American Land Title Association (ALTA) Practice Exam 2025 - Free ALTA Practice Questions and Study Guide

The correct answer highlights that ground dimensions must be shown on the survey unless specified otherwise. This requirement is crucial for accurately representing the physical layout of the property as it exists in reality. Ground dimensions provide a clear and tangible reference that can be easily understood and verified, ensuring that all stakeholders—including property owners, surveyors, and title companies—have an accurate depiction of property boundaries, improvements, and easements.

By adhering to this standard, surveyors facilitate a common understanding of property measurements, which is essential for legal documentation, potential disputes, and future development considerations. If no alternative reference is indicated, using ground dimensions establishes a consistent basis for comparison and evaluation, which aligns with industry best practices.

Other options would not meet the standardized expectations outlined by ALTA NSPS. The first option, which suggests exclusively using vertically referenced measurements, would not provide a complete picture of the property as it doesn't take into account the horizontal layout. Similarly, displaying adjustable dimensions based on context could lead to inconsistencies and confusion, as it would depend too heavily on subjective interpretations. Lastly, using unconventional references to the land's history would detract from providing a clear and immediately understandable representation of the property, which is essential in legal and transactional contexts.