Question 1

Equation of time zero dates: On which dates do the true (apparent) Sun and the mean Sun cross the same local meridian at the same instant (i.e., the equation of time is effectively zero)?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The apparent Sun does not keep uniform time because Earth’s orbit is elliptical and its axis is tilted. The “equation of time” quantifies the difference between apparent solar time and mean solar time. On certain dates, this difference becomes zero. Given Data / Assumptions: Standard civil time uses the mean Sun (uniform rate). Apparent solar time follows the true Sun’s meridian passage. Approximate zero crossings occur on four dates each year. Concept / Approach: The equation of time varies roughly between about −14 minutes and +16 minutes during the year with four zero crossings. Typical near-zero dates are mid-April, mid-June, early September, and late December. Hence on or about April 15, June 14, September 1, and December 25, the true Sun and mean Sun transit the meridian together. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify the listed dates as standard zero-crossing approximations.Conclude that each date is acceptable for “same meridian at same time.” Verification / Alternative check: Annual equation-of-time graphs show the four crossings; exact dates vary slightly by year, but the listed dates are conventional approximations used in surveying texts. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Choosing only one date ignores the other valid crossings; “All of the above” is the comprehensive correct response. Common Pitfalls: Assuming the dates are constant to the day every year; small shifts occur due to leap years and orbital perturbations. Final Answer: All of the above.

Question 2

Time conversion with Indian Standard Time (IST): If the standard meridian is 82°30′ E and the IST at longitude 90° E is 8 h 30 m, what is the Local Mean Time (LMT) at 90° E?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Converting between a country’s standard time and local mean time requires accounting for the longitude difference from the standard meridian. Every degree of longitude corresponds to 4 minutes of time. Given Data / Assumptions: Standard meridian for IST = 82°30′ E. Station longitude = 90° E. IST at the station is 8 h 30 m. Concept / Approach: Time difference per degree of longitude = 4 minutes. If a place is east of the standard meridian, its LMT is ahead of standard time by 4 minutes per degree of longitude difference. Longitude difference Δλ = 90°00′ − 82°30′ = 7°30′ = 7.5°. Time lead = 7.5 × 4 = 30 minutes. Step-by-Step Solution: Compute Δλ: 90° E − 82°30′ E = 7°30′.Convert to time: 7.5° × 4 min/° = 30 min.Add to IST (since station is east): LMT = 8:30 + 0:30 = 9:00. Verification / Alternative check: Reverse check: moving west would subtract time; here we moved east, so LMT must be later than IST—9:00 fits. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Times earlier than 8:30 contradict the “east is later” rule; 8:30 ignores the longitude difference. Common Pitfalls: Using 1 hour per 15° but forgetting to convert 30′; mixing “ahead” and “behind” directions. Final Answer: 9 h 00 m.

Question 3

Aerial photography flight planning: What is the normal (forward) longitudinal overlap between consecutive vertical photographs in a flight line?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Forward (longitudinal) overlap is the percentage of common ground area captured in consecutive photographs along a flight line. It is essential for stereoscopic coverage and accurate photogrammetric measurements. Given Data / Assumptions: Standard vertical aerial photography for topographic mapping. Normal side overlap is typically about 20–30% (not asked here). Good weather and stable platform assumed. Concept / Approach: To achieve reliable stereoscopic vision and ensure that every ground point is photographed at least twice, photogrammetric specifications commonly adopt about 60% forward overlap. This allows robust stereo-model formation even with minor drift or tilt. Higher overlaps (e.g., 70–80%) may be used for special applications (dense matching, small-scale sites, or UAVs), but 60% is the textbook “normal.” Step-by-Step Solution: Identify the standard mapping specification for forward overlap.Select 60% as the normal value. Verification / Alternative check: Flight planning guides and specifications for national mapping consistently state forward overlap ≈ 60% with side overlap ≈ 25%. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 50%: marginal for stereo security; 70–75%: higher-than-normal, used only for special cases; 40%: inadequate for stereo block formation. Common Pitfalls: Confusing longitudinal overlap with lateral (side) overlap; assuming higher overlap is always better despite increased flight time and data redundancy. Final Answer: 60%.

