Free Alabama Land Surveying Standards, History, and Law Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the Alabama Land Surveying Standards, History, and Law practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1An Alabama boundary map is issued after a property boundary survey. Which certification belongs on the map?

   1. A. A statement that all parts were completed under the current Alabama Standards of Practice
   2. B. A warranty that every adjoining owner accepts the boundary
   3. C. A statement that the map is for tax assessment only
   4. D. A certification by the county engineer rather than the surveyor

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Rule 1.03 requires: "all parts of this map of survey have been completed in accordance with the current requirements of the Standards of Practice for Surveying in the State of Alabama". The surveyor therefore uses the standards-compliance certification.

   Reference: Suggested Study Materials for the Alabama Land Surveying History & Law — Rule 1.03(1)

2. 2In an Alabama resurvey, what is the surveyor's central objective?

   1. A. Create the geometrically ideal boundary
   2. B. Retrace the original lines and corners
   3. C. Maximize the stated acreage
   4. D. Replace every old monument

   Answer: B

   Explanation: The Board study material says a resurvey is "almost solely for the purpose of retracing or again locating the very same original lines, corners or areas."

   Reference: Suggested Study Materials for the Alabama Land Surveying History & Law — §1 — Land Surveying in Alabama, Introduction, page 2

3. 3Which surveyor became Surveyor General of Alabama Territory and directed much of Alabama's original public-land surveying?

   1. A. John Coffee
   2. B. Thomas Jefferson
   3. C. George Washington
   4. D. Andrew Ellicott

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The Alabama history states that Coffee's authority was extended to all public lands and that "Coffee was in complete charge and control of surveying in Alabama."

   Reference: Suggested Study Materials for the Alabama Land Surveying History & Law — §1 — Land Surveying in Alabama, Alabama Territory history, pages 27-28

4. 4Under Alabama law, what professional must certify a completed statutory town plat or map?

   1. A. The surveyor
   2. B. The owner
   3. C. The probate judge
   4. D. The municipal clerk

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Section 35-2-51(a) states: "The plat or map having been completed shall be certified by the surveyor"; the owner separately signs and acknowledges it.

   Reference: Code of Alabama — §35-2-51(a)

5. 5A protected Alabama buyer reconveys land to a former owner who had notice of a senior equity. Does shelter protection apply?

   1. A. Yes, because every remote grantee is sheltered
   2. B. No, return to the former owner with notice is the exception
   3. C. Yes, because later recordation eliminates prior notice
   4. D. No, because shelter protection never passes to a grantee

   Answer: B

   Explanation: Jefferson County v. Mosley states the exception: protected title "cannot be conveyed, free from prior equities, back to a former owner who was charged with notice."

   Reference: Suggested Study Materials for the Alabama Land Surveying History & Law — §1 — Jefferson County v. Mosley, holding 2

6. 6Under Paragon Engineering v. Rhodes, what care must an Alabama surveyor exercise?

   1. A. Ordinarily prudent skilled-surveyor care in similar circumstances
   2. B. The client's preferred level of care in the contract
   3. C. Perfect-care liability regardless of the project circumstances
   4. D. The care of an ordinarily prudent property owner

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Paragon states: "a surveyor is bound to exercise that degree of care which a skilled surveyor of ordinary prudence would have exercised under similar circumstances".

   Reference: Suggested Study Materials for the Alabama Land Surveying History & Law — §1 — Paragon Engineering, Inc. v. Rhodes, holding 1

7. 7On what date does Alabama's submerged-lands rule say the state acquired title to sovereign submerged lands by statehood?

   1. A. July 4, 1776
   2. B. March 3, 1817
   3. C. December 14, 1819
   4. D. January 1, 1901

   Answer: C

   Explanation: Rule 220-4-.09 defines the covered submerged lands as those "to which the State of Alabama acquired title on December 14, 1819, by virtue of statehood" or later acquisition.

   Reference: Administrative Code — r. 220-4-.09(3)(p)

8. 8An Alabama map shows property lines, but no property boundary survey was performed. What note is required?

   1. A. PRELIMINARY—NOT FOR RECORDING
   2. B. THIS IS NOT A PROPERTY BOUNDARY SURVEY
   3. C. BOUNDARY SUBJECT TO OWNER APPROVAL
   4. D. FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY

   Answer: B

   Explanation: The Alabama standard states: "Any map of survey showing property lines where a property boundary survey was not performed shall have the following note: ‘THIS IS NOT A PROPERTY BOUNDARY SURVEY’."

   Reference: Suggested Study Materials for the Alabama Land Surveying History & Law — Rule 1.02(1)(a)

9. 9A deed distance conflicts with credible remnants of the original Alabama survey. Which evidence receives greater weight?

   1. A. The calculated distance in every case
   2. B. The original point or line if it can be found
   3. C. The newest survey monument
   4. D. The larger claimed area

   Answer: B

   Explanation: The Alabama study text states: "No re-established point or line, no matter how carefully located, will have the same weight as the original point or line - if the latter can be found."

   Reference: Suggested Study Materials for the Alabama Land Surveying History & Law — §1 — Land Surveying in Alabama, Introduction, page 3

10. 10When was Alabama Territory created from Mississippi Territory?

    1. A. March 3, 1817
    2. B. December 14, 1819
    3. C. May 20, 1785
    4. D. April 20, 1818

    Answer: A

    Explanation: The official study material records: "On March 3, 1817, Alabama Territory was created from the Mississippi Territory."

    Reference: Suggested Study Materials for the Alabama Land Surveying History & Law — §1 — Land Surveying in Alabama, Alabama Territory history, page 27