Question

Briefly explain why rough measurements might yield results with better precision than measurements done in a more exact fashion

Answer 1

The accuracy of a field survey depends directly upon the precision of the survey. Although through luck (compensating errors, for example) surveys with high order closures might be attained without high order precision, such accuracies are meaningless. Therefore, all measurements and results should be quoted in terms that are commensurate with the precision used to attain them. Similarly, all surveys must be performed with a precision that ensures that the desired accuracy is attained. However, surveys performed to a precision that excessively exceeds the requirements are costly and should be avoided.