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 12
Technology Limitations
Technology Limitations
Overview
Modern surveying relies heavily on technology, but all equipment and methods have limitations. Understanding these limitations is essential for proper application and realistic accuracy expectations.
Learning Objectives
- Recognize equipment limitations
- Apply appropriate methods for conditions
- Communicate technology constraints
- Verify technology-derived results
Key Concepts
GNSS Limitations
Satellite positioning constraints:
- Multipath in urban/vegetated areas
- Signal obstruction
- Ionospheric/tropospheric effects
- Satellite geometry (PDOP)
- Network coverage gaps
EDM Limitations
Electronic distance measurement constraints:
- Atmospheric corrections
- Target reflectivity
- Range limitations
- Reflectorless accuracy variations
Optical Equipment
Conventional equipment limitations:
- Collimation and adjustment
- Leveling accuracy
- Refraction effects
- Temperature influences
Software and Data
Digital tool limitations:
- Coordinate transformation accuracy
- Surface modeling errors
- Data format conversions
- Processing algorithm limitations
Key Terms
- PDOP: Position Dilution of Precision
- Multipath: Signal reflection errors
- Atmospheric Correction: Adjustment for environmental conditions
Practice Questions
- What conditions affect GNSS positioning accuracy?
- How should technology limitations be communicated to clients?