Affiliate Broker Tennessee (TN PSI) National Practice Exam `

Datums and benchmarks are primarily used for what purpose?

1. Measuring elevations.

2. Calculating property boundaries.

3. Establishing property values.

4. Creating zoning regulations.

The correct answer is: Measuring elevations.

Datums and benchmarks play a critical role in surveying and civil engineering, primarily for measuring elevations. A datum is a reference point or surface from which measurements are made, often used in mapping and elevation work. Benchmarks, which are fixed points with known elevation, provide surveyors with a reliable method to ensure that measurements of land features are accurate relative to sea level or another established reference point. This accuracy is essential in various applications, such as construction projects, floodplain management, and determining land use compatibility. While other options refer to important aspects of property assessment and regulation, they do not relate directly to the primary functions of datums and benchmarks. Calculating property boundaries typically involves different surveying techniques that may or may not directly engage elevation data, and establishing property values or creating zoning regulations involves a broader scope of market considerations and urban planning, which is distinct from the technical measurements provided by datums and benchmarks.