cave survey error
When surveying a cave, stations are set and measurements are taken between those stations. If we assume the stations are clearly and precisely marked (they often are not), and we ignore factors such as seismic activity and geologic-scale changes to the cave, then we can assume there is a “true” value for the locations of these stations, and therefore true values for the measurements of distance, azimuth and inclination between them. Cave surveyors use various instruments such as fiberglass tapes, laser rangefinders, sighting instruments, or Disto-Xs to take these measurements. The measurements are usually close approximations of the true values, but there is almost always some error (the difference between the measured value and the true value). There are different categories of error, and some types are expected and acceptable; whereas other types can result in unacceptably inaccurate maps. It’s good to have an understanding of error and know how to manage it.
types of cave survey error
Random.
Systematic.
Special Cause (Blunder).