NICET - Highway Construction Inspection Practice Exam

Which tool is necessary to establish horizontal distances over sloping ground?

1. Spirit level

2. Plumb bob

3. Surveying tape

4. Transit

The correct answer is: Surveying tape

The necessity of using a surveying tape to establish horizontal distances over sloping ground stems from its design and intended function. Surveying tapes are specifically calibrated to measure distances accurately, and they can be handled in various orientations, making them suitable for uneven terrain or sloped surfaces. When using a surveying tape on a slope, the operator ensures the tape runs horizontally rather than following the slope, allowing for more accurate distance measurement between two points. In contrast, a spirit level is used to establish a level plane, a plumb bob helps determine vertical alignment but does not measure distance, and a transit assists in angular measurements and horizontal distance but may not always be practical for quick, direct distance measurement over slopes. Thus, the surveying tape is the most effective tool for directly establishing horizontal distances on sloping ground, as it guarantees that measurements are taken accurately between two points regardless of the elevation changes along the slope.