Colorado Land Surveyor Practice Exam

What defines a Lost Corner in surveying terms?

1. A corner that can be determined with reasonable doubt

2. A corner whose position cannot be determined beyond reasonable doubt

3. A corner with visible traces of the original markings

4. A corner that can be easily restored with existing records

The correct answer is: A corner whose position cannot be determined beyond reasonable doubt

In surveying, a Lost Corner refers to a boundary point whose position cannot be determined beyond reasonable doubt. This situation arises when the original corners established during a land survey are physically absent, and no clear evidence or markings remain to reliably establish their location. The critical aspect of a Lost Corner is the uncertainty surrounding its precise location, which distinguishes it from other corners that may be recoverable through some form of measurable evidence or existing records. The importance of recognizing a Lost Corner lies in the implications it has for property boundaries and legal ownership. Surveyors must often rely on previously established surveys, eyewitness accounts, and other circumstantial evidence in order to make a best guess about where that corner originally was, thereby working to resolve any ambiguities regarding property lines. The other choices, while they touch upon aspects of surveying, do not accurately capture the definition of a Lost Corner as they either imply some level of doubt in establishing its position or suggest that there are visible or recoverable markings, which contradicts the fundamental principle of what it means to be "lost." This distinction is essential for surveyors when assessing boundary disputes and determining land ownership.