Which factor could lead to random errors during surveying?

Random errors in surveying arise from unpredictable fluctuations that can affect measurements, and temperature variations are a significant contributor to these errors. Changes in temperature can cause the expansion or contraction of materials, including surveying instruments and the medium through which measurements are taken, such as air. For instance, the speed of sound in air varies with temperature, which can impact measurements taken using instruments such as total stations or leveling equipment. As a result, if temperature is not properly accounted for, the measurements may be inconsistent and lead to inaccuracies that are random in nature.

The other factors can contribute to systematic errors or biases. Incorrect tool usage typically leads to consistent errors based on tool misapplication or calibration issues, while lack of experience may result in a tendency toward consistent mistakes rather than random variations. Human judgment can also introduce biases, as it often depends on an individual’s training and perception, leading to systematic errors instead of random ones. This understanding of temperature's role in random errors underscores its importance in ensuring accuracy during surveying campaigns.