The hook
Monuments are the physical record of survey decisions. Each state's board specifies acceptable monument types, marking requirements, and when monuments must be set. Pin & cap, concrete with brass disk, iron pipe, mag nail — each has its place.
Memorize these
Concepts that show up on the exam
Iron pin and cap
Standard monument: 1/2" or 5/8" rebar with a plastic or aluminum cap stamped with the surveyor's license number. Most common boundary corner monument.
Concrete monument
Concrete cylinder with embedded brass or aluminum disk stamped with surveyor info. Used for high-precision control or long-life corners.
Witness monument
A nearby permanent feature (tree blaze, fence corner, building corner) measured to the actual corner. Lets future surveyors find the corner if it's lost.
Magnetic nail / spike
Used in pavement where rebar would damage the pavement. Includes a washer and stamping; can be detected with a magnetic locator.
Cap markings
License number is mandatory in most states. Some require firm name, year set, type (CONTROL, CORNER, REFERENCE).
Setting standards
Most states require corners to be monumented within 6-12 months of the survey. Specific exemptions for utility easements, etc.
Test yourself
How well did it stick?
A quick 5-question check on Monumentation Standards. See where you stand and what to review.