Gaussian distribution—A distribution characteristic of a random variable having the following properties: positive and negative values of about the same size are about equal in number; a small absolute value is more frequent than a large absolute value; and the arithmetic average is the most probable value. Also called “normal distribution.” The errors that occur in most kinds of measurement show a Gaussian or similar distribution.

Gauss’s method—The method of solving a system of linear equations by successively eliminating one unknown and one equation at a time Iron₎ the system until only one equation and one unknown remain. The value thus obtained for the last unknown is then substituted into the previous equation containing two unknowns, and so on until all unknowns have been determined.

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Source: NSPS “Definitions of Surveying and Related Terms“, used with permission.

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