Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Practice Exam

Interpreting a rod reading incorrectly, such as recording 6.05 instead of the correct value of 5.05, is classified as a blunder. This type of error typically occurs due to human mistakes, such as misreading the instrument, misrecording data, or miscalculating values during the surveying process. Blunders are often inconsistent and can significantly skew results, which is why they are treated separately from other types of errors.

In contrast, random errors are fluctuations that occur due to unpredictable variations, while systematic errors are consistent inaccuracies that arise from a flaw in the measurement system or method. One sigma error refers to statistical measures of dispersion rather than errors of observation. Thus, the misinterpretation of the rod reading as stated exemplifies a blunder, highlighting the importance of careful observation and verification in surveying practices.