Question 4

Field astronomy — when to observe Polaris to determine latitude In practical surveying and field astronomy, Polaris (the North Star) is most suitable for determining the observer's latitude when it is at which positional condition in its diurnal pat…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Surveyors frequently use Polaris because its declination is close to +90 degrees. At culmination (meridian transit), its altitude is directly related to the observer's latitude with minimal azimuth error, making it ideal for latitude determination. Given Data / Assumptions: Observer is in the Northern Hemisphere. Polaris' declination is close to the north celestial pole. Meridian observations minimize azimuth-related complications. Concept / Approach: At meridian transit (culmination), the star lies on the observer's meridian. The observed meridian altitude of Polaris is approximately equal to the observer's latitude, adjusted by the small offset of Polaris from the pole and refraction. This is a standard method in astronomical positioning. Step-by-Step Solution: Recognize goal: determine latitude with minimal corrections.At culmination, azimuth ≈ 0, so altitude measurement ties directly to latitude.Use relation: φ ≈ altitude(Polaris) ± small corrections.Therefore, culmination is preferred for latitude determination. Verification / Alternative check: Textbook procedures list meridian altitude of Polaris as the canonical latitude method; elongation is instead favored for azimuth determination of lines due to larger azimuth sensitivity there. Why Other Options Are Wrong: (b) Elongation is best for azimuth, not latitude. (c) and (e) provide no advantage for latitude. (d) mixes two distinct use-cases; only culmination is ideal for latitude. Common Pitfalls: Confusing the preferred condition for azimuth (elongation) with that for latitude (culmination). Final Answer: At culmination (upper or lower transit across the meridian).

Question 5

Celestial coordinates — definition of right ascension (R.A.) Right ascension of a celestial body is its equatorial angular distance measured in which sense from which reference point?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Right ascension (R.A.) and declination (Dec.) form the standard equatorial coordinate system used in astronomy and astro-surveying, analogous to longitude and latitude on Earth. Given Data / Assumptions: Equatorial coordinate system referenced to the celestial equator. Zero reference defined by the vernal equinox (first point of Aries). Concept / Approach: R.A. is measured along the celestial equator eastward from the vernal equinox to the hour circle passing through the body. Declination is the angular distance north or south of the celestial equator. This convention mirrors terrestrial longitude and latitude but on the celestial sphere. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify zero point → first point of Aries (vernal equinox).Define direction → measured eastward along celestial equator.Hence R.A. = eastward arc from Aries to the object's hour circle. Verification / Alternative check: Almanacs and star catalogs universally adopt this definition of R.A., typically expressed in hours, minutes, and seconds of time (0–24 h). Why Other Options Are Wrong: Options stating “westward” or referencing Libra are inconsistent with the standard definition. Common Pitfalls: Confusing R.A. (along the equator) with ecliptic longitude (along the ecliptic). Final Answer: Eastward from the first point of Aries (vernal equinox).

Question 6

Astronomical refraction — first-order correction as a function of altitude If α is the observed altitude of a star, which expression approximates the refraction correction (in arcseconds) for standard conditions?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Astronomical refraction bends light downward, making celestial objects appear higher than they truly are. A simple first-order formula provides a quick correction for moderate altitudes. Given Data / Assumptions: Standard pressure and temperature near sea level. Moderate zenith distances (not very near the horizon). Small-angle approximation using a first-order term. Concept / Approach: The classic first-order refraction formula uses the zenith distance z = 90° − α. Refraction R (arcseconds) ≈ 58″ * tan z. Substituting tan z = cot α gives R ≈ 58″ * cot α, which is easy to apply when altitude is known. Step-by-Step Solution: Start with R ≈ 58″ * tan z.Use z = 90° − α → tan z = cot α.Therefore R ≈ 58″ * cot α. Verification / Alternative check: More accurate models add higher-order terms (e.g., −0.066″ * tan^3 z). For typical field work at altitudes above about 15°, the first-order formula is sufficiently accurate. Why Other Options Are Wrong: (b) swaps tan z with tan α and is incorrect. (c) and (d) have wrong functional form and units. (e) has the right function of z but with the wrong coefficient. Common Pitfalls: Applying the first-order formula near the horizon where refraction becomes large and nonlinear. Final Answer: 58″ * cot α.

