Which of the following is a route survey used for alignment of linear features?

• A. Reconnaissance, preliminary survey and location survey for an alignment
• B. Boundary determination and land ownership mapping
• C. Aerial photography interpretation
• D. Construction staking of a city grid

Answer: (A)

Route survey is the process used to determine the path of linear projects such as roads, railways, or pipelines. It begins with reconnaissance to explore feasible corridors and identify major constraints, then uses a preliminary survey to compare options and develop an approximate alignment and right‑of‑way needs, followed by a location survey that fixes the exact alignment on the ground with precise control points. This sequence provides the data needed to design and construct the route while considering terrain, utilities, drainage, and property access. The other activities described aren’t route surveys: boundary determination maps property lines, aerial photography interpretation is a planning tool, and construction staking of a city grid lays out built structures rather than establishing a route alignment.