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 5
Control Maps and Reports
Control Maps and Reports
Overview
Control survey documentation includes maps showing control point locations and reports providing technical details. Proper documentation supports survey reproducibility and meets project requirements.
Learning Objectives
- Create control network diagrams
- Prepare technical reports
- Document accuracy and metadata
- Meet project documentation requirements
Key Concepts
Control Network Diagrams
Map elements include:
- Point locations and identifiers
- Network geometry
- Observation connections
- Reference points
- Accuracy information
Technical Reports
Report components:
- Project description
- Methodology
- Equipment used
- Processing procedures
- Results and accuracy
- Monument descriptions
Accuracy Documentation
Recording precision:
- Observation accuracy
- Adjustment statistics
- Error ellipses
- Network accuracy
- Comparison with standards
Metadata
Supporting information:
- Datum and epoch
- Coordinate system
- Reference points
- Processing software
- Date of survey
Key Terms
- Network Diagram: Graphical representation of control observations
- Monument Description: Physical description and location
- Metadata: Data describing the survey data
Practice Questions
- What information should be included in a control survey report?
- How should accuracy be documented for control surveys?