INVESTIGATING THE QUALITY OF CALIBRATION AND MEASUREMENT IN SURVEY EQUIPMENT IN KENYA USING TOTAL STATION EQUIPMENT

Abstract

The study is on the quality of calibration of survey equipment as is achievable from different calibration centers. Calibration comes as a need to meet standards laid down by ISO. In my research I investigate the quality of calibration and the motivation behind that process. I will focus on total station equipment for my study in order to probe the state of equipment which have undergone calibration and the quality of measurements that are achievable through the use of these equipment. Total stations and other survey equipment are meant to be well calibrated before they are used in any project. These investigation seeks to determine their suitability and usability for precision measurement. It is a requirement by law that equipment be calibrated after a given period of time to ensure quality of measurement. The study uses three total station equipment in my study. I will use the equipment to run a triangulation network and collect data which I will analyze and using least square adjustment with MATLAB I will determine the errors in my data and use the information to determine the suitability of results and whether the equipment are well calibrated for the job. The information acquired will help us to know whether these service and calibration centers are suitable for the job they do or is there need to have them reviewed. Wrongly calibrated equipment will lead to errors that will cost lives and lots of money.