What is meant by "observational error" in the context of surveying?

Observational error refers specifically to mistakes made by the surveyor or the surveying equipment while measurements are being taken. This can include human errors, such as misreading a measurement or misaligning instruments, thereby leading to inaccuracies in the recorded data. Equipment errors could involve calibration issues, malfunctioning instruments, or improper setup, which also affect the precision of the observations.

In the context of surveying, understanding observational error is crucial because it directly influences the reliability of the measurement results. Recognizing and minimizing these errors is essential for improving the accuracy of surveys and achieving dependable outcomes.

Other factors, such as environmental conditions or variations in the data collection method, may contribute to different types of errors, but they do not fall under the category of observational errors, which are primarily concerned with the immediate actions taken during the measurement process.

In summary, observational error captures the nuances of potential inaccuracies stemming from human or equipment-related mistakes during the actual measurement phase of surveying.