Colorado Land Surveyor Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of a land survey plat?

1. A plat that shows the information developed by a monumented land survey

2. A document indicating ownership transfer of land

3. A description of the local topography

4. A general sketch of land boundaries

The correct answer is: A plat that shows the information developed by a monumented land survey

The primary purpose of a land survey plat is to provide a detailed representation of the land as it has been surveyed, showing precise measurements, boundaries, and features according to the methodology employed in a monumented land survey. This type of plat includes critical survey data that is necessary for establishing legal boundaries, which is particularly important for land ownership and development. By documenting the exact layout and demarcations of the property, the plat serves as a fundamental legal instrument to prevent disputes over property lines and ensures that stakeholders have an accurate visual and technical reference for the land in question. Other options do not encapsulate the full purpose and function of a land survey plat. For example, transferring ownership of land is a legal process—it might involve a plat as part of the documentation, but the plat itself primarily serves to show survey data. Similarly, while topographic descriptions might be included in a larger survey document, the main aim of a plat is not to describe the terrain but to delineate boundaries based on surveying standards. A general sketch of land boundaries could be too vague compared to the detailed and technically precise representations found in a plat derived from a monumented survey.