ENGINEERING SURVEYING II

Topic 1 – Precise Levelling

Introduction & Instrumentation

 Lesson Outcome
• At the end of this lesson, student should be able
to:

• Describe on precise levelling and the needs.

• Explain the methods and instrumentation of
precise levelling
Lesson Structure
• During this lesson, students will go through :

1. Lecture
- 80 minutes for 2-hour lesson

2. Break session
- 5 to 10 minutes

3. Simple Assessment
- Discussion  10 to 15 minutes

4. Summary
 Lecture content

• Concept of levelling

• Historical background of Precise Levelling in Malaysia

• National Geodetic Vertical Datum

• Malaysia Tidal Network

• Types of Levelling

• Precise Levelling

• Equipment of precise levelling

• - Optical precise levelling
• - Motorized precise levelling
• - Digital precise levelling
Concept of Levelling
• The concept of levelling is based on the horizontal
line of the instrument (level) with the level line of the
point on the earth.

• If the heights of A and B can be measured, the

height differences can be calculated using the
formula :
h = a - b

• If the RL A is known, RL B can be calculated as:

RL B = RLA + h
Concept of Levelling

Staff Staff

Level Height of the Plane Collimation

a b
Level line through level instrument

Level Line through B

B
Level Line through A
Difference in
height
A between A & B

Datum

Direction of
Gravity
Concept of Levelling
• The name given to the method of determining differences
in heights between points
• A method of height transfer from one point to another
• Being used in geodetic and engineering surveys
• Using special instrument called : level
Historical Background
Several methods of height measurement are being used in
surveying and construction works;

• Trigonometric heighting - theodolite

• Barometric heighting - barometer (pressure)
• Hydrostatic Levelling - water tube
• Tacheometry - staff
• GPS - antenna & receiver
• Levelling - auto level / digital level
• 1st vertical datum was established in 1912 based on
Mean Sea Level (MSL) produced by British Admiralty.

• At Port Swettenham (Port Klang)

• 1 year tidal observations

• Also known as Land Survey Datum (LSD)

• But no records and evidence available

• In 1983, DSMM began to redetermine the precise MSL
value in conjunction with the establishment of the new
Precise Levelling Network for Peninsular Malaysia. This was
carried out by the setting-up of a Tidal Observation Network
that consists of 12 tidal stations. Subsequently, Port Kelang
was selected for the adoption as a reference for the NGVD
origin, based upon a 10-year tidal observations period
(1984-93).

• In 1994, a monument to signify the establishment of the

NGVD was built within the DSMM compound in Kuala
Lumpur. Here, the Port Kelang Datum was extended to the
new monument via precise levelling and gravity survey.
NGVD monument NGVD monument (NATIONAL
GEODETIC VERTICAL DATUM)
@ Datum Pugak Geodetik
Kebangsaan is built as the level
datum for Peninsular Malaysia.

The elevation value is transferred

from STAPS Port Klang using
precise levelling.

There is a ruler inside the

monument which has been piled
in 200 feet to ensure the level
value is unchanged.
• The Precise Levelling Network project was conducted in 1984.
The project consists of establishing a first-order levelling survey
along main roads and newly completed highways. It consists of
2089 precise levelling bench marks over a distance of 1946 km
as shown in figure 3.

• Apart from this, second class levelling were also carried out to
densify the network. A total of 824 bench marks have been
established using this technique, covering a distance of 1158
km. The whole network has precision ranging from 3 to 12 mm
per km which correspond to first and second class
requirements. It incorporate corrections for rod scale,
temperature, level collimation and refraction.

• The network was divided into two parts: the Southern and the
Northern parts of Peninsular Malaysia
 Figure 3 :
Levelling Network
in Peninsular
Malaysia
Presently, six different height datum's
are used for various purposes. This is
mainly due to the lack of good roads
connecting the tide gauges in the region. Figure 4
Action has been taken by DSMM to set-
up a levelling route from Kuching to Miri
in Sarawak as in figure 4.

