving problems has gained him popularity and a great reputation among students and
professionals of all ages. We hope that youll find the many resources at Professional Engineering
Services, Inc. to be exceptional textbooks, DVDs, and seminars and as valuable a resource as we believe
them to be
iii

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Surveying for California Civil PE License

Dr. Shahin A. Mansour, PE

Disclaimer
This publication is to help the candidates for the Special Surveying Exam for California PE Civil. This
publication expresses the opinion of the author. Every effort and care has been taken to ensure that all
data, information, solutions, concept and suggestions are as accurate as possible. The author cannot
assume or accept the responsibility or liability for errors in the data, information, solutions, concept and
suggestions and the use of this material in preparation for the exam or using it during the exam.
Also, Professional Engineering Services (PES) and the author are in no way responsible for the failure of
registrants in the exam, or liable for errors or omission in the solutions, or in the way they are interpreted
by the registrants or others.

Errata Notification
PES and the author have made a substantial effort to ensure that the information in this publication is
accurate. In the event that corrections or clarifications are needed, these will be posted on PES web site at
http:// www.passpe.com. PES and the author at their discretion, may or may not issue written errata. PES
and the author welcome comments or corrections which can be emailed to info@passpe.com

How to Use This Book

This book was written to help you in preparing for the Special Surveying Examination. A comprehensive
summary of surveying equations and topics is provided to help you in answering the questions. The
following is a suggested strategy for the exam:
1- Have all references organized before you start. Also, familiarize yourself with the
comprehensive summary provided in this book.
2- Read the questions and ALL answers carefully and look for KEYWORDS in the question
and the 4 possible answers.
3- Solve the easy questions first (need no or minimum calculations) and record your answers
on the answer sheet.
4- Work on questions that require lengthy calculations and record your answers on the answer
sheet.
5- Questions that seem difficult or not familiar to you and may need considerable time in
searching in your references should be left to the end.
6- Never leave an answer blank.
7- Remember the D3 rule:
DO NOT EXPECT THE EXAM TO BE EASY
DO NOT PANIC
DO NOT WASTE TOO MUCH TIME ON A SIGNLE EASY, DIFFICULT OR
UNFAMILAR PROBLEM

About the Author

Dr. Shahin A. Mansour, PE, has been teaching PE, Seismic, Surveying and EIT/FE courses for the last 22
years. Dr. Mansour taught Civil Engineering courses for 7 years at New Mexico State University, Las
Cruces, NM. Also, he has been teaching Civil and Construction Engineering courses (graduate &
undergraduate) at CSU, Fresno, CA, for the last 18 years.
iv

Disclaimer, Errata, How to use this book, About the author

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Surveying for California Civil PE License

Dr. Shahin A. Mansour, PE

TABLE OF CONTENTS
California Special Surveying Principles Exam (Test Plan 2005) 1
Summary of Surveying Equations ... 9
Definitions of Surveying and Associated Terms.. 29
Abbreviations 37

Chapter 1- Introduction and CA Special Engineering Surveying Exam

1-1
1-2
1-3
1-4
1-5
1-6
1-7

Definition of Surveying42
Types of Surveys . 43
Types of Maps.. 47
Professional Land Surveys Act 48
Professional Engineers Act . 48
Subdivision Map Act48
California Special Surveying Exam. 48
Supplemental Practice Problems...... 49
Solutions for Supplemental Practice Problems ... 52

Chapter 2- Theory of Measurements

2-1
2-2
2-3
2-4
2-5
2-6

Types of Measurements in Surveying 54

Units of Measurements .. 54
Significant Figures . 55
Rounding off Numbers 56
Errors, Types and Magnitude of Errors in Measurements ...... 56
Probability and Measures of Precision 58
Practice Problems. 62
Solutions for Supplemental Practice Problems ... 65

Chapter 3- Surveying Equipment & Field Notes

3-1
3-2
3-3
3-4
3-5
3-6
3-7

Introduction & Reasons for Field Notes.. 68

Requirements for Good Notes 68
Kinds of Notes 69
Arrangement of Fields Notes .. 69
Suggestions on Recording Notes 70
Surveying Methods and Equipment. 71
Left Thumb Rule ..... 73
Practice Problems..... 74
Solutions for Supplemental Practice Problems ... 74
Table of Contents

