Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Practice Exam

What is the area of the southeast quarter of the northeast quarter of the southwest quarter of a typical public land survey section?

1. 5 ac

2. 10 ac

3. 20 ac

4. 40 ac

The correct answer is: 10 ac

To determine the area of the southeast quarter of the northeast quarter of the southwest quarter of a typical public land survey section, one must understand how land is divided in public land surveys. A standard public land survey section is typically 640 acres, which represents a square mile (1 mile x 1 mile). Each section can be subdivided in a systematic way: 1. Each quarter of the section is 1/4 of the total section area. Therefore, the area of each quarter is: - 640 acres / 4 = 160 acres. 2. Each quarter can also be divided into smaller quarters. So, the northeast quarter would also be subdivided into two further quarters: - The southeast quarter of the northeast quarter = 1/4 of 160 acres = 40 acres. 3. However, since we are looking specifically for the southeast quarter of the northeast quarter of the southwest quarter, we need to first determine the area of the southwest quarter: - The southwest quarter is again 1/4 of the section, so it equals 160 acres. 4. Taking the northeast quarter of the southwest quarter means finding 1/4 of 160 acres, which is: - 160 acres / 4