Surveying Questions and Answers - Prismatic Compass

1. Prismatic compass is an instrument for measuring angles.
a) True
b) False

Answer: b
Explanation: Prismatic compass is an instrument used for the direct measurement of direction. Instruments for measurement of angles are sextant and theodolite.

2. Which of the following is the most convenient and portable instrument for direct measurement of directions?
a) Prismatic compass
b) Surveyor’s compass
c) Theodolite
d) Sextant

Answer: a
Explanation: Prismatic compass is the most convenient and portable form of a magnetic compass which can either be used as a hand instrument or can be fitted on a tripod.

3. Which of the following is not a part of the prismatic compass?
a) Agate cap
b) Prism cap
c) Brake pin
d) Jewel bearing

Answer: d
Explanation: Prism cap, prism, brake pin, spring brake, pivot, agate cap etc are parts of the prismatic compass. Jewel bearing is one of the parts of surveyor’s compass.

4. In prismatic compass needle is of edge bar type.
a) True
b) False

Answer: b
Explanation: The needle is of broad needle type and the needle doesn’t act as an index in case of a prismatic compass. Edge bar type of needle is in surveyor’s compass.

5. In which of the following compass needle does not act as an index?
a) Prismatic compass
b) Surveyor’s compass
c) Theodolite
d) Sextant

Answer: a
Explanation: In the case of prismatic compass needle does not act as an index. In the case of surveyors, compass needle acts as an index.

6. In which of the following compass graduated card ring is attached with the needle?
a) Prismatic compass
b) Surveyor’s compass
c) Theodolite
d) Sextant

Answer: a
Explanation: The graduated card ring is attached with the needle in case of a prismatic compass. In the case of surveyor’s compass, the graduated card is attached to the box and not to the needle.

7. Which of the following instruments can be used without a tripod?
a) Prismatic compass
b) Surveyor’s compass
c) Theodolite
d) Sextant

Answer: a
Explanation: Prismatic compass is the most convenient and portable form of a magnetic compass which can either be used as a hand instrument or can be fitted on a tripod.

8. In prismatic compass, graduations are in W.C.B system.
a) True
b) False

Answer: a
Explanation: In prismatic compass, graduations are in W.C.B system, having 0° to south end, 90° at west, 180° at north and 270° at east. The graduations are engraved inverted.

9. In which of the following compass graduations are engraved inverted?
a) Prismatic compass
b) Surveyor’s compass
c) Theodolite
d) Sextant

Answer: a
Explanation: In case of prismatic compass graduations are engraved inverted. In case of surveyor’s compass graduations are engraved erect.

10. In which of the following compass sighting and reading taking can be done simultaneously from one position of the observer?
a) Prismatic compass
b) Surveyor’s compass
c) Theodolite
d) Sextant

Answer: a
Explanation: In case of a prismatic compass, reading is taken with the help of prism provided at the eye slit. Sighting and reading taking can be done simultaneously from one position of the observer.