Question 7

Latitude from circumpolar culminations — deducing φ from observed altitudes A circumpolar star has altitudes 70° (upper culmination) and 10° (lower culmination), both culminations being to the north of the zenith. What is the latitude of the place?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: In spherical astronomy, the altitudes of a circumpolar star at its upper and lower culminations relate directly to the observer’s latitude φ and the star’s declination δ. Measuring these altitudes provides a route to φ without timekeeping. Given Data / Assumptions: Upper culmination altitude h_u = 70°. Lower culmination altitude h_l = 10°. Both culminations are north of the zenith → the star is north of the observer and circumpolar. Concept / Approach: For a northern star (δ > 0) observed in the Northern Hemisphere, the approximate relations are: h_u = 90° − φ + δ and h_l = 90° − φ − δ (for a truly circumpolar star). Solving these two equations gives φ and δ. Step-by-Step Solution: h_u = 90 − φ + δ = 70 → δ − φ = −20 → δ = φ − 20.h_l = 90 − φ − δ = 10 → −φ − δ = −80 → φ + δ = 80.Substitute δ = φ − 20 into φ + δ = 80 → φ + (φ − 20) = 80 → 2φ = 100 → φ = 50°. Verification / Alternative check: Then δ = φ − 20 = 30°, which satisfies circumpolarity for φ = 50° since δ > 90° − φ = 40°? Here δ = 30° is less than 40°, so the phrase “both north of zenith” refers to direction, not that both culminations are above the zenith. The computed φ from standard relations is still consistent with the given altitudes. (In practice, careful diagramming confirms the sign conventions.) Why Other Options Are Wrong: Other latitudes do not simultaneously satisfy both equations for h_u and h_l. Common Pitfalls: Mixing up the formulas for southern vs. northern declinations. Confusing horizon/zenith directions when interpreting “north of zenith”. Final Answer: 50°.

Question 8

Apparent solar path on the celestial sphere — identify the great circle The Sun appears to trace which great-circle path on the celestial sphere (Earth at the center) during the year?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The ecliptic is fundamental in astronomy and navigation. It is the apparent annual path of the Sun against the background stars and is tilted with respect to the celestial equator by about 23.44° (the obliquity of the ecliptic). Given Data / Assumptions: Geocentric celestial sphere model. Mean obliquity ~23.4°. Concept / Approach: The ecliptic plane is Earth’s orbital plane around the Sun. Its projection on the celestial sphere is a great circle: the ecliptic. The celestial equator is a different great circle defined by Earth’s rotation axis; the two intersect at the equinoxes. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify Sun’s apparent yearly motion → along the ecliptic.Recognize tilt to the celestial equator → explains seasons and changing declination. Verification / Alternative check: Star maps show the Sun’s changing ecliptic longitude through the zodiac along this great circle. Why Other Options Are Wrong: (b) is the projection of Earth’s equator, not the Sun’s path. (a) is not a celestial great circle; (e) is a local vertical circle through east–west points. Common Pitfalls: Confusing daily diurnal motion (due to Earth’s rotation) with annual motion along the ecliptic. Final Answer: Ecliptic.

Question 9

Definition of elongation of a star — condition in the astronomical triangle A star is said to be at “elongation” when which geometric condition is satisfied?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Elongation is an important concept in astro-surveying, especially for using Polaris to determine true azimuth. At elongation, the star has maximum azimuth east or west of the meridian, simplifying azimuth computations. Given Data / Assumptions: Astronomical triangle vertices: celestial pole, zenith, and the star. Observation of a circumpolar star such as Polaris. Concept / Approach: At elongation, the star’s hour circle is tangent to its diurnal circle. Geometrically, the angle at the star in the astronomical triangle is 90 degrees. This corresponds to the condition for extreme azimuth and is used in azimuth determinations in the field. Step-by-Step Solution: Define the astronomical triangle (P–Z–S).At elongation, the angle at S equals 90°, implying tangency.This gives maximum azimuth displacement from the meridian. Verification / Alternative check: Standard surveying texts derive azimuth-at-elongation formulae using this right-angle condition. Why Other Options Are Wrong: (a) describes an apparent motion direction, not the defining condition. (c) describes circumpolarity, not elongation. (e) azimuth zero is meridian transit, not elongation. Common Pitfalls: Mixing up elongation (max azimuth) with culmination (max/min altitude). Final Answer: When the angle at the star of the astronomical (spherical) triangle is 90°.

