Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Practice Exam

Which error is generally unpredictable and can occur in varying degrees in measurements?

1. Systematic error

2. Human error

3. Random error

4. Instrument error

The correct answer is: Random error

The choice of random error is appropriate because it is, by definition, an error that arises from unpredictable fluctuations in measurement processes. Unlike systematic errors, which are consistent and can often be corrected once identified, random errors vary in magnitude and direction, making them inherently unpredictable. They can arise from a multitude of factors including environmental conditions, measurement instrument limitations, and inherent variability in the measurement process. Random errors typically follow a statistical distribution, meaning their effects can be analyzed and, to some extent, mitigated through repeated measurements and statistical techniques. This variability is a key distinguishing factor, as it leads to different results each time a measurement is taken, even under seemingly identical conditions. In contrast, systematic errors are predictable and consistent biases that influence measurements in a specific, often correctable, way. Human error pertains specifically to mistakes made by the operator, which can also be avoidable through careful procedure. Instrument error refers to inaccuracies that stem from the measurement tools themselves, which may also be systematic in nature or can be calibrated.