Colorado Land Surveyor Practice Exam

What is an Aliquot Corner?

1. A specific type of property boundary

2. A corner created by subdividing land in the Public Land Survey System

3. A landmark for geological surveys

4. A measurement in historical land surveys

The correct answer is: A corner created by subdividing land in the Public Land Survey System

An aliquot corner refers specifically to a corner point established during the subdivision of land in the Public Land Survey System (PLSS). This system is used primarily in the United States to divide land into areas of equal size, known as aliquot parts, such as sections or quarter sections. Each section is typically one square mile, and these sections are further divided into quarters, creating additional corners that serve as important reference points in land surveying. Aliquot corners play a vital role in defining property boundaries and aiding in land descriptions. By establishing a systematic approach to land division, the PLSS facilitates landownership clarity, the determination of property lines, and helps avoid disputes related to boundaries. The other choices do not accurately capture the essence of an aliquot corner. For instance, while property boundaries are relevant in surveying, not all property boundaries correspond to aliquot corners. Geological surveys pertain to physical features of the land rather than land division, and measurements in historical land surveys do not specifically denote the designated corners established by the PLSS process. Thus, the definition associated with option B correctly outlines the purpose and function of an aliquot corner within land surveying.