Colorado Land Surveyor Practice Exam

What defines the origin of coordinates in the Colorado coordinate system of 1983 central zone?

1. The intersection of specific latitude and longitude

2. A unique point identified by a surveyor

3. The intersection of the meridian and parallel defined in the system

4. The geographic center of Colorado

The correct answer is: The intersection of the meridian and parallel defined in the system

In the Colorado coordinate system of 1983, the origin of coordinates is defined by the intersection of the meridian and parallel that are established within the system. The Colorado coordinate system is based on a series of zones, with each zone having its own specific meridian and latitude used to create a grid for mapping and surveying. These specific lines of latitude and longitude overlap to create a point that serves as the reference for all location measurements in that particular zone. By using the intersection of the designated meridian and parallel, the system provides a standardized method for identifying locations, ensuring consistency across surveys and maps within the region. This method is crucial for land surveying, engineering, and planning, as it allows professionals to communicate precise locations clearly and uniformly. The other potential answers do not accurately represent the defined origin in the Colorado coordinate system. The unique point identified by a surveyor implies a level of subjectivity and is not a standardized reference. Similarly, the geographic center of Colorado does not serve as a functional origin for coordinate measurement in this system, as it does not correspond to the defined meridian and parallel intersection. Lastly, simply stating the intersection of specific latitude and longitude lacks the specificity needed to correctly describe the defined origin in this coordinate framework.