Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Practice Exam

In surveying, which type of error is usually not detected during measurements?

1. Systematic error

2. Random error

3. Blunder

4. Percentage error

The correct answer is: Systematic error

In surveying, systematic errors are typically not detected during measurements because they consistently occur in the same direction and magnitude. These errors arise from flaws in the measuring instruments, environmental factors, or incorrect measurement techniques that remain constant throughout the survey process. Since they are predictable and repeatable, systematic errors can often go unnoticed unless a thorough analysis or calibration process is conducted to identify discrepancies. Unlike random errors, which fluctuate unpredictably and may cancel each other out over multiple measurements, systematic errors bias the entire set of data in a consistent manner. Blunders are typically large mistakes made during the measurement process and are usually easy to detect due to their significant impact on the results. Percentage error is a way to express the accuracy of a measurement but does not represent a type of error in the same way that the others do. Hence, systematic errors can persist undetected over time, which can lead to a cumulative impact on the survey results if not addressed.