Monitoring the accuracy characteristics of an automatic system for measuring the astronomical azimuth

The problem of monitoring the accuracy characteristics of an automatic system for determining the astronomical azimuth is solved. The importance of this problem arises from the lack of a high precision standard with which the characteristics of this system could be monitored by comparison. An approach is developed for estimating the increments (changes) in the values of the astronomical azimuth on the sighting axis, as well as of the control element for an automatic system for determining the astronomical azimuth for specified forced changes in its intermediate parameters. The estimated accuracy of the system is substantiated theoretically. Special algorithms for fi nding the expected increments in the values of the astronomical azimuth are examined. Some practical ways of using this approach are proposed.