FUNDAMENTALS OF SURVEYING

CHAPTER 2 Adjustments of Weighted Observations

Errors and Mistakes
1. Weights are inversely proportional to the square of the
Errors corresponding probable errors.
– are defined as the difference between the value and
the measured value of a quantity. K K K
W 1= 2
; W 2= 2 ;W 3= 2
E1 E2 E3
Mistakes
– are inaccuracies in measurements which occur
because some aspect of a surveying operation performed by the W 1 E21=W 2 E22=W 3 E 23
Engineer with carelessness, poor judgement and improper
2 2
execution. W 1 E 2 W 1 E3
= ; =
W 2 E 21 W 3 E21
Types of Errors:
1. Systematic Error
2. Accidental Error 2. The weights are also proportional to the number of
observations.
Sources of Errors
1. Instrumental Error 3. Errors are directly proportional to the square roots of
2. Natural Error distances.
3. Personal Error
SAMPLE PROBLEMS
Probability Problem 1
– is defined as the number of times something will The following data observed are the difference in between BM 1
probably occur over the range of possible occurrences. and BM2 by running a line of levels over four different routes.\
Route Diff. in Elevations Probable Error
1. Probable Error of a Single Observation: 1 340.22 ±02
2 340.30 ±04

√
3 340.26 ±06
E=0.6745
∑V2 4 340.32 ±08
n−1 a. What is the weight of route 2 assuming weight of route 1 is
equal to 1?
Where: b. Determine the most probable value of difference in elevation.
E = Probable Error c. If elevation of BM1 is 650.42 m, what is the elevation of BM2
∑V2 = sum of the squares of residuals assuming it is higher than BM1.
N = number of observations
Problem 2
2. Probable Error of the Mean: The following data shows the difference in elevation between A
and B.

√
Trial Diff. in Elev. No. of Measurements
Em =0.6745
∑ V2 1 520.14 m 1
n ( n−1 ) 2 520.20 m 3
3 520.18 m 6
E 4 520.24 m 8
Em =
√n a. Compute the probable weight of trial 3.
b. Determine the most probable diff. in elev.
3. Standard Deviation: c. Compute the elevation of B if elevation of A is 1000 with B
higher than A.

S . D .∨σ =
√ ∑V2
( n−1 )
Problem 3
From the measured values of distance AB, the following trials
were recorded.
4. Standard Error: Trials Distance
1 120.68
Standard Deviation 2 120.84
Standard Error= 3 120.76
√n 4 120.64
FUNDAMENTALS OF SURVEYING

a. Find the probable error. a. What is weight of route 3 assuming the weight of route 1 equal
b. find the standard deviation. to 1?
c. Find the standard error. b. What is the sum of the weighted observations?
b. What is the most probable value of the elevation?
Problem 4
Three independent lines of levels are run from BM 1 to BM2. Route Problem 9
A is 6 km long, route B is 4 km long, and route C is 8 km. By A baseline measured with an invar tape and with a steel tape as
route A, BM2 is 82.27 m above BM1 by route B, BM2 is 82.40 m follows:
above BM1 and by route C BM2 is 82.10 m above BM 1. The Invar Tape Steel Tape
elevation of BM1 is 86.42. 571. 185 571.193
a. Using the weighted mean values, what is the weight of route 571. 186 571.190
B? 571.179 571.185
b. What is the probable value of the weighted mean? 571.180 571.189
c. What is the elevation of BM2? 571.183 571.182
a. What is the most probable value on each set?
Problem 5 b. What are the probable errors under each set?
The observed angles of a triangle are as follows: A = 34020’36”, B c. What is the most probable value of the two sets?
= 49016’34” and C = 96022’41”. d. What is the most probable error of the general mean?
a. Determine the most probable value of angle C.
b. Determine the most probable value of angle A. Problem 10
c. Determine the most probable value of angle B. Three trials of the measured angle between two points x and y
were observed and the following data were recorded.
Problem 6 Trials Measured Angle Time
A mechanical engineer measures the distance of points A and B 1 40031’ 9:00:00
and the following values were recorded in a series of 2 40034’ 9:02:00
measurements. 3 40 36’
0
9:04:30
Trials No. of Measurements a. Find the probable error.
1 200.58 b. Find the standard deviation.
2 200.40 c. Find the standard error.
3 200.38
4 200.46 SEATWORK 2
a. Determine the average value. Direction: Answer the following problems neatly and
b. Determine the probable error of the mean.
systematically on a whole sheet of paper. Show all your
c. Determine the precision of the measurements.
solutions. Only your notes, calculator and allowed printed
Problem 7 instructional materials must be seen on your armchair. No
From the measured values of distance AB, the following trials cellphones and other devices allowed. No browsing or
were recorded: surfing the net to find answers to the problems online. Not
Trials Distance following instructions will constitute to a corresponding
1 120.68 deduction of your score and grade in the midterms and
2 120.84 finals.
3 120.76
4 120.64 Problem 1
a. Find the probable error. The weight of an angle is assumed to be proportional to the the
b. Find the standard deviation. number of times it has been repeated. Five angles in a five sided
c. Find the standard error. figure are measured with the following results:
Angle Observed Value No. of Repetitions
Problem 8 A 86015’20” 6
The following data are observed elevations of a point by running B 134044’35” 2
a line of levels over four different routes. C 75048’50” 2
ROUTE ELEVATION PROBABLE ERROR D 167002’05” 6
1 340.22 ±02 E 76 08’50”
0
4
2 340.30 ±04 a. Compute the adjusted value of angle D.
3 340.26 ±06 b. Compute the adjusted value of angle B.
4 340.32 ±08 c. Compute the adjusted value of angle E.
FUNDAMENTALS OF SURVEYING

Problem 2
The following interior angles of a triangle traverse were
measured with the same precision:
Angle Value (Degrees) No. of measurements
A 41 5
B 77 6
C 63 2
a. Determine the most probable value of angle A.
b. Determine the most probable value of angle B.
c. Determine the most probable value of angle C.

Problem 3
The following interior angles of a triangle traverse were
measured with the same precision:
Angle Value (Degrees) No. of measurements
A 39 3
B 65 4
C 75 2
a. Determine the most probable value of angle A.
b. Determine the most probable value of angle B.
c. Determine the most probable value of angle C.

Problem 4
The distance BC was measured 3 times and recorded as follows:
Trial Distance (meters)
1 141.60
2 141.80
3 141.70
a. Determine the probable error.
b. Determine the standard error.
c. Determine the precision of the measurements.

Problem 5
The observed interior angles of a triangle and their corresponding
number of times measured are as follows:
Angle No. of Measurement
A = 390 2
B = 650 3
C = 750 4
a. Find the probable value of angle A.
b. Find the probable value of angle B.
c. Find the probable value of angle C.