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Surveying for California Civil PE License

Dr. Shahin A. Mansour, PE

Chapter 4- Horizontal Distance Measurements

4-1
4-2
4-3
4-4
4-5
4-6
4-7
4-8
4-9
4-10
4-11
4-12

Introduction . 76
Method of Measuring Horizontal Distances ... 76
Slope Computations & Approximate Formula ... 87
Precision of Various Measuring Methods .. 90
Sources of Error in Taping.. 91
Types of Error in Taping..... 91
Summary of Corrections of Errors in Taping . 97
Types, Sources, and Classifications of Taping Errors 98
Combined Correction.. 99
Stationing (STA), Post Mile (PM), and Kilo Post (KP).. 99
Review of Sources of Errors in Taping 101
Common Mistakes... 101
Practice Problems. 102
Solutions for Supplemental Practice Problems ... 106

Chapter 5- Leveling-Theory, Equipment & Measurements

5-1
5-2
5-3
5-4
5-5
5-6
5-7
5-8
5-9
5-10

Introduction . 110
Leveling Definitions & Terms 110
Types of Leveling 113
Leveling Equipment. 114
Curvature and Refraction. 118
Theory of Differential Leveling ..... 119
Two-Peg Test .. 120
Three-Wire Leveling........ 121
Reciprocal Leveling 121
Sources and Types of Errors in Leveling 123
Practice Problems 124
Solutions for Supplemental Practice Problems ... 128

Chapter 6- Angles, Bearings, Azimuths, & Compass

6-1
6-2
6-3
6-4
6-5
6-6
6-7
6-8
6-9
vi

Introduction . 134
Interior, Exterior, and Deflection Angles. 134
Bearings (True, Magnetic & Grid) .. 138
Azimuths (True, Magnetic & Grid) 139
Comparison of Bearings and Azimuths... 142
Magnetic Declination .. 143
True, Grid & Magnetic Meridians .. 145
Methods of Determining Angles and Directions..... 146
Vertical and Zenith Angles . 147
Table of Contents

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Surveying for California Civil PE License

Dr. Shahin A. Mansour, PE

Practice Problems 148

Solutions for Supplemental Practice Problems .. 150

Chapter 7- Traverse Computations

7-1
7-2
7-3
7-4
7-5
7-6
7-7

Introduction . 154
Measurements and Directions of Traverses 155
Latitudes and Departures .156
Traverse Computations 157
Balancing Angles 158
Traverse Balancing (Adjustment) 159
Rectangular Coordinates . 161
Practice Problems. 167
Solutions for Supplemental Practice Problems ... 170

Chapter 8- Length, Area, Volume Computations & Mass Diagram

8-1
8-2

8-3

8-4

Length Computation 174

Methods of Measuring Area 174
Area by division into triangles and other shapes.. 175
Area by offsets from straight lines... 177
Area by double-meridian-distance method (DMD). 178
Area by coordinates (criss-cross). 179
Measurement of area by planimeter. 181
Methods of Volume Measurement .. 182
The cross-section method. 183
Average-end area formula.. 183
Mass Diagram . 187
Practice Problems 197
Solutions for Supplemental Practice Problems ... 200

Chapter 9- Topography
9-1
9-2
9-3
9-4
9-5
9-6
9-7
9-8

Introduction to Topography 204

Control for Topographic Surveys.204
Methods for Obtaining Topography.205
Topographic Maps206
Scales for Topographic Maps...206
Contours: Definitions and Properties...207
Spot Elevations and Contour Index..209
Direct and Indirect Methods of Locating Contours..209

Table of Contents

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Surveying for California Civil PE License

Dr. Shahin A. Mansour, PE

9-9 Rules for Drawing (Plotting) Contours 213

9-10 Key Points for Contours...214
9-11 Methods for Locating Contours216
Practice problems .217
Solutions for Supplemental Practice Problems 222

