Technological Year : BET-CT-01

University Subject : Construction Survey 1: Elementary Surveying Lecture 2 - FOS

of the Philippines Date :
Taguig Campus Topic : Measurement of Vertical Distances Vertical Control
Department of Leveling Principles and Techniques
Civil Engineering

MEASUREMENT OF VERTICAL DISTANCES

LEVELING TECHNIQUES B. PROCEDURE OF DIFFERENTIAL LEVELING:
HEIGHT OF INSTRUMENT METHOD
A. DIFFERENTIAL OR SPIRIT LEVELING
The procedure followed in determining the differences
Differential levelling or spirit levelling is the most in elevation between two points is illustrated in which a
accurate simple direct method of determining the line of levels is run from 𝐵𝑀 to 𝐵𝑀 . There should be at
difference of level between two points using an instrument least two persons to undertake differential leveling; the
known as level with a levelling staff. A level establishes a rodman who carries and holds the rod, and the
horizontal line of sight and the difference in the level of the instrumentman who sets up the level and determines the
line of sight and the point over which the levelling staff is required rod readings.
held, is measured through the levelling staff.
The leveling instrument is set up at any
convenient location along the level route and a
backsight is taken on a leveling rod held vertically on
𝐵𝑀 . The backsight reading is added to the known or
assumed elevation of the initial benchmark gives the
height of the instrument or

𝑯𝑰 𝑬𝒍𝒆𝒗. 𝑩𝑴 𝐨𝐫 𝑻𝑷 𝑩𝑺

The rodman moves forward along the general

direction of 𝐵𝑀 and holds the rod at a convenient
turning point. The instrumentman takes a foresight
on the rod. This foresight reading subtracted from the
height of the instrument gives the elevation above
datum of the turning point, or

𝑬𝒍𝒆𝒗. 𝑻𝑷 𝑯𝑰 𝑭𝑺

The level is then transferred and set up at another

convenient location beyond 𝑇𝑃 , but still in the
general direction of 𝐵𝑀 . The exact location at
which the level is set up is of little importance. The
more important thing to consider is that the level is
set up at a location where backsight and foresight rod
readings can be made. A backsight is then taken on
𝑇𝑃 to establish a new height of instrument, 𝐻𝐼 . The
rodman finally moves forward to the location of 𝐵𝑀
and a foresight is taken on the rod held on it.

Item Description
Station, Sta. A, a, b, B, c, and C
𝐻𝐼 El. 𝐵𝑀 𝐵𝑆 ,
𝐻𝐼 El. 𝑇𝑃 𝐹𝑆 ,
Height of Instrument, 𝐻𝐼
𝐻𝐼 El. 𝑇𝑃 𝐵𝑆 ,
𝐻𝐼 El. 𝐵𝑀 𝐹𝑆 ,
Backsight, 𝐵𝑆 𝑆 , and 𝑆
Foresight, 𝐹𝑆 𝑆 , and 𝑆
Turning Point, 𝑇𝑃 𝑇𝑃 or B
Intermediate (fore)sight, 𝐼𝐹𝑆 a, b, and c

1 | TUP-T – CE DEPT. – APIC – BETCT01 – CS1 – CET122 – L – W7-W8

 Technological Year : BET-CT-01
University Subject : Construction Survey 1: Elementary Surveying Lecture 2 - FOS
of the Philippines Date :
Taguig Campus Topic : Measurement of Vertical Distances Vertical Control
Department of Leveling Principles and Techniques
Civil Engineering

Since the new 𝐻𝐼 has already been determined, the the left-hand page is divided into columns for
elevation of 𝐵𝑀 is computed by subtracting the 𝐹𝑆 observed and computed data and the right-hand page
reading from the 𝐻𝐼. is reserved for sketches, remarks, and all other
information relevant to the leveling operations.
The arithmetic can be verified by performing the
arithmetic check (page check). All BSs are added
and all FSs are subtracted. When the sum of BS is
added to the original elevation and then the sum of FS
is subtracted from that total, the remainder should be
the same as the final elevation calculated.

𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝑬𝒍𝒆𝒗 𝚺𝑩𝑺 𝚺𝑭𝑺 𝑬𝒏𝒅 𝑬𝒍𝒆𝒗

C. PROCEDURE OF DIFFERENTIAL LEVELING:

RISE AND FALL METHOD

Another method of carrying out a leveling operation is

by the rise and fall method which is popularly adapted by 3. Arithmetic checks
the British. It is a very simple method and may serve as an
alternate method for profile or the differential leveling or it As done in the other methods of leveling, the
may be used to check a completed set of level notes. customary arithmetic check should always be made
either at the end of the leveling work or at the end of
each page when entries are carried forward over
succeeding pages.

The following methods are used in the two methods of

reduction of levels (difference in elevation):

𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐯 𝚺𝑩𝑺 𝚺𝑭𝑺

𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐯 𝚺𝑹𝒊𝒔𝒆 𝚺𝑭𝒂𝒍𝒍

𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐯 𝚺𝑩𝑺 𝚺𝑭𝑺

𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐯 𝚺 𝑳𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝑹𝑳 𝚺 𝑭𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝑹𝑳

1. Principle of the Method

D. COMPARISON OF THE TWO DIFFERENTIAL
The rise and fall method is based on the principle that LEVELING METHODS
two consecutive readings from the same instrument
position gives the difference in elevation of the two Less arithmetic is involved in the reduction of levels
points sighted. In this method, the actual 𝐻𝐼 has no real with the height of instrument method than with the rise and
significance other than being the line to which vertical fall method, in particular when large numbers of
distances are conveniently measured from various intermediate sights is involved. Moreover, the rise and fall
points on the ground. The method relies upon the method gives an arithmetic check on all the levels reduced,
difference in elevation between successive points such i.e., including the points where the intermediate sights have
that each point is considered in relation to the point been taken, whereas in the height of instrument method, the
immediately preceding it and whose computed check is on the levels reduced at the change points only. In
elevation (or reduced level, 𝑅𝐿) is either known or has the height of instrument method the check on all the sights
just been calculated. is available only using the second formula that is not as
simple as the first one.
2. Format of Level Notes Used
The height of instrument method involves less
A slightly different format of level notes is used for the computation in reducing the levels when there are large
rise and fall differential leveling. In the field notebook, numbers of intermediate sights and thus it is faster than the
rise and fall method. The rise and fall method, therefore,
2 | TUP-T – CE DEPT. – APIC – BETCT01 – CS1 – CET122 – L – W7-W8
 Technological Year : BET-CT-01
University Subject : Construction Survey 1: Elementary Surveying Lecture 2 - FOS
of the Philippines Date :
Taguig Campus Topic : Measurement of Vertical Distances Vertical Control
Department of Leveling Principles and Techniques
Civil Engineering

should be employed only when a very few or no The process of determining differences in elevation
intermediate sights are taken in the whole levelling along a fixed line at designated short measured intervals is
operation. In such case, frequent change of instrument referred to as profile leveling. It is executed to provide data
position requires determination of the height of instrument from which a vertical section of the ground surface can be
for the each setting of the instrument and, therefore, plotted. The fieldwork involved is identical to differential
computations involved in the height of instrument method leveling since it also requires the establishment of turning
may be more or less equal to that required in the rise and points on which foresight and backsight readings are taken
fall method. On the other hand, it has a disadvantage of not before the terminal point is reached. The main difference
having check on the intermediate sights, if any, unless the between these methods lies in the number of foresights
second check is applied. taken from each setup of the instrument.

E. DOUBLE-RODDED LEVELING 1. Definition of Terms

Double-rodded differential leveling is a special The following are the terms frequently used in profile
method of determining difference in elevation between leveling:
points by employing two level routes simultaneously. This
method differs from conventional differential leveling in a. Profile. This is a curve line which graphically
that two turning points are established such that at each portrays the intersection of a vertical plane with
setup of the leveling instrument, two sets of independent the surface of the earth. It depicts ground
backsights and foresights are taken. elevations of the selected critical points along a
surveyed line and the horizontal distances
between these points.

b. Stationing. A numerical designation given in

terms of horizontal distance any point along a
profile line is way from the starting point. Each
stake used is marked with its station and plus.

