Surveying and mapping

Question 1

What is accuracy in mapping?

Answer 1

Accuracy is the degree to which the result of a measurement conforms to the correct value or standard.

Question 2

How do you check that your instruments are accurate/calibrated?

Answer 2

Instruments are regularly checked against known standards.

Question 3

What is GIS?

Answer 3

Geographic Information System mapping, uses software to create, manage, analyse, and visualize data related to locations.

Question 4

What is HMLR Practice Guide 40: supplement 1?

Answer 4

Describes the origins and scales of Ordnance Survey mapping and how this relates to plans prepared by HM Land Registry.

Question 5

What is GPS?

Answer 5

Global Positioning System (GPS) is a network of satellites and receiving devices used to determine the location of something on Earth.

Question 6

What is a map?

Answer 6

A two-dimensional, symbolic representation of selected characteristics of a place.

Question 7

What are the main map scales used for HM Land Registry Plans?

Answer 7

1:1250, 1:2500.

Question 8

What is the application of the scale 1:1250?

Answer 8

Title Plan preparation.

Question 9

What is the Ordinance Survey?

Answer 9

A national mapping agency, responsible for creating, maintaining, and distributing detailed location information.

Question 10

What digital mapping software have you used?

Answer 10

Promap and QGIS.

Question 11

What are the advantages of using digital mapping?

Answer 11

Enhanced accuracy, real-time data integration, ease of access, and the ability to facilitate collaboration and spatial analysis.

Question 12

Where are OS maps generally used in your scope of work?

Answer 12

Grazing plans, RAMS plans, steading plans.

Question 13

Tell me about a type of map you use in your role.

Answer 13

OS Mastermap, OS Vector map.

Question 14

What is a red line plan?

Answer 14

A red line plan, in the context of planning applications, is a location plan that clearly outlines the boundaries of the site for which the application is made.

Question 15

What other colours might you find on a map?

Answer 15

Yellow.

Question 16

What is a title plan?

Answer 16

A graphical representation, based on Ordnance Survey mapping, that shows the boundaries and location of a property’s land as registered with the Land Registry.

Question 17

What is a raster map?

Answer 17

An electronic map image made up of a set number of pixels. You can’t manipulate the information.

Question 18

What is a vector map?

Answer 18

A map using geometric shapes (points, lines, and polygons) and mathematical equations, rather than pixels like raster maps.

Question 19

What is the OS MasterMap?

Answer 19

A national topographic database, maintained by Ordnance Survey, that provides detailed and accurate geographic information including features like buildings, roads, land use, and terrain.

Question 20

What is a topography layer?

Answer 20

The three-dimensional arrangement of physical attributes (such as shape, height, and depth) of a land surface.

Question 21

What is OS VectorMap Local?

Answer 21

Fences, building outlines, paths and street names, for the accurate lie of the land. A simple vector dataset at a nominal scale of 1:10000.

Question 22

Do OS Maps show legal boundaries?

Answer 22

No.

Question 23

Why is it important that maps are accurate?

Answer 23

The accuracy of measured surveys directly influences the success of construction projects, helping to avoid cost increases, project delays, and legal issues.

Question 24

Tell me briefly about your understanding of licensing in relation to mapping.

Answer 24

The creation and use of title plans are part of the Land Registry’s function and are not subject to any licensing or approval process.

Question 25

Explain the key principles of the RICS Professional Standard Boundaries 4th Edition.

Answer 25

Ethical conduct, competence, and good practice in boundary identification and dispute resolution, focusing on outcomes and promoting mediation.

Question 26

What RICS guidance relates to the measurement of land?

Answer 26

Measurement of Land for Planning and Development Purposes.

Question 27

Who should apply this guidance in practice?

Answer 27

RICS members, wherever feasible, carry out a physical inspection.

Question 28

What are the uses of aerial photography?

Answer 28

Land use, history of a site etc.

Question 29

What do you understand from the RICS Professional Standard Earth Observation and Aerial Surveys 6th Edition?

Answer 29

Provides guidance for land and environmental professionals on capturing data about the Earth's physical, chemical, and biological systems, including aerial surveys and earth observation techniques.

Question 30

How have you explained complex mapping issues to clients?

Answer 30

Clear communication about the importance of retaining access to the back of their property after splitting it, which included a cottage that could impact vehicle access.

Question 31

What advice did you give in respect of the LR compliant mapping?

Answer 31

The plan must be drawn accurately to a stated scale (1:1250, 1:2500), include a north point orientation, and show sufficient detail of surroundings. Talk through any anomalies identified from your inspection.

Question 32

What anomaly did you identify during your inspection?

Answer 32

The OS Mastermap line was inaccurate compared to physical reality but was not in conflict with other titles.

Question 33

How did your inspection inform the advice you gave?

Answer 33

Accurate measuring of physical reality.

Question 34

Describe one of the properties you mapped as part of the sale.

Answer 34

Nether Rusko - confirm with client extend of property to sale, including loting and servitude access to the steading

Question 35

What advice did you give regarding plans for splitting titles?

Answer 35

Be clear about implications and ensure the client has considered potential impacts to be satisfied with the new boundary between the titles and rights of way required.

Question 36

How did technology influence the advice provided?

Answer 36

Used peat rod to measure peat depth, planned route, and broke it into 50m x 50m grids using GPS to record measurement points. Exported GPS data to QGIS to create a peat map.

Question 37

What were the limitations of the technology?

Answer 37

The UK Forestry Standard generally prohibits new forests on soils with peat exceeding 50 cm in depth.

Question 38

What was the extent of the area measured that could not be planted?

Answer 38

25 acres that could not be planted.

Question 39

How did this impact the client's woodland planting objectives?

Answer 39

Reduced total planting area; advised that peat restoration options and funding could be looked into.

Question 40

What funding options were suggested for peat restoration?

Answer 40

Peatland ACTION funding such as ditch blocking.

Question 41

What does the OS Vectormap show?

Answer 41

Contours of landscape and water courses and sources, vital for creating RAMS maps.

Question 42

What is the buffer zone requirement within 50m of a spring?

Answer 42

Slurry cannot be spread within this zone.

Question 43

What is the proximity requirement for ditches, burns, rivers, lochs, or wetlands?

Answer 43

10m of any ditch, burn, river, loch or wetland.

Question 44

What slope gradient requires a buffer zone to protect the watercourse?

Answer 44

Steeply sloping land with slopes in excess of a 12° gradient (1 in 5).

Question 45

What soil condition is noted for RAMS maps?

Answer 45

Shallow soils with an average depth of less than 40cm and overlies gravel or fissured rock.

Question 46

What areas are excluded from RAMS maps due to management agreements?

Answer 46

Any areas with separate management agreements such as SSSI and agri-environment schemes.

Question 47

What types of land are noted as unsuitable for spreading?

Answer 47

Wooded land, steading areas, farm roads and yards.

Question 48

What key annual records must be kept for NVZ compliance?

Answer 48

RAMS Map, cropping details for each field, NMax calculation, dates and quantities of fertiliser applied, details of livestock, imports and exports of organic manure, calculation of storage capacity for slurry and poultry manure, location of field middens, inventory of manufactured fertilizer.

Question 49

What is the purpose of the 4-point plan?

Answer 49

Ensuring good agricultural practice.

Question 50

How should copyright be acknowledged when publishing maps?

Answer 50

“© Crown copyright and database rights “year” Ordnance Survey, where “year” is the current year.