What is the purpose of a radiation survey meter?

The purpose of a radiation survey meter is primarily to detect and measure radiation levels in an area. These devices are essential tools in various fields such as health physics, environmental monitoring, and nuclear industry operations. By quantifying radiation exposure, survey meters help ensure safety standards are maintained and can indicate the presence of radioactive contamination. This function is crucial for protecting health and safety in scenarios where radiation exposure can occur, such as in laboratories, nuclear plants, or during emergency responses to incidents involving radioactive materials.

The other options do not align with the established function of a radiation survey meter. While chemical analysis, environmental forecasting, and exposure calculations are important in their respective contexts, they do not pertain to the primary operation of a radiation survey meter, which focuses solely on radiation detection and measurement.