Which statement best defines a recoverable mark?

Which statement best defines a recoverable mark?

• A. They are naturally occurring landmarks that can be readily located on the terrain.
• B. They are always man-made monuments with a tablet.
• C. They are only used for aerial mapping.
• D. They are interchangeable with benchmarks.

Answer: (A)

Recoverable marks are features on the ground that a surveyor can locate again after leaving the area, so measurements can be tied back to a known reference. The description that they are naturally occurring landmarks that can be readily located on the terrain fits this purpose well, because it emphasizes re-finding a point in the field without needing a fixed marker. This idea relies on something you can reliably recognize on future visits, ensuring you can re-establish the position. Some recoverable marks can be man-made monuments, but they aren’t limited to those; they aren’t restricted to aerial mapping, and they aren’t the same as benchmarks, which provide precise elevations for leveling.