DISCUSSION

1) Tachometry also has the same errors like weve done in traversing. There are four
specific sources of errors needed to be emphasized in tachometry observations. They
are staff readings and tilt of the pole or staff. Observer tends to make wrong
observation when observing the staff reading, they might misread the staff marking
scales and this brought to the crucial error along the booking process. Besides, the
tilting of the staff rod can influence the accuracy of the height readings taken from the
staff. When the staff is not truly vertical(90) or almost to it, the reading taken is
incorrect and lead to the failure of tachometry process.
2) Besides, the errors encountered during tachometry also can be derived from
instrumental errors. They are those caused by the adjustment of the instruments used
or faults in them. Any errors in these measurements have serious implications in the
heights and distances measured with the instruments. To avoid such errors, the
following points should be taken care of:
a) The tachometer should be in perfect adjustment for taking observation.
b) The altitude bubble should be at the centre of its run while reading the vertical
circle for angles. Any index error should be detected and eliminated or accounted
for.
c) The multiplying and additive constants of the instrument should be periodically
checked to see that they indeed have the values that are being used.
d) The stadia rod (staff) should be accurately divided into parts. The graduations
should be uniform and free of errors. They should be marked bold for greater
visibility from a large distance.
3) Others errors due to manipulation and sighting are inaccurate levelling of the
instrument, inaccurate reading of horizontal line and vertical angles, poor focusing
errors, inaccurate bisection of the target, inaccurate reading of the staff intercept and
lastly due to errors in holding the staff.
4) Errors in conducting tachometry survey also caused by natural causes. These include

errors due to high winds. During high winds, it is difficult to keep the staff vertical
and read it accurately. Works should be undertaken during hot mid-day period. In very
hot conditions, the instrument should be protected with an umbrella to avoid errors
due to the unequal expansion of different parts of instruments. Work may also be
hampered by bad visibility due to strong sunlight and glare.