24 ESci 121m: Fundamentals of Surveying

Lesson 1.4: Most Probable Value

Challenge/Motivation
Measurements always contain an error; therefore, the true value cannot be
known, what value should we use then?

Learning Outcome
At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to calculate for the most
probable value of observations and their residuals.

Discussion
Most probable value can be computed when redundant observations are made.
Redundant observations are measurements in excess of the minimum needed
to determine a value. For example, a line can be measured one time to
determine its distance, but if the line has been measured more than once, those
measurement in excess are termed as redundant measurements.

M=
M (1)
n
Where,

M = Most Probable Value

 M = sum of observations
n = number of observations

Having the computed for the most probable value, we can also determine the
residuals. A residual is simply the difference between the most probable value
and each individual observation.

v = M −M (2)

Where,

v = residual
M = any individual observation

Example:

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Vision: A globally competitive university for science, technology, and environmental conservation. TP-IMD-02
Mission: Development of a highly competitive human resource, cutting-edge scientific knowledge V0 07-15-2020
and innovative technologies for sustainable communities and environment. No. CET.ESC
SLG20-08
 For instructional purposes only • 1st Semester SY 2020-2021 25

References

Ghilani, C., & Wolf, P. (2012). Introduction to Geomatics 13th Ed. New Jersey:
Pearson Education, Inc.
Kavanagh, B. F. (2015). Surveying with Construction Applications Seventh
Edition. New York: Prentice Hall.
S.K., R. (1999). Fundamentals of Surveying. New Delhi: Prentice Hall of India.

Page 25 of 55
Vision: A globally competitive university for science, technology, and environmental conservation. TP-IMD-02
Mission: Development of a highly competitive human resource, cutting-edge scientific knowledge V0 07-15-2020
and innovative technologies for sustainable communities and environment. No. CET.ESC
SLG20-08