CA PLS Exam Preparation
Comprehensive preparation for the California Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) exam. Based on the January 2025 Test Plan with 6 modules and 57 topics. Content adapted from CalTrans LS/LSIT Video Exam Preparation Course materials.
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Module 1: Business Practices and Project Management
1Explaining Land Surveying to the Public2Proposals and Contracts3Procuring Surveying Services4Directing Personnel5Coordinating with Third Parties6Project Standards7Project Execution Planning8Monument Preservation9Managing a Surveying Business10Subdivision Map Act11Professional Land Surveyors Act12Conflicts of Interest
Module 2: Research, Project Planning and Preparation
Module 3: Field Operations and Investigations
Module 4: Analysis and Evaluation
33Analyzing Field Evidence and Documentation34Evaluating Historic vs. Measured Accuracy35Spatial Relationships of Maps and Data36Boundary Location Conflicts37Title Conflicts38Survey Adjustments (Least Squares, Error Analysis)39Quality Assurance and Control40Reconciling Deeds with Field Evidence41Technology Limitations in Practice
Module 5: Mapping and Document Preparation
Lesson 7
Control Networks
Control Networks
Overview
Control networks provide the framework for surveying projects, establishing consistent horizontal and vertical reference. Understanding network design, adjustment, and connection to geodetic control is essential.
Learning Objectives
- Design effective control networks
- Connect to geodetic control systems
- Perform network adjustments
- Evaluate network accuracy
Key Concepts
Network Design Principles
Effective control networks feature:
- Adequate geometry for strength
- Redundant observations for checking
- Appropriate monument stability
- Connections to existing control
- Coverage of project area
Geodetic Control Connections
Connecting to national framework:
- NGS control monuments
- CORS and RTN networks
- OPUS processing
- Published coordinates and metadata
- Datum and epoch considerations
Horizontal Control
Horizontal network considerations:
- GPS/GNSS observations
- Total station traverses
- Triangulation/trilateration
- Combined networks
- Positional accuracy assessment
Vertical Control
Vertical network considerations:
- Differential leveling connections
- Published benchmarks
- Orthometric vs. ellipsoid heights
- Geoid models
- Accuracy standards
Network Adjustment
Methods for combining observations:
- Least squares adjustment
- Error distribution
- Residual analysis
- Quality indicators
- Constrained vs. minimally constrained
Key Terms
- CORS: Continuously Operating Reference Station
- OPUS: Online Positioning User Service
- Network Accuracy: Uncertainty relative to datum
Practice Questions
- What factors should be considered in designing a control network?
- How are GPS observations connected to the National Spatial Reference System?
Based on CalTrans LS/LSIT Video Exam Preparation Course materials.