CST Level 1 Land Surveyor Certification Practice

Which of the following components is part of personal sources of error?

1. Poor temperature control

2. Improper instrument calibration

3. Reading tape incorrectly

4. Wind effects on measurements

The correct answer is: Reading tape incorrectly

Reading tape incorrectly is categorized as a personal source of error because it directly ties to the individual operator's actions and judgment during measurements. This error arises from the surveyor's ability to accurately interpret and read the measurements marked on the tape, which can be influenced by factors such as perception, focus, and experience. This type of error is less about the equipment's functioning and more about the human element involved in the surveying process. In contrast, poor temperature control relates to environmental conditions affecting the measuring process rather than the personal actions of the surveyor. Improper instrument calibration is also an issue of equipment accuracy and setup rather than personal oversight. Wind effects on measurements represent external environmental influences impacting the results, again not directly linked to the personal judgment or actions of the surveyor. Thus, these factors are not regarded as personal sources of error.