Colorado Land Surveyor Practice Exam

What should be done if a monument has no cap?

1. Leave as is

2. Attach a proper durable metallic cap

3. Replace the monument

4. Mark the faulty monument for reference

The correct answer is: Attach a proper durable metallic cap

When a monument is missing a cap, attaching a proper durable metallic cap is the best practice. The purpose of the cap is to protect the top of the monument and provide a stable reference point for future surveys. A cap helps to prevent erosion or damage to the monument and aids in maintaining its position over time. Without a cap, the monument may become less reliable due to potential physical changes in the surrounding landscape or damage from environmental factors. A durable metallic cap ensures that other surveyors can easily identify the monument in the future, promoting consistency and accuracy in land surveying practices. Other options, such as leaving the monument as is, may lead to mishaps in future surveys where the monument could become unidentifiable or unusable. Replacing the monument entirely can be unnecessary and resource-intensive, while merely marking the faulty monument might not provide sufficient protection or guidance for its future use. By opting to attach a proper cap, one adheres to best practices in land surveying while also ensuring the longevity and usability of the reference point.