NICET - Highway Construction Inspection Practice Exam

Which of the following is commonly used in plane surveying?

1. GPS device

2. Laser level

3. Digital level

4. Satellite imagery

The correct answer is: Laser level

In plane surveying, the use of a laser level is significant due to its ability to provide precise horizontal and vertical references over distances. A laser level projects a light beam that creates a perfectly straight line, allowing surveyors to determine levels and alignments with high accuracy. This instrument is particularly useful for establishing a clear reference point for construction projects, ensuring that structures are built level and in alignment with design specifications. While other options like GPS devices and digital levels are valuable in different surveying contexts, a laser level is specifically favored for plane surveying tasks because of its direct application in establishing flat surfaces and elevational differences over short to medium distances. Satellite imagery serves as a helpful tool for large-scale mapping and analysis, but it does not provide the immediate, localized precision that is often required in traditional plane surveying practices.