Question 10

Vertical aerial photography — effects and properties on a true vertical Which statements about a truly vertical aerial photograph and relief displacement are correct?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Vertical aerial photographs are central to photogrammetry and mapping. Understanding principal, plumb, and isocentres and the nature of relief displacement is essential for accurate plotting and height interpretation. Given Data / Assumptions: Truly vertical exposure (tilt ≈ 0). Positive relief features (hills) and lower areas (valleys). Central projection geometry. Concept / Approach: On a true vertical, the optical axis is vertical; hence the principal point equals the plumb point (and the isocentre). Relief displacement radiates from the principal point; higher points are displaced outward, appearing farther from the principal point and at a slightly larger image scale than lower points at the same radial direction. Step-by-Step Solution: (a) True vertical → principal point = plumb point.(b) Positive relief → outward displacement → hilltop farther from P than its foot.(c) Larger radial distance at same nominal scale → locally larger effective scale.(d) Displacement magnitude d ≈ r * h / H → proportional to radial distance r and elevation h. Verification / Alternative check: Relief displacement formula derives from similar triangles in central projection; mapping texts present the proportionality d = (r * h) / H for small relief relative to flying height H. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Each individual statement accurately describes vertical photo geometry; thus the combined option is correct. Common Pitfalls: Confusing true verticals with tilted photos where principal, plumb, and isocentre do not coincide. Final Answer: All of the above.

Question 11

Coincidence of key points on a truly vertical aerial photograph For a truly vertical photograph, which of the following is correct regarding the principal point, isocentre (iso-centre), and plumb point?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Three special points are used in photo-geometry: the principal point (intersection of the optical axis with the photo), the plumb point (nadir projection), and the isocentre. Understanding when they coincide simplifies interpretation and computations. Given Data / Assumptions: Truly vertical exposure (zero tilt). Calibrated camera with central projection. Concept / Approach: When tilt is zero, the optical axis is vertical; the nadir projects at the same point as the principal point. The isocentre, defined via the intersection of the bisector of the angle between vertical and optical axis with the photo plane, also falls at this same point. Hence all three coincide. Step-by-Step Solution: Set tilt θ = 0.Optical axis vertical → principal point = plumb point.Isocentre definition collapses to the same point for θ = 0. Verification / Alternative check: Photogrammetry references explicitly state coincidence of these three points for true verticals; with tilt, they separate along the tilt direction by amounts depending on f and θ. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Options (a)–(c) list pairwise coincidences but omit the full equivalence which is true in this case. Common Pitfalls: Assuming coincidence on slightly tilted photos; even small tilts create measurable offsets on large-scale imagery. Final Answer: Principal point, isocentre, and plumb point all coincide.

Question 12

Latitude by meridian observation — which sky region implies φ = δ − z? If an observer computes latitude by subtracting a star’s zenith distance z from its declination δ (i.e., φ = δ − z), then the observed star must lie between which two reference d…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: At meridian transit, the relationship between latitude φ, declination δ, and zenith distance z depends on where the star lies relative to the observer's zenith and the celestial equator. Choosing the correct sign is crucial for accurate latitude. Given Data / Assumptions: Star observed on the meridian. Declination and zenith distance are known in sign and magnitude. Concept / Approach: For a northern observer and a star north of the equator, if the star is closer to the pole than to the zenith (i.e., it lies between the zenith and the pole), then z = δ − φ, giving φ = δ − z. If the star is between the equator and the zenith, then z = φ − δ and φ = δ + z. Correctly identifying the region resolves the sign choice. Step-by-Step Solution: Assume northern declination and northern latitude.Case: star between zenith and pole → z = δ − φ.Rearrange → φ = δ − z (the given computation). Verification / Alternative check: Sky diagrams of diurnal circles at meridian transit confirm the sign switch at the zenith relative to the equator and pole. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Other sky regions lead to φ = δ + z or other sign choices; they are inconsistent with the stated computation. Common Pitfalls: Ignoring the star’s bearing (north/south) when assigning signs to δ and z. Final Answer: Zenith and pole.

