Measurement of

Vertical
Distances
GE 100: General Surveying I

Lecture No. 3
Caraga State University
College of Engineering and Information Technology

Leveling
It is the process of directly or
indirectly measuring vertical
distances to determine the
elevation of points or their
difference in elevation.

Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

Definition of Terms
1.
2.

3.

Level Surface it is a curved surface which is

at any point perpendicular to the direction of
gravity or the plumb line.
Level Line it is a curved line in a level
surface all points of which are normal to the
direction of gravity and equidistant from the
center of the earth.
Horizontal Surface it is a plane that is
tangent to a level surface at a particular point.
It also perpendicular to the plumb line at the
same point.

Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

Definition of Terms
4.

5.
6.

Horizontal Line a straight line in a

horizontal plane which is tangent to a level
line at one point. It is perpendicular to the
direction of gravity at the point of tangency.
Vertical Line is a line parallel to the
direction of gravity.
Mean Sea Level is an imaginary surface of
the sea which is midway between high and
low tides.

Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

Definition of Terms
7.

8.
9.

Datum is any convenient level surface

coincident or parallel with mean sea level to
which elevations of a particular area are
referred.
Elevation is the vertical distance above or
below mean sea level or any other selected
datum.
Difference in Elevation is the vertical distance
between the two level surfaces in which the
points lie.

Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

Relationship Between Level

Surfaces
Diff. in Elev.
Between A & B

Earth s Surface

Elevation
of B (+)

Elevation
of A (+)

Le ve

l Li ne
Thru
B

Le ve l L
ine Thr
u A

A
LEV EL

Le ve l Li ne Th
ru C

Line

To Earth s
Center

Ve rtic
al
Li ne

Diff. in Elev.
Between A & C

SEA

Vertical

Line
Ve rtica l

ME AN

Elevation
of C (-)

Diff. in Elev.
Between B & C

Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

Leveling Methods
1.

Direct or Spirit Leveling

method of determining the
elevation
of
points
some
distance apart by a series of set
ups of a leveling instrument
along a selected route. It is also
referred to spirit leveling since
the device used is a spirit level.
Forms of Direct Leveling
a. Differential Leveling
b. Double Rodded Leveling
c. Three Wire Leveling

Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

Leveling Methods
2.

3.

Reciprocal Leveling is the process of accurately determining

the difference in elevation between two inter visible points
located at a considerable distance apart and between which
points leveling could not be performed in the usual manner.
Profile Leveling is used to determine difference in elevation
between points at designated short measured intervals along
an established line to provide data from which a vertical
section of the ground surface can be plotted.

Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

Leveling Methods
4.

5.

Lecture No. 3

Trigonometric Leveling is
employed in determining by
trigonometric computations the
difference in elevation between
two points from measurements of
its horizontal and slope distance
and the vertical angle between the
points.
Stadia Leveling combines
features of direct leveling with
those of trigonometric leveling. It is
in fact a form of trigonometric
leveling.

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

Leveling Methods
6.

7.

8.

Barometric Leveling it involves the

determination of differences in elevation
between points by measuring the variation in
atmospheric pressure at each point by means
of barometer.
Cross-Section Leveling in highways or
railroad construction it is often necessary to
obtain a representation of the ground surface
on either side of the centerline.
Borrow-Pit Leveling is a method of
determining the relative elevations of points in
borrow-pit excavations for the purpose of
calculating volumes of earthwork.

Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

Types of Levels
DUMPY LEVEL

TILTING LEVEL

WYE LEVEL

GEODETIC LEVEL

BUILDERS LEVEL

TRANSIT AS A LEVEL

AUTOMATIC LEVEL

LASER LEVEL

HAND LEVEL
Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

DUMPY LEVEL
WYE LEVEL

BUILDERS LEVEL
AUTOMATIC LEVEL

Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

LASER LEVEL

TILTING AND
GEODETIC LEVEL

LASER SYSTEM
MOUNTED ON
BUILDERS LEVEL
HAND LEVEL

Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

Leveling Rods
It is a graduated rod
which is used for
measuring the vertical
distance between the
line of sight through a
leveling
instrument
and the point whose
elevation
is
either
required or known.

Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

Two Classification of Leveling Rod

1. Self-Reading Rod it is the
most commonly used type of
leveling rod. It can be read
directly by the instrumentman
through the telescope by
noting
the
apparent
intersection of the horizontal
hair on the rod.

Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

2. Target Rod it is
the type of rod has
a sliding target
which is set and
read by a rodman
at
the
position
selected by the
instrumentman.
Measurement of
Vertical Distances

Other Types of Rod

Philadelphia Rods

1. Rods Named
After Cities or
States
2. Rod Ribbons
3. Precise Rod
4. Geodetic Rod
5. Tape Rod
Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

Rod Level
It is a device used
for fast and correct
plumbing
of
a
leveling rod.
It is L-shape in
design and consists
of a small circular
spirit level fastened
the rod or to small
bracket held against
the side of the rod.
Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

Targets
It is a small device
attached to the rod
when
extremely
long sights make
direct reading of
the rod difficult or
impossible.

Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

Other Forms of Targets

Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

Telescope
It is a metal tube
containing a system
of lenses which are
used to fix the
direction of the line
of sight and is
magnifying
the
apparent size of the
objects in its field of
view.

Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

Parts of Telescope
Objective Lens

Eyepiece

Cross Hairs

Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

Cross Hair Ring or Reticule

Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

Types of Telescope
1. Internal Focusing Telescope

It has an additional auxiliary lens which moves

back and forth between the objective and the
cross hairs as the focusing screw it turned.

2. External Focusing Telescope

It has an objective lens mounted on a sleeve

which moves back and forth in the telescope
barrel as an object is brought into focus.

Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

Eyepiece
Reticule

Auxiliary
Lens

Objective Lens

dust cap

Internal Focusing Telescope

Eyepiece
Reticule

Draw Tube
Objective Lens

External Focusing Telescope

Lecture 3
Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying
GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances
Measurement of
Vertical Distances

Magnification of the Telescope

It is the ratio of the apparent size of an
object viewed through a telescope to its
size as seen by the unaided eye from the
same distance.
It may also be taken as the amount by
which an object is increased in apparent
size.

Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

Level Vial
It is sealed graduated glass tube containing some
amount of liquid and a small air bubble.
It is used to determine the direction of gravity.

Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

Coincidence Bubble
Type of bubble used on
most modern precise
instruments such as the
tilting and automatic
level.
It employs an optical
device which splits the
bubble
longitudinally,
then turns one end
around to make it appear
adjacent to the other
end.

Appearance of Bubbles Before Centering

And Direction Taken in Turning the
Leveling Screws

Appearance of bubbles
when Centered

Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

Tripods
It serves as a base to prevent movement of the instrument after it is
set up.
It consists of three wooden or aluminum legs which are securely
fastened the tripod head by means of a hinged joint.
Fixed-Leg Tripod

Lecture No. 3

Extension Tripod

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

Setting up the Level

The leveling instrument may be set up at any suitable or
desired location.
Solid ground should be selected when setting up the
instrument.
Tripod legs are spread so that the foot plate will be
approximately horizontal and they should be pushed
firmly into the ground to make it stand stable.
The preferable and convenient of set up is one which will
enable the instrumentman to sight through the telescope
without having to stretch or stoop.
The legs of the tripod when setting up on hillsides or
along a slope, one leg should extend uphill and two legs
downhill.

Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

Leveling the Instrument

1.

Instruments with Four Leveling Screws

Direction of Bubble Movement
Motion of
Left Thumb

Direction
of Bubble
Movement

Motion of
Left Thumb

Lecture No. 3

Motion of
Right Thumb

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Motion of
Right Thumb

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

Leveling the Instrument

2.