For Sabah, precise levelling routes are

being set-up to connect the north, east
and west of the region as in figure 5
Figure 5
 Mean Sea Level
 Average level taken up by the sea
 Coincide to the Geoid
 Change regularly due to tide
 Best observation period is 18.6 years
 Usage of Tide Observation Data
 Determine precise vertical datum
 Supply information for research in geodesy, geodynamic and
scientific studies
 Tide & flood prediction
 Port activities and navigation
 Marine boundaries, hydrography and aquaculture
 Delivery of fixed record of sea level
 To obtain tidal harmonic constant
 To study tidal characteristics
 For tidal prediction.
National Geodetic Vertical Datum
• JUPEM had initiated the establishment of NGVD
• 12 tidal stations were established.

Objectives / Purpose:

• to observe tide levels continuously

• to obtain tidal harmonic constants
• to study tidal characteristics
• for tidal prediction
Malaysia Tidal Network
• In 1991 - 21 tidal stations
• 12 are installed in Peninsular and 9 in east Malaysia
• Each station is connected by precise levelling networks

Figure 6 : The location of tidal station in Malaysia

Tidal Station
• Its configuration is predominantly dictated by the land
transportation pattern. The mean sea level (MSL) at Port
Kelang, based upon a 10-year tidal observation (1984-93), was
later being adopted as the new Peninsular Malaysia Geodetic
Vertical Datum (PMGVD).

• A consistent and accurate set of adjusted heights of

benchmarks has been achieved in the adjustment of the
Precise Levelling Network of Peninsular Malaysia on the datum
defined by MSL height at Port Klang.

• These adjusted heights are based on the Helmert orthometric

height system. By fixing Port Kelang, the precision of the PLN
can be expressed as 1.14 mm√km. This implies that for any of
the 5,295 first-order levelling bench mark across the nation, a
height precision of better than 3 cm can be expected
Types of Levelling
LEVELLING

Precise levelling Ordinary levelling

Automatic Motorized Automatic Digital

level level Level level

Digital level

Differentiated by the set of instruments, observation methods and accuracy

Precise Levelling
• also known as the highest order of levelling works
• readings observed and recorded to decimals of a millimeter
• Being used for;
• basic levelling framework of a country
• transfer height to bench marks
• precision engineering structure such as irrigation scheme, dam,
tunnels
• precision dimensional surveys
Equipments of Precise Levelling

Level (Precise type)

Invar staff or invar bar-
coded staff
Survey Tripods
Change plate (staff
support)
Staff bubble
Handles and steadying
rods
Thermometer
Umbrella
 Automatic Precise Level
• Precise type
• With plane parallel plate micrometer
• Manufacturer quote: “Std dev less than 1 mm per
double run of levels over a km” can be considered
as precise
• Glass diaphragms (eye piece) – vertical line,
levelling line and two stadia lines (upper and
lower)
Automatic Level Equipment
 Parallel Plate Micrometer
• To be used with automatic precise level
• To provide precise reading (decimal of mm)
AUtomatic Level Equipment
Compensator
Available for automatic level only
To compensate error on collimation line
Digital Precise Level

LEICA TRIMBLE
DNA03 DiNi
Precise Staff
• Invar staff
Precise Staff
• Two precise staffs
• Invar Strip – stable material (low sensitivity to heat)
• Small expansion coefficient
• Graduations 0.02ft / 0.01 m on invar strip
• With handle / staff holder
• To be calibrated every 3 months
Example of digital levels from Leica

This is how to differentiate the type

of level equipment…(precise or
ordinary type….) < 1mm is
considered as precise type.
Motorized Precise Levelling
• Were used in the DSMM (Late 80s) - No longer used
• Modification of conventional method
• Three vehicles – one for the level and observer
• Invar staffs are fitted to other two vehicles

• Advantage:
• Faster and convenient

• Disadvantage:
• High cost
• Not suitable in busy roads
 Advantage of Digital Precise
Level
•Use digital level (automatic level) and bar-coded
staffs
•Use infrared detector to scan the bar-coded staff
•Scanned staff image is compared to actual staff
pattern stored in the instrument
•Provide staff reading and horizontal distance
•Advantages:

