For a second-order, class I geodetic control network, station spacing in traverse should not be less than:

• A. 4.00 km
• B. 3.00 km
• C. 5.00 km
• D. 6.00 km

Answer: (A)

In a geodetic traverse, the geometry of the network and how measurement errors propagate depend on how far apart the stations are. For a second-order, class I geodetic control network, the leg lengths must be long enough to keep the network well-conditioned so that the errors in angles and distances don't become overly correlated and the coordinates can be estimated with the required precision. If stations are placed too close together, the geometric strength of the network weakens and the impact of measurement errors on the final coordinates grows, making the adjustment less reliable. A practical minimum spacing of four kilometres provides a balance: the legs are long enough to achieve the desired accuracy with typical instruments while maintaining sufficient redundancy and geometric strength. Therefore, four kilometres is the appropriate minimum spacing.