What does the term 'congruent' refer to?

The term 'congruent' is used in mathematics and geometry to refer specifically to figures or shapes that are identical in both size and shape. This means that if you were to overlay one congruent figure on another, they would perfectly match without any gaps or overlaps. This concept is particularly important in surveying and engineering, where precise measurements and the integrity of shapes are crucial. Understanding congruence helps surveyors ensure that their designs and constructions are accurately represented and executed, reflecting the precise dimensions necessary for their projects. This specificity distinguishes it from other options, which relate to different properties that do not involve the definitive notion of shape and size being identical.