Accidental Errors in Surveying Measurements

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is an example of an accidental error in surveying?

A surveyor failing to account for the curvature of the Earth

A tapeman not applying consistent tension on the ends of a tape (correct)

A tape measure that has been stretched due to repeated use

A faulty theodolite with improperly aligned cross-hairs

Which type of error arises from limitations in the human senses of sight, touch, and hearing?

Instrumental errors

Natural errors

Systematic errors

Personal errors (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a source of natural errors in surveying?

Variations in humidity

Changes in temperature

Improperly adjusted instruments (correct)

Refraction of light

What type of error is caused by imperfections in the construction or manufacture of surveying instruments?

Instrumental errors Signup and view all the answers

What does the term "precision" refer to in the context of surveying measurements?

The degree of refinement and consistency with which a physical measurement is made Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of systematic errors in measurements?

They always have the same sign and magnitude under constant conditions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a source of systematic errors in surveying?

Failure of a tapeman to exert the correct amount of pull on the tape ends Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes mistakes from errors in measurements?

Mistakes are not classified as errors and are caused by human factors. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of error is also known as cumulative error?

Systematic Errors Signup and view all the answers

What causes accidental errors in surveying measurements?

Changes in field conditions. Signup and view all the answers

Why are mistakes and blunders not classified as errors in measurements?

They are usually so large in magnitude when compared to errors. Signup and view all the answers

How can systematic errors be mitigated in surveying measurements?

By employing proper techniques with surveying instruments. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of measurement?

Trigonometric measurements Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an accidental error?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a source of instrumental errors?

Incorrect reading of the instrument Signup and view all the answers

Systematic errors are caused by:

Known sources that affect the measurements in a consistent manner Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a way to minimize errors in surveying measurements?

Ignoring small errors that are within acceptable limits Signup and view all the answers

The most probable error in a set of measurements is calculated using:

The standard deviation of the measurements Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Types of Errors in Surveying

Accidental Errors: Caused by unpredictable factors, such as sudden weather changes or human mistakes during measurements.
Systematic Errors: Result from consistent flaws in measurement techniques or instruments, leading to biased results.
Instrumental Errors: Arise from imperfections or calibration issues in surveying tools and instruments.

Sources of Errors

Natural Errors: Environments factors like temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure affecting measurements are common sources.
Non-sources of Natural Errors: Items unrelated to environmental conditions or inherent equipment limitations are not considered natural errors.

Human Limitations

Errors resulting from human senses (sight, touch, hearing) can introduce limitations that lead to inaccuracies in measurements.

Precision and Accuracy

Precision: Refers to the consistency of repeated measurements, not necessarily their accuracy.
Accurate measurements can be precise, but not precise measurements are always accurate.

Mistakes vs. Errors

Mistakes and Blunders: Classified separately from errors, as they often stem from lack of knowledge or carelessness rather than inherent measurement flaws.

Cumulative Errors

Also known as systematic errors, these accumulate over multiple measurements, potentially leading to significant discrepancies.

Mitigation of Systematic Errors

To minimize systematic errors, techniques include calibration, regular equipment checks, and using advanced technology during surveys.

Measurement Types

Only specific forms of measurements are acknowledged in surveying; those not fitting recognized categories are not considered types.

Error Calculation

Most probable error in a set of measurements is calculated using statistical methods like standard deviation or error analysis techniques.

Best Practices

Implementing robust surveying practices and cross-verifying data can help reduce and manage errors effectively.

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Description

Learn about accidental errors in surveying measurements that are beyond the surveyor's control and persist even after eliminating mistakes and systematic errors. Explore examples such as incorrect application of force on tape ends during measurement.