CST Level 1 Land Surveyor Certification Practice

Which unit is used to measure angles in land surveying?

1. Degrees

2. Radians

3. Grads

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

In land surveying, angles can indeed be measured using multiple units, and it's essential to understand how each works in this context. Degrees are the most commonly used unit, especially in traditional surveying practices, where a full circle is divided into 360 parts. This familiarity makes degrees an accessible choice for most surveyors. Radians are an alternative unit often used in mathematics and engineering contexts. One radian corresponds to the angle created when the arc length equals the radius of the circle. While not as common in practical surveying applications, radians can provide significant benefits in calculations involving trigonometric functions and are used in some surveying instruments. Grads, or gon, is another unit of angular measurement, where a circle is divided into 400 parts. This division allows for a more straightforward conversion to percentage, making it useful in certain surveying contexts, particularly in Europe. The option indicating all of the above highlights the fact that each unit has its place in surveying, and understanding how to convert between them enhances a surveyor's flexibility and effectiveness in various situations. Thus, recognizing the role of each unit reinforces the comprehensive knowledge required for the CST Level 1 Land Surveyor Certification.