CST Level 1 Land Surveyor Certification Practice

What is a planimeter used for?

1. Tracing land boundaries

2. Measuring areas from maps or photographs

3. Calculating travel distances

4. Creating three-dimensional models

The correct answer is: Measuring areas from maps or photographs

A planimeter is an instrument specifically designed for measuring the area of a two-dimensional shape or figure, particularly on maps or photographs. Essentially, it allows surveyors and cartographers to obtain precise area measurements by tracing the perimeter of the shape in question. As the user moves the planimeter around the boundary, it tracks the movement and calculates the corresponding area based on the traced path. This tool is invaluable in applications such as land surveying, where accurate area measurements are essential for land development, agricultural planning, and environmental studies. The other options, while they describe related activities or tools within surveying and mapping, do not accurately capture the primary function of a planimeter. For instance, tracing land boundaries can be done with various instruments, but it does not measure area directly as a planimeter does. Measuring travel distances involves different types of tools, such as odometers or measuring wheels. Lastly, creating three-dimensional models pertains to a different set of techniques and equipment, often involving 3D modeling software or photogrammetry, rather than a planimeter's area-measuring capabilities.