Chain surveying — the limiting (maximum) usable length of an offset does not depend on which of the following factors during field work and plotting?

Introduction / Context:
Offsets are short measurements taken at right angles (or with set squares/cross-staffs) from a chain line to locate details such as boundaries, buildings, or fence lines. The limiting length of an offset is the longest offset that can be measured and plotted without exceeding allowable positional error. Knowing what controls this limit is vital for planning chain lines and ensuring accurate plans.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Error tolerance is set by required accuracy for the work.
• Instrument/method used to set perpendiculars affects angular error.
• Chosen map scale of plotting converts ground errors to plan errors.

Concept / Approach:

The maximum offset length is governed by the combined effect of (1) scale (smaller scales permit less ground error for a given plan error), (2) desired accuracy, and (3) the angular accuracy of the method used to set perpendiculars (e.g., optical square vs. cross-staff). Whether a feature is definite or indefinite (e.g., a hedge line with fuzzy edges) influences how you identify the feature but does not mathematically limit the offset length dictated by precision and scale.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Surveying manuals tabulate limiting offset lengths as functions of scale and instrument used, confirming dependence on accuracy and method, not on feature definiteness.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Accuracy — directly sets allowable error, thus affects the limit.
Method of setting out perpendiculars — governs angular error, hence the limit.
Scale of plotting — converts ground error to plan error and thus controls the limit.

Common Pitfalls:

Letting indistinct features drive offset length instead of improving feature definition (e.g., by supplementary ties) within the proper offset limit.

Final Answer:

indefinite features to be surveyed