A Function Calculator as applied to Geodesy

Abstract

The range of computation in normal calculators can be extended to functions by providing an usual machine both with a storage unit containing approximate values of functions for arguments in rough steps and factors of interpolation and a device for transferring the values from the storage unit into the calculator proper. Then values of function for any argument may be computed by direct or inverse interpolation from the values stored. Accuracy depends on the number and distribution of the stored values. If usual trigonometric functions are concerned, five-place sometimes even six-place accuracy may be obtained by storing no more than 100 values of function and 100 factors of interpolation. Such a degree of accuracy is sufficient for almost any computation in geodetic operations of lower order, including third-order triangulation. At the Geodetic Institute of the Stuttgart Technische Hochschule a try-out model was developed, with wich the functions sinx, cosx, lanx, cotanx and their inverse functions as well as sec tanx (secant of tangent) and $$\sqrt {x^2 } $$ can be computed. As basic machine a hand calculator with Odhner wheels was used. Experiments with the hand try-out calculator showed that the amount of computing erros is only half of that committed in the usual computations by the customary calculators and printed tables of functions. In addition, gain of time was reached in most computations, which amounts to 50 percent in certain problems. Tests also made it clear that the operation of the function calculator even in the actual state of the try-out machine is very simple and can easily be learnt so that also untrained people may operate it. It may be noted that the majority of the persons used in the testing the try-out machine were willing to repeat the computations if so required, by means of the function calculator, but not so with the function tables. Therefore the function calculator appears well suited not only to simplify geodetic computation considerably but also to make it more efficient.