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 4
PLSS Retracements
PLSS Retracements
Overview
Retracing Public Land Survey System corners requires understanding of the original survey process, BLM procedures, and proportionate measurement principles unique to the PLSS.
Learning Objectives
- Understand PLSS survey principles
- Apply proportionate measurement correctly
- Retrace section and township corners
- Follow BLM Manual of Surveying Instructions
Key Concepts
PLSS Structure
Understanding the system:
- Principal meridians and base lines
- Township and range numbering
- Section numbering (serpentine pattern)
- Standard and guide meridians
- Correction lines
Corner Categories
Types of PLSS corners:
- Standard corners (on standard parallels)
- Closing corners (irregular townships)
- Meander corners (along water)
- Witness corners (for inaccessible locations)
- Reference corners
Proportionate Measurement
Restoring lost corners:
- Single proportionate (one-dimensional)
- Double proportionate (two-dimensional)
- Standard corners versus closing corners
- Section subdivision procedures
- Grant boundary corners (not proportioned)
BLM Manual Application
Following federal guidelines:
- Evidence requirements
- Corner restoration procedures
- Documentation standards
- California-specific considerations
Key Terms
- Proportionate Measurement: Distributing excess/deficiency proportionally
- Original Survey: First official survey creating corners
- Dependent Resurvey: Survey following original procedures
Practice Questions
- When is double proportionate measurement used versus single proportionate?
- How does the BLM Manual treat closing corners differently from standard corners?
Based on CalTrans LS/LSIT Video Exam Preparation Course materials.