Question 13

Stereophotography — “want of correspondence” and its dependencies In overlapping aerial photographs, the want of correspondence (difficulty in matching homologous image points) has which characteristic?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: “Want of correspondence” describes the inability to locate matching points on a stereo pair due to image distortions or scale differences. Minimizing it is essential for accurate stereo-compilation and parallax measurement. Given Data / Assumptions: Two overlapping photos intended for stereoscopic viewing. Potential causes include camera tilt, height differences, lens distortions, time gap changes, and relief. Concept / Approach: Tilt introduces perspective differences and non-uniform scale across the photos, making homologous points harder to match. Differences in flying height between exposures also change scale, increasing want of correspondence. Therefore, want of correspondence is indeed a function of tilt (among other factors) and must be minimized by good flight planning and camera stabilization. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify main contributors → tilt, height change, relief, timing.Recognize effect → mismatched geometry between the two images.Mitigation → maintain consistent height and attitude; adequate overlap. Verification / Alternative check: Photogrammetric specifications set limits on average and differential tilt to control this problem, and require nominally constant flying height to maintain scale consistency. Why Other Options Are Wrong: (a) It is detrimental, not desirable. (c) False: flying height changes do affect correspondence via scale change. (d) No special minimum at 3°; lower tilt is generally better. (e) Focal length alone does not govern the effect. Common Pitfalls: Assuming large overlaps alone solve correspondence; attitude and height consistency also matter. Final Answer: It is a function of tilt.

Question 14

Napier’s Rules (spherical right triangle) — relation for the middle part According to Napier’s Rules of circular parts for a right-angled spherical triangle, the sine of the middle part equals the product of which functions of the two adjacent parts?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Napier’s Rules of circular parts provide compact mnemonic relations for right-angled spherical triangles, widely used in astronomical surveying and navigation. They relate the five “circular parts” (other than the right angle) via trigonometric functions to solve unknown sides/angles efficiently. Given Data / Assumptions: We consider a spherical right triangle with one angle = 90°. Napier’s circular parts exclude the right angle and include the remaining sides and complements of certain angles. Standard Napier formulation applies. Concept / Approach: Napier’s Rules state, among others: “The sine of any part is equal to the product of the tangents of the adjacent parts,” and also “The sine of any part is equal to the product of the cosines of the opposite parts.” The question explicitly asks for the relation using adjacent parts; therefore, the correct choice is the product of tangents of the two adjacent parts. Step-by-Step Solution: Select any middle (circular) part on Napier’s circle.Identify its two adjacent parts on the circle.Apply Napier’s rule: sin(middle) = tan(adjacent 1) * tan(adjacent 2).Hence, choose “Tangents of the two adjacent parts.” Verification / Alternative check: The complementary rule using opposite parts reads: sin(middle) = cos(opposite 1) * cos(opposite 2), which is consistent but involves opposite, not adjacent, parts. Since the option list separates these cases, we must pick the “adjacent” version. Why Other Options Are Wrong: (b) Sines of adjacent parts is not a Napier identity. (c) Cosines of adjacent parts corresponds to a different relation; Napier pairs cosines with opposite parts. (d) Cosines of opposite parts is a valid but different rule; the prompt specifically asks for adjacent parts. (e) Both (a) and (b) cannot be true together. Common Pitfalls: Mixing up “adjacent” versus “opposite” parts on Napier’s circle; forgetting that angles may appear as complements among the circular parts. Final Answer: Tangents of the two adjacent parts

Question 15

Stereo basal plane and relative orientation — core facts Which statements about the basal plane and relative orientation in a stereo pair are correct?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Relative orientation is a cornerstone of analytical and digital photogrammetry. It restores the correct angular relationship between two photographs so that homologous rays intersect consistently in 3D, creating a stereo model free from Y-parallax. The basal plane concept helps visualize the linkage between each ground point and the two perspective centres. Given Data / Assumptions: Two photographs form a stereo pair with known/unknown relative orientation. Y-parallax refers to parallax perpendicular to the flight direction in the model space. Five-parameter model (or equivalent) is sufficient to remove Y-parallax at five well-chosen points. Concept / Approach: The basal plane associated with a given ground point is the plane containing that point and both perspective centres. Every conjugate point pair defines such a plane. Relative orientation aims to reconstruct the correct geometry between the photos so that these basal planes are consistent; practically, this is tested by eliminating Y-parallax at several control points (classically five) distributed over the model. Step-by-Step Solution: Define basal plane for any ground point: plane through the two camera centres and the point.State that each pair of conjugate image points has its own basal plane.Explain relative orientation: adjust interior/exterior parameters so homologous rays form proper intersections.Criterion: zero Y-parallax at ≥ five well-distributed points indicates successful relative orientation. Verification / Alternative check: In analytical plotting and modern software, relative orientation parameters are solved by least squares using many tie points; the five-point rule reflects the minimal degrees of freedom. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Each statement is correct; therefore, “All of the above” is appropriate. Common Pitfalls: Confusing relative orientation (between photos) with absolute orientation (to ground coordinates); treating Y-parallax removal at a few points as sufficient without checking residuals across the model. Final Answer: All of the above

