CST Level 1 Land Surveyor Certification Practice

What are steel tapes commonly referred to as?

1. Measuring rods

2. Chains

3. Survey strips

4. Distance tapes

The correct answer is: Chains

Steel tapes are commonly referred to as chains, a term that has historical significance in surveying. The name "chain" originates from the traditional measuring instrument known as the Gunter's chain, which was made of linked metal and measured 66 feet in length. This terminology has persisted even as technology and materials have evolved, and steel tapes are now utilized for more precise measurements, often for measuring distances in surveying tasks. Being flexible and durable, steel tapes provide accurate measurements and can be coiled for ease of transport. While each of the other options might seem plausible at first glance, "measuring rods" typically refers to rigid measuring instruments, "survey strips" is a less common term that does not specifically denote steel tapes, and "distance tapes" is a more general classification that doesn’t specifically capture the traditional significance of the term "chains" in the context of surveying.