• Levels are recorded automatically

• Reduce human error (reading and booking)
• Reduce observation time
• Include processing software
Digital Level Leica DNA 03
 Digital Level Leica DNA 03
Most important elements 16 PCMCIA or CF-card with
DNA03 adapter (optional)
1 On/ off button 17 Battery GEB121 (optional)
2 Base plate 18 Battery adapter GAD39; 6
3 Foot screws single cells (optional)
4 Horizontal circle 19 Light duct for circular level
5 Lever to unlatch battery 20 Plug stopper for crosshair
6 Battery compartment adjustment knob
7 Button to unlatch card compartment 21 RS232 serial interface with
cover external power supply
8 Card compartment cover 22 Measuring button
9 Display 23 Focusing drive
10 Circular level 24 Endless horizontal drive (bi-
11 Hand grip with aiming sight directional)
12 Ocular
13 Keyboard
14 Objective
15 Battery GEB111 (optional)
Precision levelling using DNA03
• Limited target distance <30m
• Minimum ground clearance of >0.5m required to
minimized refractionary influences of ground
proximity.
• Double observance (BFFB, aBFFB) to increase the
reliability of measurement and to reduce possible
errors caused by staff sinking.
• Applying alternating observations procedures
(aBFFB = BFFB FBBF) to eliminate horizontal tilt (
residual error of the automatic compensator)
• Use an umbrella in strong sunlight.
Turning Point / Change Plate

• Staffs are to be supported on turning points

• Made from mild steel
• Round head and collars
• To reduce error during turning (for soft ground)
 Handles / Steadying Rods

• To support precise staff

• For long observation period
• Stable (verticality)
Exercise :
Form a group of 3-4 and discuss the questions
below:

1. Explain on precise levelling.

2. What are the purpose of doing precise levelling?
3. Describe on the instrumentation of precise
levelling.
 ENGINEERING SURVEYING II
Topic 1 – Precise Levelling

Instruction for Precise Levelling

 LESSON STRUCTURE
• During this lesson, students will go through :

1. Lecture
- 30 minutes for 1-hour lesson

2. Break session
- 5-10 minutes

3. Simple Assessment
- Discussion  10 to 15 minutes

4. Summary
Lesson Outcome
• At the end of this lecture, student should be able to :

• Understand the requirement for precise

levelling.

• Calculate the data for optical precise level.

Lecture Content
• Method of reading
• Tolerance
• Setting-up
• Bubble Adjustment
• Line of Sight
• Verticality of Staffs
• Observation Periods
• Setting of Turning Points
• Directions
• Criterion for Rejection
• Differences in Level
Method of Reading
• Readings are to be made with the telescope in the normal
position only (the bubble on the left of the instrument)
• Readings are to be made in the following order;

• backsight:
• 1. Lower stadia • foresight
• 2. Upper stadia • 7. middle stadia
• 3. middle stadia
• backsight
• foresight: • 8. middle stadia
• 4. middle
• 5. lower stadia
• 6. upper stadia
Bookings
Obsn.No: Date: Time Temp.

Staff Reading

Backsight Foresight Note: Back staff at BM A

Stadia Level Level Stadia reduced level is 10.000m

2 3 4 6

1 8 7 5 Diff. In height 10/2 - 11/2

9=(2+1) 10=(3+8) 11=(4+7) 12=(6+5) Bring forward 10.0000

13=(2-1) 14=(3-8) 15=(4-7) 16=(6-5) Total

Distance: 13x100 Distance: 16x100 Observer

Observations Requirements

1. The time taken between reading 3&4 and 7&8

should be reduced to a minimum.
2. Between reading 6 – 7, the telescope is to be
dislevelled by turning the gradienter screw and
carefully relevelled by the use of the same
screw only.
3. Readings are to be made to the nearest
0.00001 m
Tolerance
Error value for two peg test should be equal to 0.002m.

