A statistical approach to instrument calibration

Robert Ziemer; David Strauss

Treesearch

A statistical approach to instrument calibration

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Robert Ziemer, David Strauss

Year:

1978

Type:

Miscellaneous Publication

Station:

Pacific Southwest Research Station

Source:

U.S. Dept. Agric., Forest Service, Special Report EM-7100-11, Washington, D.C. 29 p.

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Download (PDF 334 KB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/8716.pdf

Abstract

Summary - It has been found that two instruments will yield different numerical values when used to measure identical points. A statistical approach is presented that can be used to approximate the error associated with the calibration of instruments. Included are standard statistical tests that can be used to determine if a number of successive calibrations of the same instrument can be considered to be the same curve, or if they are different. Essentially, these tests involve the determination of regression lines that have both a common slope and common intercept. The example was designed to monitor the deformation of mountain slopes. The statistical approach is general (standard), however, and does not depend upon the specific type or function of instrument being calibrated.

Keywords

PSW4351, instrument calibration, inclinometer

Citation

Ziemer, Robert R.; Strauss, David. 1978. A statistical approach to instrument calibration. U.S. Dept. Agric., Forest Service, Special Report EM-7100-11, Washington, D.C. 29 p.