CST Level 1 Land Surveyor Certification Practice

What instrument is most commonly affected by temperature fluctuations during measurements?

1. 100ft Steel tapes

2. Laser Level

3. Digital Level

4. Planimeter

The correct answer is: 100ft Steel tapes

The instrument most commonly affected by temperature fluctuations during measurements is the 100ft steel tape. Steel tapes are made of metal, which expands and contracts with temperature changes. This means that if the temperature rises, the tape can elongate, leading to inaccurate measurements if not corrected for thermal expansion. Surveyors must account for temperature variations when using steel tapes, especially in environments where temperatures can fluctuate significantly during the day. In contrast, laser levels and digital levels primarily rely on electronic sensors and do not have the same thermal expansion concerns. These instruments are designed to provide accurate readings independent of temperature fluctuations. Similarly, planimeters, which are used for measuring areas of irregular shapes on maps, are also not significantly impacted by temperature because their operation does not involve elongation like that of a steel tape.