What is essential for ensuring accuracy in measurements with line locators?

For ensuring accuracy in measurements with line locators, equipment calibration is crucial. Calibration involves adjusting the line locator to known standards, ensuring that it provides precise readings when detecting buried utilities or other lines. Proper calibration accounts for factors such as sensitivity and error margins, allowing the operator to trust the measurements obtained during usage. Without regular calibration, the readings can drift over time due to factors such as wear and tear or environmental changes, leading to inaccurate results.

While other aspects like environmental conditions can influence the performance of a line locator—affecting signal quality and interference—these factors don't compensate for the necessity of having calibrated equipment. Similarly, direct connections to targets can improve detection accuracy, but they are not a substitute for the foundational requirement of calibration. Therefore, having calibrated equipment is fundamental for achieving reliable and consistent measurement outcomes.