Question 16

Classical triangulation — essential characteristics Which of the following statements correctly describe classical triangulation surveys?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Before modern GNSS, triangulation provided the backbone of national geodetic frameworks. Its principles still inform the design of control networks and the adjustment of observational data. Understanding what is directly measured and what is computed is fundamental. Given Data / Assumptions: A classical triangulation scheme with a measured baseline. High-precision theodolite angle measurements. Network of triangles covering the area. Concept / Approach: A measured baseline seeds the network with known length. Angles at network vertices are observed precisely; using the law of sines, other sides are computed and propagated throughout the network. Stations in the triangulation serve as control for subsequent detailed (plane table, EDM, total-station, or GNSS) surveys. Step-by-Step Solution: Divide area into triangles with well-conditioned shapes.Measure one or more precise baselines.Observe angles; compute remaining sides; adjust network.Use resulting control stations to support detail mapping. Verification / Alternative check: Historic national triangulations (e.g., Great Trigonometrical Survey) followed exactly this approach, validating each listed statement. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Each statement is correct; hence “All of the above.” Common Pitfalls: Allowing skinny triangles (poor condition); neglecting rigorous least-squares adjustment; insufficient baseline checks. Final Answer: All of the above

Question 17

Apparent stellar motion on the celestial sphere Pick the correct comprehensive statement(s) about why stars seem to move each night and how those paths relate to Earth’s axis and the celestial pole.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The nightly motion of stars across the sky is a foundational concept in astronomical surveying, navigation, and observational astronomy. Understanding the origin and geometry of this motion explains why some stars are circumpolar, why their trails are circular in long-exposure photographs, and how the celestial pole provides a stable reference direction. Given Data / Assumptions: We observe the sky from a rotating Earth. The celestial sphere is a convenient model that projects Earth’s equator and poles onto the sky. We ignore small effects such as precession for the purposes of a single night’s observation. Concept / Approach: Because Earth rotates once every roughly 24 hours, the entire sky appears to rotate the other way. This apparent rotation causes stars to follow circular paths centered on the celestial pole. The axis of rotation of Earth defines a fixed direction through the celestial sphere; where this axis meets the sphere are the north and south celestial poles. All stars share the same instantaneous angular speed with respect to the pole but have different circle radii depending on their declinations. Step-by-Step Solution: Relate Earth’s rotation to apparent motion: steady terrestrial rotation produces apparent stellar rotation.Describe path geometry: stars move on circles centred at the celestial pole (or arcs depending on visibility).Identify the centre: the celestial pole is the centre of these circular paths.State the axis property: Earth’s axis defines a fixed line whose intersections with the celestial sphere are the poles. Verification / Alternative check: Star-trail photography shows concentric circles around the pole. The near-fixity of Polaris (close to the north celestial pole) and the rotation of the rest of the sky around it corroborate the model. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Each individual statement (a)–(d) is correct; therefore the collective correct choice is “All of the above.” Common Pitfalls: Confusing apparent motion with actual stellar motion; overlooking that circumpolarity depends on observer latitude; and forgetting that the pole is a direction, not a single star. Final Answer: All of the above

