Texas Surveyors Practice Exam

Why were early Egyptian surveyors referred to as rope stretchers?

1. They primarily used wooden rods for measuring

2. They employed ropes as their main measuring tool

3. Their measurements were primarily based on visual estimations

4. They focused on stone masonry instead of measuring

The correct answer is: They employed ropes as their main measuring tool

Early Egyptian surveyors were referred to as "rope stretchers" because they employed ropes as their main measuring tool. This method was integral to land measurement, especially after the annual flooding of the Nile River, which necessitated a precise way to redefine property boundaries. By stretching ropes to specific lengths, surveyors were able to create standardized measurement units, which were crucial for planning and executing construction projects, as well as for agricultural delineation. Ropes allowed for flexibility and ease in measuring long distances across varied terrain, providing a practical solution in the absence of more sophisticated tools. This approach laid the groundwork for more advanced surveying techniques in the future, emphasizing the importance of accuracy in land management. The other options do not accurately represent the primary methods or focus of early Egyptian surveyors, who relied heavily on ropes in their work.