Problem of the Week: Surveying Mathematics Problems: Unit Definitions and Conversions

A property owner from overseas writes to a surveyor with instructions concerning a survey. One of the instructions says, "Please be certain that the property has at least 4 hectares." What is a hectare?

A. a large shade tree with gray bark
B. a type of concrete monument
C. a category of easements
D. a measure of area

Solution -
A hectare is a measure of land area in the metric system. The term is built on the word are, which is 100 m², with the prefix hect, which indicates multiplication by 100. There, a hectare is equal to 10,000 m², or 2.471 ac.

The answer is D.

This is problem 4 (1-1) from the NEW third edition of “Surveying Solved Problems for the FS and PS Exams” by Jan Van Sickle, PLS (formerly "1001 Solved Surveying Fundamentals Problems"). Reprinted with permission from “Surveying Solved Problems for the FS and PS Exams” by Jan Van Sickle, PLS (2008 Professional Publications Inc.). For details on this and other FLS exam-prep books, call 800/426-1178 or visit www.ppi2pass.com