Instruments with Three Leveling Screws

Direction of Bubble Movement

Motion of
Left Thumb
Direction
Of Bubble
Movement

Motion of
Left Thumb

Lecture No. 3

Motion of
Right Thumb

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

Holding the Leveling Rod

The leveling rod is held on a point by a
rodman when a sight is to be taken on it.
The rod be held plumb when the reading
is made.
The instrumentman checks the rod by
observing through the telescope and
noting if its is held parallel to the vertical
cross hair.
The rod is lightly supported between the
fingers of both hands and is allowed to
balance on its own weight.
The fingers must not cover the face of
the rod.
The graduations of the rod are always
clearly visible and not obstructed.

Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

Taking a Rod Reading

POSITION THE ROD

FOCUS ON THE ROD

READ THE ROD

Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

Determining Difference in
Elevation
Rod

Horizontal
Line of Sight

Horizontal
Line of Sight

A
B
Difference in
Elevation between
A and B

Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

Length of Sight
It is always best to take sights at moderate
lengths to attain speed and accuracy in leveling
work.
A very short or extremely long sights should be
avoided.
The most suitable sight lengths will depend upon
the required degree of precision, the surface of
the terrain, the type of instrument used, and upon
the distance at which the rod remains readable to
the instrumentman.
It should not exceed 90 m where elevations to the
nearest 0.001 m are desired.
Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

Waving the Rod

Is used to determine whether the rod is plumb
when a reading is taken on it.
It is accomplished by slowly waving or tilting
the top of the rod through the arc, first toward
the instrument and then away from it.

Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

Carrying the Instruments

The levels should always be kept in a box when it is not used.
It should remain in its carrying case when transported to the
work site or when ot has to be moved to another distant set
up or over rough terrain.
The level does not detached from the tripod when transferring
to another nearby station provided that it is securely fastened
to the tripod and is carried properly.
In open spaces, the level may be carried on the shoulder in
preferably a near-vertical position.
The spindle is clamped slightly so that the telescope does not
rotates when carried.
In densely forested areas, the level should be cradled
between the arms and held close to ones chest left or right
chest.

Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

Arm and Hand Signals

Move Right or Left

Plumb the Rod

Give a Sight

Establish a Turning Point

All Right

This is a Turning Point

This a Point

Wave the Rod

Move Back

Face the Rod

Pick Up Instruments

Reverse the Rod

Raise or ( Lower ) Target

Move Forward

Come In

Use the Long Rod

Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

Sources of Error in Leveling

1. Instrumental Errors
these errors are attributed to imperfections
in the instruments either from faults in their
manufacture or from improper adjustment.

Examples:

Instruments out of Adjustmennt

Rod not Standard Length
Defective Tripod

Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

Sources of Error in Leveling

2. Personal Errors
-

occur largely due to the limitations of the senses of touch,

sight or hearing of individuals, skills, training, and teamwork
of the members of a leveling party.

Examples:

Bubble not Centered

Parallax
Faulty Rod Readings
Rod not Held Plumb
Incorrect Setting of Target
Unequal Backsight and Foresight

Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

Sources of Error in Leveling

3. Natural Errors

errors due to natural sources and could not be

totally removed but their effects can be reduced by
applying corrections and using good judgment.

Examples:

Curvature of the Earth

Atmospheric Refraction
Temperature Variations
Wind
Settlement of the Instrument
Faulty Turning Points

Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

Common Mistakes in
Leveling
The following are some of the most
commonly made mistakes in leveling
work:
1. Misreading the Rod
2. Incorrect Recording
3. Erroneous Computations
4. Rod not Fully Extended
5. Moving Turning Points
Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

Adjustment of the
Dumpy Level
The following are the three field adjustments often required
for a dumpy level:
1. Adjustment of the Cross Hair
the reticule or the cross hair ring is adjusted to see
to it the horizontal cross hair lies in a plane
perpendicular to the vertical axis of the instrument
2. Adjustment of the Level Vial
is to make the axis of the level vial perpendicular to
the vertical axis of the instrument.
3. Adjustment of the Line of Sight
the line of sight is adjusted to make it parallel to the
axis of the level vial.

Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

TWO-PEG TEST

Two Peg Test

d
d

c
b
b

L1

L2

TDE

Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

where:
a = rod reading on A with instrument set up near A.
b = rod reading on B with instrument set up near A.
c = rod reading on B with instrument set up near B.
d = rod reading on A with instrument set up near B.
The computed difference in elevation for the two set ups
are:
DEa = ( a-b ) and DEb = ( d-c )
Note: If the two differences in elevation are equal, the line
of sight is in adjustment.

Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

TDEa = a (b-e) and TDEb = (d-e) - c

TDEa TDEb
2
a (b e) (d e)c

2
a b e d ec

2
(a b) (d c)

TDE

If DEa is not equal to Deb, the correct rod reading at A with

the instrument still set up near B is :

( a b) ( d c )
d ' c TDE c
2
Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

ALTERNATE PROCEDURE FOR TWOALTERNATE PROCEDURE FOR

PEG TEST

TWO-PEG TEST

en

L2

I
d

L1

ef

b
TDE

A
M
(Db-Da)

Da

Db

Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

where:
a = rod reading on A with instrument set up at M.
b = rod reading on B with instrument set up at M.
c = rod reading on A with instrument set up at P.
d = rod reading on B with instrument set up at P.
c = correct rod reading on A for a horizontal line of sight.
d = correct rod reading on B for a horizontal line of sight.
Da = horizontal distance between points A and P.
Db = horizontal distance between points B and P.
en = error in the reading on the near rod ( held at A )
ef = error in the reading on the far rod ( held at B )
I = inclination of the line of sight in the net distance.

Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

The true difference in elevation between the two pegs:

TDE = DEm = a b
DEp = c d
The inclination of the line of sight from the horizontal is:
I = DEm DEp = ( a b ) ( c d )
The error in the reading on the far rod at B can be
determined by proportion as follows:

ef

Db
Db

or e f
(I )
I
Db Da
Db Da
Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

The correct rod reading d at the far rod ( held at B ) for a horizontal
line of sight. Thus,
d = d ef
Similarly, the error in the reading on the near rod at A is:

en
Da
Da

or en
(I )
I
Db Da
Db Da
The correct rod reading c at the near (held at A) for a horizontal
line of sight. Thus,
c = c en
To check the computation, we have:
( a b ) = ( c d )
Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

EXAMPLE PROBLEM

Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

Example # 1:
1.

In the two-peg test of a dumpy level, the following observation

were taken:
Rod Reading

Instrument Set up
Near A

Instrument Set
up Near B

on point A

1. 505 m.

0. 938 m.

on point B

2. 054 m.

1. 449 m.

Determine if the line of sight is in adjustment.

If the line of sight is not in adjustment, determine the correct rod
reading on A with the instrument still set near B.
Determine the error in the line of sight for the net distance AB.
Explain how the line of sight of the instrument should be adjusted.

Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

TWO-PEG TEST

Illustration:

L1

L2

B
A

Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

Example # 2:
In the two-peg test of a dumpy level, the following observations are taken:

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

Rod Reading

Instrument Set up
near M

Instrument Set up
near P

on point A

0. 296

1. 563

on point B

0. 910

2. 140

Point M is equidistant from both A and B, while P is 2.50 m. away from A

along the extension of line AB and 79.27 m. from B.
determine the true difference in elevation between points A and B.
Check if the line of sight is in adjustment.
If the instrument needs to be adjusted, determine the false difference in
elevation, inclination of the line of sight, and the error in the reading on the
far rod.
With the level still set up at P, determine the rod reading on B to which the
line of sight should be adjusted
Perform the customary check.
Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances

ALTERNATE PROCEDURE FOR TWOPEG TEST

Illustration:

L2

c=1.563 m.

L1

a=0.296 m.

d=2.140 m.
b=0.910 m.

A
La=2.5 m.

M
(Lb-La) = 76.77 m.

Lb = 79.27

Lecture No. 3

GE 100
Elementary Surveying

Measurement of
Vertical Distances