Lecture Learning Outcomes

After completion of this lecture you should be able to:

• define and explain the different types, functions
and techniques of Levelling.
• list, explain and differentiate leveling errors and
mistakes.
• conduct a leveling survey
• Define profiles and cross-section

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 Levelling
• Levelling - process of finding the height of
various points on the ground or parts of a
structure above a certain horizontal
reference surface (datum) (e.g. MSL).

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 Levelling
• Vertical measurements are taken by
sighting horizontally through a mounted
telescope onto a graduated staff held
vertically.

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 Levelling
• By giving the first point a certain height
above the reference surface all the points
can be related to this surface.

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 BASIC DEFINITIONS
Datum Or Reference Elevations
convenient point as a reference or datum with
respect to which elevations of other points can be
determined.

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 Bench Mark
a relatively permanent point of known
elevation

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 BASIC DEFINITIONS
Backsight (BS-plus) –
a sight taken to the level rod held on a point of
known elevation (either a BM or a TP)

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 BASIC DEFINITIONS
Foresight (FS-minus) –
a sight taken to any point to determine its elevation

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 BASIC DEFINITIONS
Turning Point (TP) –
a temporary point whose elevation is determined
during the process of leveling
Intermediate sight (IS) –
other sights taken in between BS and FS

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 BASIC DEFINITIONS
Reduce Level
height of a point that is computed above or below a
datum
height of the instrument (HI)
the elevation of the line of sight of the telescope.
Elevation
the vertical distance above or below a reference level
surface (normally, sea level)

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 THEORY OF SPIRIT LEVELLING

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 Instruments – The level
Telescope

Eyepiece Tangent screw

Focusing Screw
Levelling screw
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 Automatic or self-levelling:
V
Crosshair
Front Focus Compensator
Lens Lens (Pendulum) Eyepiece
P1 P3 H H
Line of Sight
(Axis of Collimation)
P2 Bull’s Eye Bubble
V

Foot Screws
Vertical Axis (of Rotation)
Compensator Assembly
P1, P3 fixed prisms
P2 Prism, suspended by
steel band(s).
Pendulum movement
compensates for small
tilts

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 CROSS HAIRS

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 Level rods
• Level rods - one piece or others are either
telescoping or hinged (wood, metal)
• Level rods are available at different
lengths e.g. 2m, 5m, etc. and are
graduated from zero at the bottom

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 V
V
H H
V
V

H H
H H
V
H H
H H

V
V
V
V
H H

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Difference in Height - 2 inter-visible points

• Staff reading as A = 1. 350 (back)

• Staff reading as A = 3. 460 (fore)
• Difference = - 2.110 m
• The negative indicates that B is lower than A.
If the reduced level of A is 100.000 m than
reduced level of B is 100 – 2.11 = 97.89
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 - 2 points (not inter-visible)

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 Field Notes

• Checking:
• Total BS – Total FS
• Total Rise – Total Fall
• Last Reduce Level – Start Reduce Level
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 25
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 reduce level by collimation heights.

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 reduce level by collimation heights.

• Checking:
Total BS – Total FS
= (4.340 – 3.350) = 0.990 m
Last Reduce Level – Start Reduce Level
= (352.260 – 351.270) = 0.990 m

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Rise and Fall
• Every reduce levels are determine from
preceding reduce level
• more calculations
• can check all the reduced levels
• Eliminates errors

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 Collimation Heights method
• could not check the reduce levels of
intermediate sights
• Error can be detected but not pinpoint
where the error
• much faster to calculate
• suitable for taking spot heights

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PROFILE LEVELING
• The process of determining a series of
elevations along a fixed line.
PROFILES
Purpose - to provide the information
necessary to plot the elevation of the ground
along the proposed route.
A profile is the graphical intersection of a
vertical plane, along the route in question,
with the earth's surface.

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 CROSS SECTIONS
• lines of levels or short profiles made
perpendicular to the center line of a
project. They provide the information
necessary for estimating quantities of
earthwork.

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 CROSS SECTIONS methods

• i. Level are set-up on stations

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 CROSS SECTIONS methods
ii. Level are set-up on cross sections lines

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 CROSS SECTIONS methods
iii. Levels are set-up on profile lines and the
middle of the cross sections lines.

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 CROSS SECTIONS methods

iv. Levels are set-up NOT on profile lines

and between the cross sections lines.

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 COMMON LEVELING MISTAKES

• Misreading the Rod.

• Moving Turning Points.
• Field Note Mistakes.
• Mistakes with Extended Rod.

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 LEVELING ERRORS
Personal Errors
• Level rod Not vertical.
• Rod Not Fully Extended
• Incorrect rod length.
• BS and FS distances Not Equal.
• Bubble not centered on level.
• Improper Focusing of Telescope (Parallax).
Natural Errors
• Heat Waves.
• Wind.
• Mud, Snow, or Ice Accumulation on Base of Rod.
• Settling of Level Rod.
Instrumental Errors ?

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