The Pontifical and Royal

University of Santo Tomas

The Catholic University of the Philippines
Faculty of Engineering

Department of Civil Engineering | CE 223L: Fundamentals of Surveying Fieldwork/Laboratory

FIELDWORK NO. 5
DIFFERENTIAL LEVELING

1. Objective: To determine the elevation of points by differential leveling. This is a group activity.

2. Introduction: Differential leveling is the operation of determining the elevation of points some distance
apart by a series of instruments set-ups along the general route.

3. Instruments:
1-Steel Tape 1-Theodolite with Tripod
2-Leveling Rods 1-set Marking Pins/Markers

4. Activity(ies):

Site: UST Campus

Procedure:
1. Designate the initial or reference point of the level route as BM 1 and the final or terminal point as BM2;
2. Set up the level instruments at a convenient location along the designated general route between the
points;
3. Take and record a back sight on BM1;
4. Direct the rodman to move forward along the level route and establish TP1;
5. Take and record a foresight on TP2;
6. Transfer and set-up the level at another suitable location beyond TP1, and take a back-sight record on TP1;
7. Direct the rodman to move to a convenient distance ahead of the instrument and establish TP2;
8. Take and record a foresight reading on TP2;
9. Repeat the procedure until a foresight is finally taken on BM2;
10. Record the observed field data; and
11. Perform the usual arithmetic check.

5. Formula:
HI = Elev. A + BS - - - - Equation 1
Elev. B = HI - FS - - - - Equation 2
Where:
HI = Height of instrument above a reference datum
BS = Backsight reading on a rod held at a point with known elevation
FS = Foresight reading on a rod held at a point whose elevation is desired
Elev. A = Elevation of point A that is known or assumed
Elev. B = Elevation of point B whose elevation is desired

CE 223L| Fieldwork No. 5: Differential Leveling 1