NATIONAL UNIVERSITY – MANILA

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

Fieldworks No.5
Profile Leveling

I. Learning Objectives

At the end of this exercise, the student should be able to:

Demonstrate the process of profile leveling.
Determine the elevations of ground points along the centerline of a proposed roadway;
and
Plot the profile of the centerline along a proposed roadway.

II. Instruments/Materials

Transit/theodolite or automatic level or total station

Measuring Tape (30m)
Stadia rod/leveling rod
Pegs/hubs/crayon or chalk markers, plumb bob

III. Concept

Profile leveling is the process of determining the differences in elevation along fixed line at
designated short, measured intervals. It is executed to provide data from which a vertical
section of the ground surface can be plotted. A profile is necessary for the design and
construction of roads, railroads, canals, culverts, bridges, sewer lines, etc. The fieldwork
involve is identical to differential leveling since it also requires establishment of turning
points on which foresight taken from each setup of the instrument. In differential leveling
only one foresight is necessary whereas in profile leveling any number of foresights can be
taken.

Profile leveling routes may be run as a single straight line or as a series of straight lines
connected by curves. Intermediate foresights are taken where necessary to portray
accurately the existing ground surface along the route surveyed. For most engineering
projects, the profile is usually taken along a center line with the level set up a convenient
distance away from it so that sights of more uniform lengths can be obtained. Upon
completion of profile leveling work, it is important to check (while still in the field) the data
gathered before any plotting is made. A check may be made by tying into a previously
established benchmark or by running a line of differential levels back to the starting point.

Example
of
Profile
Leveling

Prepared by: Civil Engineering Department |CESURV30

 NATIONAL UNIVERSITY – MANILA
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

Terms use in Profile Leveling

• Profile - a curved line which graphically portrays the intersection of a vertical plane
with the surface of the earth. It depicts ground elevations of selected critical points
along a surveyed line and the horizontal distances between these points.
• Stationing - a numerical designation given in terms of horizontal distance any point
along a profile line that is away from the starting point.
• Full stations - are points which are established along the profile level route at
uniformly measured distances; are usually made in multiples of 100, 50, 30, 20 or 10
meters.
• Plus Stations - are intermediate points established along a profile route which is not
designated as a full station.
• Intermediate Foresights (IF) – sights taken along centerline of the proposed project
to provide accurate representation of the ground surface; observed at regular
intervals and at points where sudden changes in elevations occur.

Reference: Elementary Surveying, JP La Putt

IV. Procedures

1. Establish the stationing by setting a stake/mark where the rod readings are to be
gathered. The starting (BM-1), ending (BM-2) and angle points are set first for the
reference line.

2. The length of the level route is measured, and stakes are set at each full station to
define the path to be followed (ask your instructor what full station to use).

3. Place the instrument at a convenient location (say I1) not necessarily along the line of
observation. The instrument is to be positioned in such a way that first backsight can be
taken clearly on a B.M. (see figure of profile leveling above).

4. Then, observations are taken at regular intervals (say at 1, 2, 3, 4) along the central line
and foresight to a selected turning point (say TP-1).

5. Instrument is re-positioned to some other convenient location (say I2).

6. After proper adjustment of the instrument, observations are started from TP1 and then
at regular intervals (say at 5, 6 etc.) terminating at another turning point, say TP2.

7. Readings are also taken at points where marked changes in slope occur, such as that at
X. The distances of lines are also measured.

