Texas Surveyors Practice Exam

What is the hierarchy order of the three types of monuments?

1. Artificial, record, natural

2. Record, artificial, natural

3. Natural, artificial, record

4. Artificial, natural, record

The correct answer is: Natural, artificial, record

The hierarchy order of the three types of monuments is based on the reliability and permanence of the monuments used in surveying practices. The correct sequence starts with natural monuments, followed by artificial monuments, and finally, record monuments. Natural monuments are features like trees, rocks, streams, or other significant landscape elements. They are the most permanent and can be the most reliable as they are less likely to be altered or moved by human activity. Artificial monuments are human-made markers that have been established for the purpose of defining boundaries or locations. While they can be reliable, their permanence may be compromised by changes in the environment or development. Record monuments refer to documents or maps that record the locations of boundaries and monuments. Though they can provide valuable information, they are subject to inaccuracies in interpretation or updates over time, making them less reliable than physical monuments. This hierarchy underscores the preference for using natural features whenever possible, supplemented by artificial markers, and referencing recorded information as necessary to ensure precision in surveying.