The hook
A perfect survey poorly communicated is a worthless survey. The exam tests written, oral, and graphical communication: client letters, plat notes, site meetings, conflict resolution. Surveyors who can write get hired; those who can\'t stay in the field.
Memorize these
Concepts that show up on the exam
Written communication
Letters of transmittal, plat notes, professional reports. Formal, dated, archived. The standard for high-stakes communication.
Oral communication
Site meetings, phone calls, depositions. Document with follow-up emails or memos to create a written record.
Graphical communication
The survey itself — drawings, plats, sketches. The surveyor's primary deliverable; must communicate without the surveyor present.
Conflict resolution
Boundary disputes between neighbors are common. Surveyors mediate by presenting evidence neutrally, not by advocating for one party.
Plain language
Technical accuracy + readable by non-experts. "The boundary follows the original 1880 fence line that has been treated as the boundary by all parties for over 100 years" is better than a sentence full of latin.
Don't fall for these
What trips people up
Writing in passive voice / jargon
"It was determined that the boundary may have been ambiguous" obscures responsibility. "I determined the boundary is ambiguous" is clearer and more defensible.
Not putting the surveyor's opinion on the plat
If the surveyor disagrees with a prior survey or has a boundary opinion, it goes ON THE PLAT as a note. Burying it in the file means no one reads it.
Test yourself
How well did it stick?
A quick 5-question check on Communication. See where you stand and what to review.