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 1
Analyzing Field Evidence and Documentation
Analyzing Field Evidence and Documentation
Overview
Boundary determination requires careful analysis of field evidence in relation to record documentation. Surveyors must evaluate and weigh various types of evidence to reach defensible conclusions.
Learning Objectives
- Analyze relationships between field and record evidence
- Apply hierarchy of evidence principles
- Weight evidence appropriately
- Document analysis and conclusions
Key Concepts
Evidence Categories
Types of boundary evidence:
- Physical: Monuments, occupation, improvements
- Record: Deeds, maps, surveys, field notes
- Testimonial: Witness statements, reputation
Hierarchy of Evidence
General priority of boundary elements:
- Natural monuments
- Artificial monuments
- Adjoiners (calls to boundaries)
- Courses (direction)
- Distances
- Area
Evidence Evaluation
Factors in evidence analysis:
- Age and reliability of evidence
- Consistency with other evidence
- Chain of custody for documents
- Physical condition of monuments
- Correlation with record descriptions
Analysis Documentation
Recording the analysis:
- Summary of evidence considered
- Evaluation of each element
- Reasoning for conclusions
- Alternative interpretations considered
Key Terms
- Controlling Call: The deed element given highest weight
- Field Evidence: Physical features found on the ground
- Record Evidence: Documentary proof from official sources
Practice Questions
- How should conflicting physical and record evidence be resolved?
- What factors affect the weight given to different types of evidence?