Calibrating Your Survey Equipment or Buy New?

In construction, navigation, and beyond, surveying tools ensure the gathering of accurate distances and angles between two points. If not regularly and properly maintained, their accuracy can be affected. This is where instrument calibration services come in. 

Why Calibrate

Calibration brings the results of surveying tools back to an approved standard range. When it’s specifically calibrated to NIST guidelines, it means that it follows the measurement standards set by the NIST organization. NIST stands for National Institute of Standards and Technology, a government regulated entity that aims to boost industry innovation and industrial competitiveness. NIST is a physical sciences laboratory and non-regulatory agency of the United States Department of Commerce. 

Through NIST traceable calibration, you minimize instrument errors and prevent the use of unreliable data. These mistakes cannot only affect quality assurance but can also compromise safety. Businesses like Warren Knight in Philadelphia offer instrument calibration services that use NIST traceability as their calibration standards. 

When choosing a calibration partner, check if they calibrate the various instruments and tools you use. They shouldn’t just be an expert in calibration and in providing calibration certifications; their roster of offerings should include repair and servicing. 

All these services will help you prolong the usable life of your surveying and precision instruments. Unless your devices have been significantly damaged or an auditor determines that the gap in traceability is quite substantial, then calibrating them will also save you money in the long run. You don’t need to buy new tools unnecessarily. 

Other Ways You Can Maintain Your Survey Equipment

Just as it is important to buy the right tools and have the necessary knowledge to use them, you must also ensure that your surveying devices are properly maintained. One way maintaining your equipment is to rely on a high quality instrument calibration company. Apart from doing it at certain intervals, you must also bring it to the pros if your tool has been damaged by harsh elements or has been exposed to temperature fluctuations or mechanical/electrical shocks. 

Here are other ways you can maintain your equipment.

Use them properly. If you don’t use your devices the right way, they will be more prone to damage. Proper use also entails careful storage. You can invest in top-quality carrying cases to minimize impact, especially when transporting your surveying equipment. 

Always check site conditions. Sometimes, it won’t be your usage and handling that would damage your instruments — but the environment where you’re using them. For instance, when it’s raining, you shouldn’t let your device get submerged in water. 

Minimize attempts for DIY repairs. Many surveyors, especially those who are experienced, try to repair their devices on their own. If you’re not really sure or confident about it, never DIY. Apart from getting in touch with the manufacturer, you can rely on businesses that specialize in fixing all sorts of issues with surveying tools. 

Get them serviced. First off, you need to tap experts to inspect and identify if repairs are needed for your devices to function well. Preferably this vendor also has repair services for optical instruments. Regular servicing can help you fine-tune your equipment and prevent issues from developing. This way, you can prolong their lifespan, ensure getting accurate data, and protect the underlying financial investment for your arsenal.