LESSON 21

Reciprocal Leveling and

Trigonometric Leveling
FUNDAMENTAL OF SURVEYING
ENGR. RICHARD VILLAMORA

Submittedby: Marvin Gazo

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 1.) Reciprocal Leveling
• Determine the difference in elevation between two points when it is difficult
or impossible to keep backsights and foresights short and equal. Such as (
wide rivers, lakes, or rugged terrain where deep canyons and ravines are
encountered).

• Method of leveling, two sets of rod readings are observed. One set is take
with the instrument set up close to one point and another with the
instrument set up close to the other point.

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 1-1.) Procedure
• The level is first set up very close to A at L1, and a “DE1 = (a – b)”
backsight reading, a, is taken on a leveling rod
held at A after which a foresight reading, b, is
taken on the rod held at B.

• The level is then taken across the body of water “DE2 = (a’ – b’)”
and set up at L2 near B. From this second
position, readings are again taken on both points
and recorded as a’ and b’. A second difference in
elevation is again obtained as follows.

• The two differences in elevation between A and B, Thus,

as determined with the instrument set up at L1
and L2, normally will not agree because of “TDE = ( DE1 + DE2 )/2”
instrumental errors and the effects of curvature
and refraction.

Take note: “If the value of TDE is negative, it

only tell us that point A is higher than point B.”
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1-2.) Obtaining More Accurate Measurements
• Accurate observations can only be obtained if refraction remains
constant during the leveling process.

• Good results are usually obtained on cloudy days or in the middle of a

sunny afternoon when the temperature does not rise rapidly.

• When two levels are employed it is desirable that each has about the
same magnifying power and their level vials are equally sensitive in order
that the best results are obtained.

• More precise results may also obtained if a series of rod readings are
taken on both the distant and near rods.

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ILLUSTRATIVE PROBLEMS:
1.) RECIPROCAL LEVELING
In leveling across a deep and wide river, reciprocal
level readings were taken between two points, X
and Y, as follows

a.) With instrument set up near X, the rod readings

on X are 1.283 and 1.285 meters; on the distant
point Y, the rod readings are 2.618, 2.621, and
2.622 meters.
b.) With instrument set up near Y, the readings on Y
are 3.478 and 3.476 meters; on the distant point X,
the readings are 2.143, 2.140, 2.146, and 2.144
meters.

Determine the true difference in elevation between

the two points and the elevation of Y if the known
elevation of X is 290.082 meters.

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SOLUTION:
•a.)

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LUSTRATIVE PROBLEMS:
2.) RECIPROCAL LEVELING

•In leveling across a wide river,

reciprocal level readings were taken
between two points A and B as shown
in the accompanying tabulation.
Determine the following:

•a.) Difference in elevation between

the two points.

•b.) Elevation of B if the elevation of A

is 951.750 m.

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SOLUTION:
•a.)

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SOLUTION:
•a.)

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2.) Trigonometric Leveling
• Defined as the determination of differences in elevation from observed vertical
•a.)
angles and either horizontal or inclined distances.

• Method of leveling is used extensively when undertaking topographic surveys

over rugged or rolling terrain since it provides a rapid means of determining
vertical distances and elevation of points.

• When trigonometric leveling is employedin much longer sights, the slope distance
is measured using EDM intrusments and precise optical theodolites are utilized for
measuring vertical angles.

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2.) Trigonometric Leveling
• The vertical distance, V, could be determined
in two ways as follows:
•a.) “V = d Tanα” Eq.(1)
or “V = s Sinα” Eq.(2)

• The difference in elevation between A and B

may be determined by any of the following
equations:
“DEab = d Tanα + h.i. - RR” Eq.(3)
or “DEab = s Sinα + h.i. - RR” Eq.(4)

• If the elevation of A is known, the elevation

of B can then determined as follows:
“Elev B = Elev A + DEab” Eq.(5)

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2.) Trigonometric Leveling
• Assuming that long sights are involved, the
difference in elevation between points A and
•a.) B would then be written as:
“DEab = d Tanα + h.i. – RR + 0.0675 (d/1000)^2”
Eq.(6)
or
“DEab = s Sinα + h.i. – RR + 0.0675 (d/1000)^2”
Eq.(7)

• The effects of curvature and refraction, and

the correct difference in elevation between
the two points is taken as the mean of the
two values computed both ways. Thus:
“DEab = d/2 (Tanα + Tanß)” Eq.(8)
or “DEab = s/2 (Sinα + Sinß)” Eq.(9)

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 ILLUSTRATIVE
PROBLEMS:
2-1.)
TRIGONOMETRIC
LEVELING

•A vertical angle of +13°45’ Is

read to a target 1.23m above
point B. The measured inclined
distance, s, is 823.29m and the
elevation of point A is 123.65m
above datum. If the height of
instrument at A is 1.35m,
determine the difference in
elevation between A and B and
the elevation of B, considering
the effects of curvature and
atmospheric refraction.

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SOLUTION:

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ILLUSTRATIVE PROBLEMS:
2-2.) TRIGONOMETRIC LEVELING
Let A be a point of elevation 130.48m above
datum,, and let B and C be points of unknown
elevation. By means of an instrument set 1.22m
above B, vertical angles are observed, that to A
being - 14°45’ and that to C being +8°32’ uf the
horizontal distance AB is 547.20m and the
horizontal distance BC is 923.95m, determine the
elevations of B and C, making due allowance for
earth’s curvature and atmospheric refraction.

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 SOLUTION:

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 SOLUTION:

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 THANK YOU!!!!

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