CST Level 1 Land Surveyor Certification Practice

What distinguishes a back bearing from a standard bearing?

1. It is measured from the south axis

2. It is measured from the north axis

3. It is used for horizontal distances

4. It uses a different angle format

The correct answer is: It is measured from the south axis

A back bearing is distinguished from a standard bearing primarily in the way it is defined around a particular direction. A back bearing is essentially the opposite direction of a given standard bearing and is measured from the same reference line, typically the north axis. In surveying, standard bearings are expressed as angles measured clockwise from the north or south axes, while back bearings measure the direction from the original line of sight back to the point of origin. Measuring from the south axis does not accurately represent the nature of back bearings in relation to standard bearings, as both are ultimately connected to the north or south references. Understanding that a back bearing always refers to a return path is crucial and clarifies the directional aspect rather than the axis used for measurement. In summary, the unique characteristic of a back bearing lies in its angular relation to the original bearing direction, providing essential information for navigation and surveying by indicating the reverse path.