Book Description
Geodetic astronomy depends to a certain degree on the precision of available instruments. This investigation covers the instrument errors that effect the determination of a horizontal direction and the effect of these errors on position accuracy determination by horizontal angle measurements and vertical transits. The following errors were investigated: (1) axis errors; that is, horizontal, tilt and target axis (2) instrument errors; that is, divided circle, micrometer, and level bubble and heat deflection of the telescope. These errors seldom exceed + 1 minute. Three common first order instruments, the Wild T-4, Kern DKM-3, and the Askania AP70 were investigated. The direct investigation of the instrumental errors was conducted utilizing very precise auto-collimation methods, and statitical methods for defining the type and magnitude of the errors.