8. Repeat the process until the foresight as the last rod reading to the end BM is taken.

9. Record and check all the data using arithmetic checking and the profile level notes below.

STA BS HI FS IFS ELEV (m)

BM-1 1.0 21 20
0+002.5 1.16 19.84
0+005 1.16 19.84
0+007.5 1.14 19.86
: C i vi 1.48 21.33 1.15 19.85
T P -1
0+012.5 1.55 19.78
0+015 1.46 19.87
0+017.5 1.48 19.85
 NATIONAL UNIVERSITY – MANILA
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

TP-2 1.55 21.38 1.5 19.83

0+021.5 1.16 20.22
0+023 1.18 20.2
0.024.5 1.14 20.24
BM-2 1.08 20.3
4.03 3.73
∑BS - ∑FS

SOLUTION:
H.I = ELEV + B.S ELEV OF STA 0+021.5
= 20+1 = 21.38-1.16
= 21 =20.22

ELEV OF STA’s= H.I - IFS ELEV OF STA 0+023

ELEV OF STA 0+002.5 = 21.38-1.18
= 21-1.16 = 20.2
= 19.84

ELEV OF STA 0+007.5 ELEV OF STA 0+024.5

= 21-1.16 =21.38-1.14
= 19.84 =20.24

ELEV OF TP1 = H.I -F.S ELEV OF BM - 2= H.I - F.S

=21-1.15 = 21.32-1.08
= 19.85 =20.3

H.I OF TP1 = ELEV + B.S

= 19.85+1.48
=21.33

ELEV OF STA 0+012.5

=21.33-1.55
= 19.78

ELEV OF STA 0+015

=21.33-1.46
=19.37

ELEV OF STA 0+017.5

= 21.33-1.48
= 19.85

ELEVATION OF TP2 = H.I -FS

21.33-1.5
= 19.83

H.I OF TP1 = ELEV + B.S

= 19.83=1.55
=21.38

Elev. BM1 + ∑BS - ∑FS = Elev. BM2

20+4.03-373=20.3
20.3=20.3
 NATIONAL UNIVERSITY – MANILA
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

V. Results and Discussion

In the realm of surveying, the accurate measurement of elevation and position is

vital for a variety of applications, ranging from construction projects to topographic mapping. The
key components in this process are Backsight (BS), Foresight (FS), Elevation, Benchmark (BM),
and, if available, Intermediate Foresight (IFS). These elements are interrelated and play a pivotal
role in determining the elevation of points on the ground.Backsight (BS) serves as the
foundational point in surveying. When setting up a surveying instrument, it is the initial reading
taken at a known benchmark or reference point. The purpose of the BS reading is to establish
the elevation of this benchmark. It serves as the reference from which all subsequent
measurements will be made. The elevation of this benchmark (BS elevation) is critical for the
accurate calculation of elevations at other points. Foresight (FS) follows BS and is taken when t
he instrument is directed towards the target or point whose elevation needs to be determined. FS
provides the elevation of the point being surveyed concerning the benchmark (BS). The
difference between the FS reading and the BS elevation represents the rise (if FS > BS) or fall (if
FS < BS) in elevation. This rise or fall is essential for calculating the elevation of the surveyed
point relative to the benchmark. The Benchmark (BM) itself is a known and established point with
a precisely determined elevation. It serves as the reference for BS readings and plays a central
role in elevational calculations. The elevation of BM is a critical constant in the surveying process,
ensuring consistency and accuracy in elevation determinations.If available, Intermediate
Foresight (IFS) readings can enhance the accuracy of the survey. IFS is an optional reading
taken between the BS and FS positions. It serves to validate the consistency of the leveling
process and acts as a quality control check. IFS readings are recorded in relation to the same
reference plane as the BS and FS readings.To determine the elevation of the surveyed point, the
difference between the FS reading and the BS elevation is calculated. This difference, the rise or
fall in elevation, is then added to or subtracted from the benchmark's known elevation. The result
is the accurate elevation of the surveyed point. In summary, Backsight (BS), Foresight (FS),
Elevation, Benchmark (BM), and Intermediate Foresight (IFS) are intricately connected
components in surveying. They ensure that elevation measurements are accurate, consistent,
and reliable. The benchmark (BM) provides the reference point, BS and FS readings measure
changes in elevation, and IFS, if used, acts as a quality control check to maintain the accuracy of
the entire process. These elements collectively serve as the cornerstone of precise elevation
determination in surveying.

