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.
Progress0/57
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
Boundary Location Conflicts
Boundary Location Conflicts
Overview
Boundary conflicts arise when evidence is inconsistent or multiple valid interpretations exist. Resolving these conflicts requires application of legal principles and professional judgment.
Learning Objectives
- Identify types of boundary conflicts
- Apply legal principles for resolution
- Consider unwritten rights
- Document conflict resolution
Key Concepts
Types of Conflicts
Common boundary conflict situations:
- Monument vs. measurement discrepancies
- Overlapping descriptions
- Gap and gore issues
- Sequential conveyance conflicts
- Occupation vs. record lines
Resolution Principles
Legal doctrines for resolution:
- Hierarchy of calls
- Senior/junior rights
- Practical location
- Acquiescence
- Adverse possession
Unwritten Rights
Rights arising outside recorded documents:
- Boundary by acquiescence
- Boundary by agreement
- Prescriptive easements
- Adverse possession claims
- Practical location doctrine
Professional Considerations
Role of the surveyor:
- Finding and reporting evidence
- Not making legal determinations
- Recommending legal consultation
- Documenting all evidence
- Providing objective opinions
Key Terms
- Gap: Area not included in any conveyance
- Gore: Triangular gap between properties
- Acquiescence: Long acceptance of a boundary
Practice Questions
- How should a surveyor handle a situation where occupation differs significantly from record lines?
- What evidence supports a claim of boundary by acquiescence?
Based on CalTrans LS/LSIT Video Exam Preparation Course materials.