CST Level 1 Land Surveyor Certification Practice

What type of error is due to systematic factors such as instrument misalignment?

1. Accidental error

2. Random error

3. Systematic error

4. Measurement error

The correct answer is: Systematic error

Systematic errors occur due to consistent and repeatable inaccuracies that arise from flaws in the measurement system, such as instrument calibration issues or misalignment. In the context of surveying, if an instrument is not properly aligned, it will produce measurements that consistently deviate from the true values in a predictable manner. This means that every measurement taken under these conditions will reflect the same offset or bias, leading to systematic inaccuracies. Systematic errors can often be identified and corrected through calibration or adjustment of the equipment. In contrast, random errors are unpredictable variations that can arise from external factors, while measurement error is a broader term that encompasses both systematic and random errors. Accidental errors typically refer to human mistakes made during the measurement process. Understanding the nature of systematic errors is crucial for ensuring the precision and accuracy of surveying data.