Laboratory Exercise: Determination and Leveling

Types of Levels Used in Leveling:

Name of
Sample Picture Advantages Disadvantages
Instrument
Dumpy level is the In this level the
most commonly telescope is
used instrument in restricted against
leveling. The movement in its
Dumpy Level
leveling head can horizontal plane
be rotated in and telescope is
horizontal plane fixed to its
with the telescope. support
Telescope can be
removed from the
y-shaped supports
There may be a
by releasing clamp
chance of
screws provided.
Y Level frictional wear of
Compared to
open parts of
dumpy level,
level.
adjustments can
be rapidly tested in
y- level.
The telescope is
The object end and restricted against
eye piece end can rotation in its
Cushing’s Level
be interchangeable longitudinal axis
and reversible. and it is non-
removable.
Consists a
telescope which is
The main
enabled for the
advantage of
horizontal rotation
tilting level is it is
as well as rotation
useful when the
Tilting Level about 4 degree in
few observations
its vertical plane.
are to be taken
Centering of
with one setup of
bubble can be
level.
easily done in this
type of level.
 The telescope is
fixed to its
supports. Circular
spirit can be
attached to the
side of the
telescope for Due to the action
approximate of gravity, the
leveling. For more compensator
accurate leveling, results the optical
Automatic Level
compensator is system to swing
attached inside the into exact position
telescope. of line of sight
Compensator can automatically.
help the
instrument to level
automatically.
Automatic level is
also called as self-
adjusting level.
Setting Up an Automatic Level

1. Set up the tripod at just above chest height. Make sure it is stable, and mount the level
on the top.
2. Adjust the leveling screws until the pond bubble is centralized.
3. As long as the pond bubble is central, the automatic compensators are able to finely
level the instrument. To ensure this is the case, whilst looking through the
scope, gently tap the level. The view will waver for a few moments before steadying. If
this does not happen, the instrument is not level enough for the compensators to cope,
and needs adjustment.