Wyoming Real Estate Practice Exam

The correct term for a horizontal plane used to measure heights and depths is "datum." In the field of surveying and construction, a datum serves as a reference point from which measurements are taken, allowing for consistent and accurate elevation readings across various locations.

In practical terms, a datum can be thought of as a base level, generally referring to a specific height, such as sea level. This reference point is crucial for determining the verticality of structures, the grading of land, and the planning of drainage systems, among other applications. Understanding how to use a datum is fundamental for professionals in real estate, construction, and surveying, as it ensures that all measurements are relative to a known standard.

Baseline refers to a starting point used in surveying but does not specifically pertain to the measurement of vertical heights or depths. Elevation typically describes the height of an object or location relative to a specific level but does not denote the reference plane itself. Gradient denotes the rate of change in elevation over a distance, but it does not function as a measurement reference in the way that a datum does.