FS Computation Review Guide
Survey Bible

Source Check
Aligned to the NCEES FS CBT specifications, which include surveying principles, computations, mapping, field methods, and math/statistics topics.

Core Computation Skills
The FS exam commonly tests whether you can choose the correct method, manage units, and identify unreasonable answers. Focus on setup first, then arithmetic.

Coordinate Geometry
- Convert bearings to azimuths before computing departures and latitudes.
- Departure = distance x sin(azimuth). Latitude = distance x cos(azimuth).
- Double-check signs by quadrant.
- Area by coordinates uses the shoelace method; keep point order consistent.

Traverse Review
- Angular misclosure is distributed according to the method stated in the problem.
- Compass rule adjusts latitude and departure in proportion to line length.
- Closure ratio compares total traverse length to linear misclosure.

Curves
- Memorize relationships among radius, delta, tangent, length, chord, and external distance.
- Be clear whether angles are in degrees, radians, or DMS.
- For vertical curves, identify PVC, PVI, PVT, grades, curve length, and station offset from PVC.

Leveling
- Elevation plus backsight equals height of instrument.
- Height of instrument minus foresight equals next elevation.
- Arithmetic checks prevent most leveling mistakes.

Statistics and Error
- Independent random errors combine by root-sum-square.
- Standard error of the mean decreases as sample size increases.
- Know the difference between precision, accuracy, systematic error, and random error.

Practice Method
For every missed computation, write one sentence naming the mistake: wrong formula, wrong unit, wrong sign, skipped sketch, or arithmetic slip.