Chapter 10- Horizontal, Spiral and Vertical Curves

10-1 Introduction ..226
10-2 Types of Horizontal Curves .226
10-3 Terminology of Horizontal Curves...227
10-4 Geometry of Circular Curves229
10-5 Deflection Angles, Chord, and Offset Calculations..232
10-6 Moving up on the Curve235
10-7 Compound Circular Curves...239
10-8 Reverse Curves..240
10-9 Spiral Curves.241
10-10 Vertical Curves..244
10-11 Vertical Terminology244
10-12 Types of Vertical Curves...245
10-13 Geometric Properties of the Parabola246
10-14 High and Low Points on Vertical Curves..248
10-15 Vertical Curves Under or Over an Obstruction.250
10-16 Asymmetrical (Unsymmetrical) Vertical Curves..253
Practice Problems..255
Solutions for Supplemental Practice Problems 258

Chapter 11- State Plane Coordinate System

11-1
11-2
11-3
11-4
11-5
11-6
11-7
11-8

Introduction . 262
Shape of the Earth ...262
Advantages of the Rectangular Coordinate System ... 263
California Coordinate System of 1927&1983 (CCS 27& CCS 83 .... 263
Lambert Conformal Conic Projection. 265
Transverse Mercator Projection.. 267
Ground Distance Versus Grid Distance... 267
Conversion Between SPCS 27 & SPCS 83 269
Practice Problems.270
Solutions for Supplemental Practice Problems ...272

Chapter 12-Construction Surveys

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Table of Contents

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Surveying for California Civil PE License

Dr. Shahin A. Mansour, PE

12-1
12-2
12-3
12-4

Introduction .274
Cut and Fill Stakes ..275
Header and Cluster Information ..276
Slope Stake listing277
Practice Problems ....283
Solutions for Supplemental Practice Problems ...287
Caltrans Surveys Manual- Chapter 12 Construction Surveys ..289-312

Chapter 13- Photogrammetry

13-1
13-2
13-3
13-4
13-5
13-6
13-7
13-8
13-9

Introduction . 314
Ground Control for Photogrammetry .. 315
Aerial Cameras for Photogrammetry... 316
Photograph Forward and Side Overlap.... 317
Photo Scale ...... 318
Map Scale. 321
National Map Accuracy322
Sources of Error in Photogrammetry322
Mistakes in Photogrammetry322
Practice Problems .323
Solutions for Supplemental Practice Problems 326

Chapter 14- Surveys of Public Lands

14-1 Introduction .330
14-2 Initial point... 331
14-3 Principal Meridian .. 332
14-4 Baseline .. 332
14-5 Standard Parallels (Correction Lines).. 334
14-6 Guide Meridians... 334
14-7 Township and Range 334
14-8 Designation of Townships334
14-9 Subdivision of Township into Sections335
14-10 Subdivision of Sections 336
14-11 Fractional Sections... 337
14-12 Witness Corners .. 338
14-13 Meander Corners...... 338
14-14 Lost and Obliterated Corners .. 339
14-15 Description by Township, Sections, and Smaller Subdivision 339
Practice Problems 342
Solutions for Supplemental Practice Problems .. 345

Table of Contents

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Surveying for California Civil PE License

Dr. Shahin A. Mansour, PE

Chapter 15- Global Positioning System (GPS) & Geographic

Information Systems (GIS)
15.1
15.2
15.3
15.4
15-5

Introduction . 348
Theory of GPS..348
Differential GPS... 348
Weather Conditions . 351
Specifications for GPS Surveys .. 351
Practice Problems 352
Solutions for Supplemental Practice Problems ... 354

Index (8 pages Computer generated index). 355

Other books and DVDs by Dr. Shahin A. Mansour

Facts About Surveying for California Civil PE License

Book By Dr. Mansour, PE
Based on the Special Civil Engineer Examination Test Plan of
December 2005 of California Board of Registration
Detailed table of contents (5 pages)
15 chapters, 362 pages
Well organized, simplified concepts, and concise approach of the
surveying topics and subjects
An excellent 8 pages of compute generated index for keywords
66 practice problems similar to the exam format with detailed solutions
181 supplemental practice problems similar to the exam format with
detailed solutions
A comprehensive summary of surveying equations, tables, charts &
and figures for an easy and quick access during the exam

Table of Contents