Tape correction is necessary to correct errors in survey tape measurements caused by various factors. Surveyors must note conditions and apply formulas to ensure accuracy and document corrections for future reference. Recalibration may be necessary, and documentation can help resolve any questions about accuracy.
Tape correction is applying a formula to tape measurements in the survey to iron out errors and produce accurate results. Survey tape manufacturers design durable products and test them extensively, but in the field, conditions are not controlled and a variety of problems can lead to errors. When a high degree of accuracy is critical to a project, tape correction formulas must be applied to correct these problems and return accurate relief results. These are noted in the documentation accompanying the survey for the benefit of anyone wishing to review the results.
A certain amount of tension must be maintained on the sensing tapes during use and they can sag if not supported in between, reading for a long time; a tape length of 10 units could, with a drawdown, generate a reading of 10 units when the distance is really 9.8 units, for example. Temperature, slope, and other site conditions can also affect the accuracy of the survey tape. Manufacturers test their products and develop certificates with error and tolerance information to facilitate tape correction.
In tape correction, the surveyor takes measurements, notes conditions, and then corrects any errors that may be present. This can be done by subtracting or adding to the measured distance to get a correct result. Tape correction is also necessary when tapes are spliced or repaired, as these activities can change the length of the tape and create problems with measurements. The surveyor can confirm the results with other measuring tools to make sure the finished survey is complete.
Survey tapes are made of very strong and durable materials with minimal contraction and expansion within a normal temperature range and some natural tension and stiffness to support them. These measurements reduce the risk of errors, but each tape may be slightly different and a surveyor may need to periodically recalibrate tapes for tape correction. A seemingly small error could become quite large in a complex project and could lead to inaccurate data that could come back to haunt the surveyor later.
Tape correction questions can be resolved by searching the survey reports. Surveyors take detailed notes on their field activities, including discussions of conditions, any corrections needed, and other issues. If a measurement appears inaccurate or appears to have a problem, the documentation can be examined to determine whether an error occurred on site or with the measurements not corrected appropriately.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
