Comparison of error indicators for performance tests of gravimeters based on different specifications

As an important part of gravity investigation, the performance tests of gravimeters are required throughout field surveys. In these tests, mean squared error (MSE), accuracy, and root mean squared error (RMSE) are commonly employedto quantitatively describe the test results. The comparison of the theoretical equations for dynamic and consistency tests in specifications on geological surveys, petroleum, and measurement reveals a pronounced confusion in the usage of MSE, accuracy, and RMSE. This issue is observed in the consistent equations forconsistency testsin these specifications. Through investigations into the equations used in the dynamic and consistency tests inthe threespecifications, this study analyzed the differences between mean MSE and RMSE, elucidated the normativity of RMSE relative to MSE, and determined the applicablerange of RMSE. To avoid confusion, it is recommended that accuracy be used for qualitative expression and RMSE for quantitative expression in these specifications.