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)

A recoverable mark is a feature in the field that can be located again later to re-establish a known position. Naturally occurring landmarks fit this idea well because, if they are distinctive and stable, surveyors can find them again on subsequent visits and use them as reference points without needing to carry or leave behind a new marker. They provide a reliable way to reconnect observations from different sessions.

This isn’t limited to man-made monuments with tablets, so that option is too narrow. It also isn’t restricted to aerial mapping—the concept applies to ground surveys as well. And while benchmarks are specific, precisely defined vertical references, a recoverable mark simply needs to be identifiable and locatable, not necessarily a benchmark with a known elevation.