VI. Laboratory Questions and Problem Solving

1. What is the importance of profile leveling process?

The profile leveling procedure plays an essential role in civil engineering and
construction. It offers necessary information for constructing exact topographic profiles by
carefully taking measurements and recording elevations along an established path. These
profiles are essential for designing and building transportation infrastructure such as roads
and railroads, providing adequate slope, drainage, and alignment. This procedure also
assists in determining project viability, reducing environmental effect, and improving safety
and efficiency. In essence, the profile leveling procedure is the foundation of well-planned,
long-term infrastructure development, emphasizing its critical importance in civil
engineering.
 NATIONAL UNIVERSITY – MANILA
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

2. Plot the profile of the course surveyed in this activity.

3. Base on the data collected, determine the difference in elevation between BM-1 and
TP-1, as well as BM-1 and BM-2.

Difference in elevation between BM-1 and TP-1:

Elevation of BM-1 - Elevation of TP-1 = 20 - 19.85 = 0.15 meters
So, the difference in elevation between BM-1 and TP-1 is 0.15 meters.

Difference in elevation between BM-1 and BM-2:

Elevation of BM-1 - Elevation of BM-2 = 20 - 20.3 = -0.3 meters
So, the difference in elevation between BM-1 and BM-2 is -0.3 meters. This means
that BM-1 is 0.3 meters lower in elevation than BM-2.
4. What is the station of the turning point along a profile leveling route if it is 328.65 m
beyond station 10 + 77.43? What if it is located 833.50 m before 10 + 577.85?
D (TP) = 328.65 M
Station beyond turning point

5. From the profile leveling notes, determine the values of unknown A-H

∑BS = 7.31 - ∑FS = 8.94

H.I = ELEV + F.S ELEV(H) = H.I - B.S

H.I (B) = 328.82 + 2.2 = 329.52 -2.22
 NATIONAL UNIVERSITY – MANILA
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

= 331.02 = 327.3

B.S = H.I - ELEV F.S(G) = H.I - ELEV

B.S (A) = 331.02 -328.70 = 330.36 - 327.3
= 2.32 3.06

ELEV = H.I - F.S BM 101 = H.I -F.S

ELEV (E) = 331.02- 3.43 329.52 - 108
= 327.59 = 20.3

H.I (D) = ELEV + F.S Elev. BM100 + ∑BS - ∑FS = ElevBM101

= 326.66 + 3.7 328.70 + 7.32 - 8.94 = 20.3
=330.36 =20.3 = 20.3

B.S (C) = H.I -ELEV

= 330.36 -327.59
= 2.77

H.I (F) = ELEV + IFS

=328.42 + 1.1
=329.52

VII. Documentation

VIII. Conclusion
It is a critical surveying technique that provides valuable information for the design, construction, and
maintenance of linear infrastructure projects. It aids in elevation determination, gradient analysis, and
overall project planning, making it an essential tool in civil engineering and land surveying. Accurate and
careful execution of profile leveling is necessary to ensure the success and safety of these projects.
Profile leveling is crucial in surveying as it provides essential elevation data, allowing engineers and
planners to design and construct infrastructure with precision. Accurate elevation profiles help ensure that
roads, bridges, pipelines, and other construction projects are built with the necessary slopes and gradients
to maintain safety and functionality. Additionally, profile leveling aids in floodplain mapping, land
development, and environmental assessment, making it a fundamental tool in land management and urban
planning. Lastly,Errors in conducting profile leveling in surveying can arise from various sources,
compromising the accuracy of elevation data. Instrumental errors, such as imperfect leveling equipment or
incorrectly calibrated instruments, can introduce significant discrepancies. Environmental factors like
temperature fluctuations and atmospheric pressure changes can impact the accuracy of measurements.
Human errors, including misreading staff or recording incorrect readings, are also common culprits.
Furthermore, improper technique in setting up the level or failure to maintain a consistent line of sight
between the instrument and the leveling rod can lead to inaccuracies. To ensure reliable results, surveyors
must be vigilant in minimizing and correcting these errors throughout the profile leveling process.

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