Texas Surveyors Practice Exam

What is considered the most permanent type of monument in surveying?

1. Artificial monuments

2. Natural monuments

3. Record monuments

4. Temporary monuments

The correct answer is: Natural monuments

Natural monuments are regarded as the most permanent type of monument in surveying due to their inherent stability and resistance to change over time. These can include features such as large rocks, trees, or body lines of water that are unlikely to be moved or altered significantly by human activity or natural processes. Their permanence provides surveyors with reliable points of reference that remain consistent over long periods. In contrast, artificial monuments are man-made and are subject to potential removal, damage, or alteration, which can compromise their effectiveness as markers. Record monuments, while useful, typically refer to documented boundaries or points that rely on maps and records rather than physical markers, making them less tangible than natural monuments. Temporary monuments are specifically designed for short-term use, often marking locations during specific projects or surveys but lacking the permanence required for long-term reference. Thus, natural monuments are favored for their longevity and dependable nature in the field of surveying.