Small-angle facts and error growth in traverses: Which of the following statements are correct regarding angular/linear relations and error propagation?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: All of the above

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Survey accuracy depends on both angular and linear measurements. Small-angle approximations and empirical error growth rules guide specifications, checking, and adjustment strategies in traversing and triangulation.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Using standard small-angle relations in radians.
  • Random errors assumed independent and unbiased.
  • Practical field conditions with conventional instruments.


Concept / Approach:
One radian equals about 57.3 degrees, hence 1 degree corresponds to ~1/57 rad. One arc-second equals about 1/206,265 rad, giving the 1:206,300 displacement ratio for small deflections. Random angular misclosures grow with sqrt(n) where n is the number of stations, while linear random errors tend to scale with total length measured, reflecting accumulation of many small unbiased contributions.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Translate degrees/seconds to radian-based displacement ratios.Relate random error accumulation to sqrt(n) growth (root-sum-square).Recognize linear error scaling with total measured length.Synthesize: each statement A–D is a standard rule of thumb; thus E is correct.


Verification / Alternative check:
Bowditch (compass) rule and least-squares theory corroborate sqrt(n) angular propagation and length-proportional linear behavior in typical field work.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Any single statement alone is incomplete; the bundle of all four best represents accepted surveying practice.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing systematic scale errors with random errors; mixing degree–radian conversions.


Final Answer:
All of the above

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