What does the term "hiatus" refer to in the context of land surveying?

In the context of land surveying, the term "hiatus" is used to describe a gap or break between two surveys. This can occur when there is a discontinuity in the data collected, such as when one survey does not overlap with another or when there is a lack of sufficient data to connect two different surveying efforts. Recognizing a hiatus is crucial, as it can impact the interpretation of property boundaries, existing records, and the overall continuity of land measurements.

Understanding this concept helps surveyors identify potential issues that may arise when correlating different survey records, ensuring more precise and accurate results in land measurement and boundary determination. The other options, while related to surveying in different ways, do not accurately define the term "hiatus." Official documents pertain to the record-keeping aspect, methods for calculating land area focus on the techniques employed by surveyors, and survey equipment relates to the tools used in the surveying process.