CA PLS Module 5: Mapping & Document Preparation
PublicScenario-based flashcards covering Record of Survey content, Corner Record preparation, legal descriptions, signing/sealing, and mapping requirements for the CA PLS exam.
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Cards (22)
What type of document must be filed when a PLSS corner is established as a "lost corner"?
A Record of Survey (not a Corner Record). Lost corners require a ROS because the corner must be re-established, typically by proportionate measurement. Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 8773(b).
Who may sign and seal final survey maps and documents?
Only a licensed land surveyor or civil engineer authorized to practice land surveying. It is unlawful for any unauthorized person to sign, stamp, seal, or approve land surveying documents. Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 8761(d)-(e).
A mapping project requires CCS2022 coordinates. What foot definition must be used?
The international foot (1 foot = 0.3048 meters exactly). CCS27 and CCS83 use the U.S. survey foot. Cal. Pub. Res. Code § 8810.
A surveyor creates electronic survey data as part of a boundary survey. Is this considered land surveying under the PLS Act?
Yes. Creating, preparing, or modifying electronic or computerized data in the performance of land surveying activities is included in the definition of land surveying. Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 8726(a)(13).
What information must a Record of Survey show?
Monuments (kind, size, location), bearing/witness monuments, basis of bearings, bearings and lengths, scale, north arrow, property name and legal designation, survey date, relationship to adjacent tracts, memorandum of oaths, required statements, and the reason for mandatory filing. Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 8764(a)-(b).
A surveyor prepares a preliminary plat for client review. What notation must appear on it?
Interim documents must include a notation of their intended purpose, such as "preliminary" or "for examination only." Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 8761(c).
Where on a multi-page final survey document must the surveyor's signature and seal appear?
At a minimum on the title sheet, cover sheet or page, or signature sheet. Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 8761(d).
A surveyor stamps a ROS with the seal of a surveyor whose license has expired. What law is violated?
It is unlawful to stamp or seal any document with a seal after the licensee's certificate has expired, been suspended, or been revoked, unless renewed or reissued. Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 8761(f).
What are the three main types of legal descriptions used in California?
(1) Metes and bounds, (2) lot and block (referencing a recorded map), (3) government (PLSS) description (section, township, range). Metes and bounds is most common for irregular parcels; lot and block for subdivisions.
When writing a legal description for a parcel bounded by a public road, should the description extend to the road centerline?
Generally yes, because the law presumes ownership extends to the center of the road unless the contrary is shown. However, the description should clearly state the intent. Cal. Civ. Code § 831; CCP § 2077(4).
Can a ROS cover only a portion of a property rather than the entire parcel?
Yes. The record of survey need not consist of a survey of an entire property. Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 8764(c).
How can a recorded ROS be amended after filing?
It may be amended to show omitted courses/distances, correct errors in courses, distances, land descriptions, lot numbers, street names, acreages, adjacent map references, or monument character -- in the same manner as subdivision maps under the SMA. Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 8770.5.
When a surveyor uses the word "certify" on a map or report, what legal weight does it carry?
It is only an expression of professional opinion regarding the facts or findings -- it does not constitute a warranty or guarantee, expressed or implied. Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 8770.6.
The county surveyor rejects your ROS and sends back a list of changes. What are your options?
Make the agreed changes and note disagreements, then resubmit within 60 days (or mutually agreed time). If still no agreement after resubmission, both parties note differences and the ROS must be filed. Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 8767, § 8768.
The county surveyor refuses to file your ROS after you've requested filing without further change. What legal remedy exists?
You may bring a mandamus action under CCP § 1085 to compel filing. Filing is deemed a ministerial act. The court may award costs, expert fees, and attorney's fees to the prevailing party. Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 8768.5.
What must appear on a subdivision final map that is not typically required on a ROS?
SMA-specific items including: dedications of streets/easements, lot numbering, certificates by various parties (owner, title company, taxing agencies), improvement bonds/securities, and compliance with local subdivision ordinances. Cal. Gov. Code § 66433 et seq.
A surveyor files a ROS. How must the county recorder store the original map?
The original shall be stored for safekeeping in a reproducible condition. The recorder may maintain counter maps (prints) for public reference, with originals produced for comparison upon demand. Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 8770.
How must the county recorder index Records of Survey?
By the name of grant, tract, subdivision, or United States subdivision. Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 8770.
A Corner Record must be signed by whom before filing?
A licensed land surveyor or licensed civil engineer, stamped with their seal. For U.S. government or State of California agencies, the chief of the survey party may sign, setting forth their official title. Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 8773.4(a).
After filing a ROS, the surveyor must also transmit a copy to the county surveyor for what purpose?
The county surveyor must maintain an index, by geographic location, of all filed ROS documents, amended ROS documents, and certificates of correction. Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 8774.5(a).
A surveyor is asked to determine boundary information for a deed description. Does this constitute land surveying?
Yes. Determining the information within a deed, trust deed, or other title document for the purpose of describing real property limits is land surveying. Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 8726(a)(12).
A surveyor signs a map, but subsequent changes are made by others without authorization. Is the surveyor liable?
No. A surveyor is not responsible for damage caused by subsequent unauthorized changes or uses, provided the original surveying service was not a proximate cause of the damage. Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 8761.2.