What does the surveying abbreviation "TP" stand for?

The abbreviation "TP" in surveying stands for "Turning Point." This term is used to refer to a temporary point in a leveling operation, where the instrument is repositioned after taking a reading from a benchmark. The turning point allows surveyors to maintain a continuous line of sight when measuring elevations over a distance, which is crucial for obtaining accurate levels in the field. Since it acts as a reference for the heights of all other points measured, it is essential for establishing precise topography.

Knowing the meaning of "TP" helps surveyors implement effective techniques for precise measurement and ensures that subsequent readings are reliable and informative. The other options, while they may seem plausible in a different context, do not hold the specific significance in surveying that "Turning Point" does, making it the correct choice.