3.

1 Vertical Measurement CE 103 - Surveying 1-converted

Elementary Surveying (CE 300)

3.1 Vertical Measurement

The vertical direction is parallel to the direction of gravity; at any point, it is the direction of a freely
suspended plumb-bob cord. The vertical distance of a point above or below a given reference
surface is called the elevation of the point. The most commonly used reference surface for vertical
distance is mean sea level (MSL).

Vertical distances are measured by the surveyor to determine the elevations of points, in a process
called running levels or, simply, leveling.

A level line is a line in a level surface. A level surface is a curved surface parallel to the mean surface
of the Earth. A level surface is best visualized as being the surface of a large body of water at rest.

Level Equipment

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1. Level (Automatic or Self Leveling Level and Digital Level)

2. Tripod

3. Level Rod

Differential Leveling

Differential leveling is used to determine differences in elevation between points (that are some
distance from each other) by using a surveyors’ level and a graduated measuring rod.

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 HI = BM (ElevA ) + BS
ElevB = HI − FS

Difference in Elev = FS −

BS
Benchmark (BM) is a permanent point of known elevation. BMs are established by using
precise leveling techniques and instrumentation; more recently, precise GPS techniques have
been used.

Temporary benchmark (TBM) is a semi-permanent point of known elevation.

Turning point (TP) is a point temporarily used to transfer an elevation.

Backsight (BS) is a rod reading taken on a point of known elevation to establish the elevation of
the instrument line of sight.

Height of instrument (HI) is the elevation of the line of sight through the level

Foresight (FS) is a rod reading taken on a TP, BM, or TBM to determine its elevation

Intermediate foresight (IS) is a rod reading taken at any other point where the elevation is
required

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Errors in Leveling

Accidental errors can be minimized with a properly maintained and adjusted instrument if the
following steps are taken:
1. Make sure the tripod legs are secure and firmly anchored before leveling the instrument.Avoid
setting up on asphalt or frozen ground because the sharp legs may slowly sink; this will change the
HI. It is particularly difficult to notice such movement with a self-leveling instrument.

2. Check to see that the bubble is centered before each reading; recenter it if necessary.With an
automatic level,
gently tap the instrument to make sure the internal prism system is not stuck or broken.

3. Do not lean on the tripod legs when reading the rod.

4. Have the rod person use a rod level or wave the rod to make sure it is held vertically.

5. Try to keep the line of sight about 0.5 m, or 1.5 ft, above the ground when positioning the
instrument, particularly when leveling over pavement on a hot day.

6. Focus the eyepiece and objective lens properly before reading the rod. It is best to get in the habit
of keeping both eyes open when sighting through the telescope.

7. Without actually rushing the work (which leads to blunders), take as little time as possible between
BS and FS readings.

8. Do not use very long BS and FS distances.

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Example1

Find the elevation of each stations.

Station BS FS Elevation
0+100 5.87 392.25
0+200 7.03 6.29
0+300 3.48 6.25
0+400 7.25 7.08
0+500 10.19 5.57
0+600 9.29 4.45
0+700 4.94

Station BS HI FS Elevation
0+100 5.87 398.12 392.25
0+200 7.03 398.86 6.29 391.83
0+300 3.48 396.09 6.25 392.61

0+400 7.25 396.26 7.08 389.01

0+500 10.19 400.88 5.57 390.69
0+600 9.29 405.72 4.45 396.43
0+700 4.94 400.78

Example2

Station BS FS IFS Elevation

BM1 1.90 250
1 1.50
2 1.65
3 1.83
4 1.47
TP1 2.88

Station BS HI FS IFS

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BM1 1.90 251.90

1 1.50
2 1.65
3 1.83
4 1.47
TP1 2.88

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