Trigonometric Leveling

Trigonometric leveling is the process of determining the different elevation of station from
observed vertical angle and known distance. It is commonly used in topographical work to find
out the elevations of the top of buildings, chimneys, churches etc.
• The vertical angle are measured by means of theodolite.
• The horizontal distance may either measured or computed.
• Relative heights are calculated using trigonometric formula.
• If the distance between the instrument station and object is small, correction of earth
curvature and reflection is not required.
 If the distance between the instrument station and object is large the combined
correction = 0.0673 D2 , for earth’s curvature and reflection is required, were D =
distance in Km.
 If the vertical angle is +ve, the correction is taken as +ve.
 If the vertical angle is –ve, the correction is taken as –ve.
There are two method of observation in trigonometric leveling.
1. Direct Method
This method is useful where it is not possible to set the instrument over the station, whose
elevation is to be determine. Ex: To determine the height of the tower.
In this method the instrument is set on the station on the ground whose elevation is known.
If the distance between two point is so large, combined correction = 0.0673 D2 for earth
curvature and refraction is required. (D in Km)
2. Reciprocal Method
In this method the instrument is set on each of the two station alternatively and observation
are taken. Difference in elevation between two station A and B is to be determine.
First set the instrument on A and take observation of B then set the instrument on B and take
the observation of A.

There are main three cases to determine the R.L of any point:
Case I :- Base of Object accessible.
Case II :- Base of object inaccessible, instrument station in the same vertical plane as
the elevated object.
Case III:- Base of the object inaccessible , instrument stations not in the same vertical
plane as the elevated object.
Case I: Base of the object accessible

From ∆ 𝐶𝐸𝐹,

Case II: Base of the object inaccessible- The instrument stations and the elevated object are in
the same vertical plane

∴ 𝑅𝐿 𝑜𝑓 𝐹 = 𝑅𝐿 𝑜𝑓 𝐵𝑀 + 𝑆 + ℎ
II. Instrument axes at different levels

Depending upon the ground conditions, following cases may arise

a) Instrument axis at 𝑂2 higher than at 𝑂1

ℎ1 − ℎ2 = 𝑆2 − 𝑆1 = 𝑆 (𝑆𝑎𝑦)

From ∆ 𝑂1′ 𝐴′′𝐹

ℎ1 = 𝐷 tan 𝜃1 (1)

From ∆ 𝑂2′ 𝐴′𝐹

ℎ2 = (𝐷 + 𝑑) tan 𝜃2 (2)

Subtract 2 from 1

ℎ1 − ℎ2 = 𝐷 tan 𝜃1 − (𝐷 + 𝑑) tan 𝜃2

𝑆 = 𝐷 tan 𝜃1 − 𝐷 tan 𝜃2 − 𝑑 tan 𝜃2

𝑆 = 𝐷 (tan 𝜃1 − tan 𝜃2) − 𝑑 tan 𝜃2

𝐷 (tan 𝜃1 − tan 𝜃2) = 𝑆 + 𝑑 tan 𝜃2

𝑆 + 𝑑 tan 𝜃2
⇒𝐷=
(tan 𝜃1 − tan 𝜃2)

But ℎ1 = 𝐷 tan 𝜃1
(𝑆 + 𝑑 tan 𝜃2) tan 𝜃1
=
(tan 𝜃1 − tan 𝜃2)

∴ 𝑅𝐿 𝑜𝑓 𝐹 = 𝑅𝐿 𝑜𝑓 𝐵𝑀 + 𝑆1 + ℎ1

Surveying
 b) Instrument axis at 𝑂2 higher than at 𝑂1

ℎ2 − ℎ1 = 𝑆1 − 𝑆2 = 𝑆 (𝑆𝑎𝑦)

From ∆ 𝑂1′ 𝐴′𝐹

ℎ1 = 𝐷 tan 𝜃1 (1)

From ∆ 𝑂2′ 𝐴′′𝐹

ℎ2 = (𝐷 + 𝑑) tan 𝜃2 (2)

Subtract 1 from 2

ℎ2 − ℎ1 = (𝐷 + 𝑑) tan 𝜃2 − 𝐷 tan 𝜃1

𝑆 = 𝐷 tan 𝜃2 − 𝐷 tan 𝜃1 + 𝑑 tan 𝜃2

𝑆 = 𝐷 (tan 𝜃2 − tan 𝜃1) + 𝑑 tan 𝜃2

𝑆 = −𝐷 (tan 𝜃1 − tan 𝜃2) = 𝑆 + 𝑑 tan 𝜃2

(𝑑 tan 𝜃2 − 𝑆)
⇒𝐷=
(tan 𝜃1 − tan 𝜃2)

But ℎ1 = 𝐷 tan 𝜃1

(𝑑 tan 𝜃2 − 𝑆) tan 𝜃1
=
(tan 𝜃1 − tan 𝜃2)

∴ 𝑅𝐿 𝑜𝑓 𝐹 = 𝑅𝐿 𝑜𝑓 𝐵𝑀 + 𝑆1 + ℎ1

Surveying
Case III: Base of the object inaccessible- Instrument station and the elevated object are not in the same
vertical plane

In ∆ 𝑂1𝑂2𝐴′, ∠𝑂1𝐴′𝑂 = 180° − (𝛼 + 𝛽) = 𝜃

Apply sine rule

𝑂 2𝐴 ′ 𝑂1𝐴′ 𝑂1𝑂2
= =
sin 𝛼 sin 𝛽 sin 𝜃

𝑂1𝑂2 sin 𝛼 𝑑 sin 𝛼

𝑂2 𝐴′ = =
sin 𝜃 sin 𝜃

𝑂1𝑂2 sin 𝛽 𝑑 sin 𝛽

𝑂1 𝐴′ = =
sin 𝜃 sin 𝜃

Now
ℎ1 = 𝐴′′𝐹 = 𝐴′′𝑂′ tan 𝜃1 = 𝐴′𝑂1 tan 𝜃1 [𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝐴′′𝑂′ = 𝐴′𝑂1]
1 1

ℎ2 = 𝐴′′′𝐹 = 𝐴′′′𝑂′ tan 𝜃2 = 𝐴′𝑂2 tan 𝜃2 [𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝐴′′′𝑂′ = 𝐴′𝑂2]

2 2

∴ 𝑅𝐿 𝑜𝑓 𝐹 = 𝑅𝐿 𝑜𝑓 𝐵𝑀 + 𝑆1 + ℎ1

𝑑 sin 𝛽. tan 𝜃1
∴ 𝑅𝐿 𝑜𝑓 𝐹 = 𝑅𝐿 𝑜𝑓 𝐵𝑀 + 𝑆1 +
sin 𝜃

∴ 𝑅𝐿 𝑜𝑓 𝐹 = 𝑅𝐿 𝑜𝑓 𝐵𝑀 + 𝑆1 + ℎ2

𝑑 sin 𝛼. tan 𝜃2
∴ 𝑅𝐿 𝑜𝑓 𝐹 = 𝑅𝐿 𝑜𝑓 𝐵𝑀 + 𝑆2 +
sin 𝜃

Surveying