Effect of the starting azimuth uncertainty in Eötvös-torsion balance measurements

The magnitude of the impact of the incorrect setting of the starting azimuth on the gradients established by the Eötvös torsion balance was tested at two different kind of area. According to the results, gradients measured by the Eötvös torsion balance are extremely sensitive regarding the precise adjustment of the starting azimuth if the vectors of gradients are high. Furthermore, the worst deviances were experienced in the case of curvature gradients i.e. the most important gradients for geodetic use