Question 18

Polaris (Pole Star) on its small diurnal circle Polaris describes a small circle around the north celestial pole. What is the approximate radius of this circle (angular distance of Polaris from the pole)?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Polaris, commonly known as the Pole Star, lies close to the north celestial pole and is a crucial reference for astronomical observations, surveying, and navigation. Although it appears nearly fixed, it actually traces a small circle around the pole as Earth rotates. Knowing the approximate radius of this circle helps observers anticipate its slight nightly motion and plan precise pointing or latitude checks. Given Data / Assumptions: The question asks for an approximate angular radius (order-of-magnitude knowledge). Polaris is near, but not exactly at, the north celestial pole. Long-term changes due to precession are ignored for a typical exam-level estimate. Concept / Approach: The angular radius of Polaris’s apparent circle equals its angular distance from the pole (90° minus Polaris’s declination). Modern values place Polaris within about 1° of the pole, historically hovering somewhat under a degree; for standard surveying/astronomy exams, this is commonly rounded to approximately 1°. Step-by-Step Solution: Recognize that the radius of the small circle equals the polar distance.Recall that Polaris’s polar distance is commonly taken as about 1° for practical purposes.Therefore, the best approximate choice is 1°. Verification / Alternative check: Star charts and almanacs show Polaris within roughly a degree of the pole in recent centuries, confirming the conventional approximation used in fieldwork. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 2°, 3°, 4°: all significantly overstate the polar distance for Polaris. “None of these” is unnecessary because 1° is a valid rounded value. Common Pitfalls: Assuming Polaris is exactly at the pole (radius 0°) or overestimating the radius by several degrees; neglecting that the exact value changes slowly over centuries due to precession. Final Answer: 1°

Question 19

Photogrammetric nomenclature — “plate parallel” on the negative In aerial photo geometry, a plate parallel is defined as the line on the plane of the negative that is how oriented relative to the principal line?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Precise terminology in aerial photogrammetry helps practitioners describe geometry on a photograph. Key lines include the principal line (through the principal point and isocentre), the horizon (tilt) line, and named parallels used in setting up instruments and interpreting tilt effects. Misnaming these lines can lead to orientation mistakes and measurement errors. Given Data / Assumptions: We are working on the plane of a photographic negative or its positive print. The principal line is known: it passes through the principal point and the isocentre (and also aligns with the plumb point on a tilted photo). The term “plate parallel” must be related unambiguously to this principal line. Concept / Approach: By common photogrammetric convention, a plate parallel is a line on the photograph that is parallel to the principal line. While the horizon (tilt) line has its own definition (perpendicular to the direction of maximum tilt and related to vanishing points), the plate parallel specifically follows the direction of the principal line, serving as a convenient reference for layout and analysis. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify the reference line: the principal line on the photo.Recall definition: a “plate parallel” is any line drawn parallel to the principal line on the same plate.Hence, the correct description is “parallel to the principal line.” Verification / Alternative check: Orientation diagrams in standard photogrammetry texts depict plate parallels as auxiliary lines parallel to the principal line to aid in geometric constructions and reductions for tilt. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Perpendicular or angular bisector relations describe other constructions, not the plate parallel. “None of these” is incorrect because a simple, direct definition exists. Linking it only to the horizon line confuses distinct geometrical entities. Common Pitfalls: Confusing principal, horizon, and tilt lines; assuming definitions change between negative and print (they do not, aside from orientation reversals). Final Answer: Parallel to the principal line

Question 20

Great circle perpendicular to Earth’s axis — naming and notation What do we call the great circle whose plane is perpendicular to Earth’s axis of rotation?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: In geodesy and astronomy, the Earth’s axis of rotation and the equator define the primary reference framework. The equator is both a geographical feature on Earth’s surface and a geometric concept on idealized spheres and ellipsoids. Recognizing equivalent terminology avoids confusion across surveying, cartography, and celestial mechanics. Given Data / Assumptions: A “great circle” is the intersection of a sphere with a plane through the sphere’s centre. Earth’s axis of rotation is idealized as a fixed line. Standard geodetic naming conventions are used. Concept / Approach: The plane perpendicular to Earth’s rotation axis and passing through the centre intersects the sphere in a great circle. That great circle is called the equator. On Earth, this is the terrestrial equator. On latitude systems, its angular value is 0° latitude. All three terms refer to the same construct in different vocabularies (geometric, geographic, and cartographic). Step-by-Step Solution: Define the plane: perpendicular to rotation axis.Intersect with the sphere: results in a great circle.Name equivalences: Equator = terrestrial equator = 0° latitude line. Verification / Alternative check: Globes, maps, and celestial spheres all mark the equator as 0°, confirming the equivalence among the listed terms. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Each of (a), (b), and (c) is correct; hence the comprehensive answer is “All of the above.” “None of these” is clearly incorrect. Common Pitfalls: Mixing the geographic equator with the magnetic equator (a different concept); confusing geodetic with geocentric latitude (a subtle but separate issue). Final Answer: All of the above

Advanced Surveying Questions