Readings must be cancelled and reread if;

• The sum of the stadia readings does not agree with

the sum of the two level readings on the same staff
and to within 0.0050 meter

• The difference between the two level readings on

the same staff is more than 0.0006 meter

Sections must be relevelled if the discrepancy between

forward and backward levelling exceed “3√K” mm
where K is the distance in kilometres.
Bubble Adjustment
• Footscrews must not be altered during a sight.

• Bubble adjustments being made by the use of the

gradienter screw
Line of Sight
• Line of sight should not pass close to the
ground. Readings must not be made to the
lowest 0.3 m of the staff.

• The optimum length of sight is about 40m (Max

50m).

• The back and forward staffs should be

equidistant from the level to within 1m.
Verticality of the Staff
Staffs must be tested weekly

• Using plumbob – for verticality

• Face-to-face comparison
Observation Period

• Observations should be made in the early

morning and late afternoon.

• Observation must be discontinued when the

atmospheric condition make observations
difficult
Setting Turning Points

• Turning points should be in position at least half an

hour before use.

• The day’s work must always be closed on BM or

culvert.
Criterion For Rejection

• Sections must be relevelled if the

discrepancy between forward and
backward levelling (double runs)
exceeds (0.003 √ K) meter where K
is the distance in kilometers.
Difference In Level
• The difference in level will be obtained from the mean
difference of the two level line readings.

• Stadia line readings are to serve as a check on gross

error only and are not to be included in the
computations.
Calculation
Obsn.No: Date: Time Temp.
Staff Reading
Backsight Foresight Note: Back staff at BM A
Stadia Level Level Stadia reduced level is 10.000m
2 3 4 6

1 8 7 5 Diff. In height (10/2 - 11/2)

9=(2+1) 10=(3+8) 11=(4+7) 12=(6+5) Bring forward 10.0000

13=(2-1) 14=(3-8) 15=(4-7) 16=(6-5) Total 9.7519

Distance: 13x100 Distance: 16x100 Observer

Sample of Calculation
Obsn.No: 1 Date: 23.04.2015 Time: 9.00am Temp: 25

Staff Reading

Backsight Foresight Note: Back staff at BM A

Stadia(cm) Level(cm) Level(cm) Stadia(cm) reduced level is 12.345m

300.292 279.469 76.520 97.251

258.650 279.471 76.523 55.769 Diff. In height

Bring forward

Total

Obsever Mar

Distance(m) Distance(m) Recorder Mar

Sample of Calculation

Obsn.No: 1 Date: 23.04.2015 Time: 9.00am Temp: 25

Staff Reading

Backsight Foresight Note: Back staff at BM A

Stadia(cm) Level(cm) Level(cm) Stadia(cm) reduced level is 12.345m

300.292 279.469 76.520 97.251

258.65 279.471 76.523 55.769 Diff. In height 2.02949

558.942 558.94 153.043 153.02 Bring forward 12.34500

41.642 -0.002 -0.003 41.482 Total 14.37449

Obsever Mar

Distance(m) 41.642 Distance(m) 41.482 Recorder Mar

 GLOBAL NAVIGATION SATELLITE
SYSTEM (GNSS) Heighting
• GNSS measurement, measures heights related to the
ellipsoid. In some cases ellipsoidal heights alone are
sufficient for the type of survey being undertaken.

• However, many applications require heights that are

related to a physically meaningful surface such as the
geoid, or at least some attempt at realizing the geoid such
as a surface based on locally observed mean sea level.

• Such physically meaningful heights take the form of

orthometric or normal heights.
• Global Positioning System (GPS) surveying has been used
extensively and with great success for the production and propagation
of survey control.

• During the development of GPS surveying the focus was typically on

horizontal control with the ability of GPS to measure height being
seen as an added extra.

• GPS surveying has now matured to the point where it is seen as a

true three dimensional tool.

• However, application of GPS to the measurement of height can be

complex and solving the problems involved can account for the
majority of the effort in finalising a GPS surveying project.
THANK YOU