Metric (in m): 000 000.000

English (in ft): 000 00.00

c. Intermediate Foresights. These sights, which are

also known as ground rod readings, are taken
along the centerline of the proposed project to
This method has an advantage of providing a provide an accurate representation of the ground
continuous check on the process of determining ground surface. Intermediate foresights are observed at
elevations while the work is in progress. It is extremely regular intervals and at points where sudden
useful when there is an urgent need to undertake changes in elevation occur.
differential leveling in a short period of time where no
established bench marks are available for checking results. d. Full Stations. Are points which are established
This is also useful when running a long line of levels which along the profile level route at uniformly
do not close back on the initial bench mark. measured distances.

Upon completion of the leveling operation, it will be Metric (in m): 𝟎𝟎𝟎 000.000
observed that the two computed elevations of the terminal English (in ft): 𝟎𝟎𝟎 00.00
bench mark is due usually to errors of observation, and the
correct elevation is determined by taking the average value. e. Plus / Intermediate Stations. Any other
intermediate point established along a profile
F. PROFILE LEVELING level route which is not designated as a full
station. These points are taken at breaks in the
Before engineers can properly design linear facilities ground surface slope and at critical points.
such as highways, railroads, transmission lines, aqueducts,
canals, sewers, and water mains, they need accur ate Metric (in m): 000 𝟎𝟎𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟎
information about the topography along the proposed English (in ft): 000 𝟎𝟎. 𝟎𝟎
routes. Profile leveling, which yields elevations at definite
points along a reference line, provides the needed data.

3 | TUP-T – CE DEPT. – APIC – BETCT01 – CS1 – CET122 – L – W7-W8

 Technological Year : BET-CT-01
University Subject : Construction Survey 1: Elementary Surveying Lecture 2 - FOS
of the Philippines Date :
Taguig Campus Topic : Measurement of Vertical Distances Vertical Control
Department of Leveling Principles and Techniques
Civil Engineering

f. Vertical Exaggeration. Is a process of drawing the The instrument is set up at a convenient location and a
vertical scale for a profile much larger than the backsight is taken on a reference bench mark near the
horizontal scale in order to accentuate the initial point to determine the 𝐻𝐼. It is preferable to set up
differences in elevation. the level about 20 m away from the level route when
readings must be taken on a series of intermediate points.
g. Profile Paper. A special heavy grade graphing A suitable set up should be selected such that the rod is
paper used for plotting profiles. The paper has visible through the telescope and rod readings could be
horizontal and vertical lines drawn in green, blue, made more easily. A series of intermediate foresights are
or orange which are spaced accordingly to next taken along the centerline to determine elevations of
represent certain distances to the horizontal and ground points. This is done without transferring the
vertical scales. instrument. By the time it is no longer possible to continue
with the foresight readings on intermediate points from
the instrument position, a turning point is established.
This permits the instrument to be moved to a new
location which will allow additional foresights to be
taken forward of the line or just to continue the line of
levels.

3. Plotting Profiles

The plotting profile should give an accurate and

useful representation of the existing ground
configuration. It is plotted on a linear scale which
shows the correct length of the surveyed line. The
profile is plotted as a curve in which the distance of
each station from the point of beginning is shown on
the abscissa and the elevation of each station is plotted
on the ordinate.

There are many purposes for which profiles are

2. Procedure of Profile Leveling plotted. They may be used to determine depths of cut and
fill such as on proposed roads and railroads. Profiles are
Before profile levels are run, the line joining the initial also used when designing the most economical grade
and terminal points must first be established. A transit and (engineered ground) location and planning out grade
tape survey is undertaken starting at the beginning of the crossings. They are also referred to when locating and
line which is designated as station 0 000. The length of positioning tunnels, pipelines, irrigation canals, and sewer
the level route is measured and stakes are set at each full lines.
station to define the path to be followed.
The following information should be indicated
in the profile sheet:

a. Plotting Scales. The horizontal and vertical scales

used in plotting the profile should be properly
identified.

b. Stationing. The full stations along the level route

should be indicated to portray the overall linear
length of the line.

c. Reference Points. Important reference points and

other ground points which need to be emphasized
or pointed out should be easily seen.

d. Marginal Information. Any other valuable

information which should explain the profile
better or in detail should be indicated. Such

4 | TUP-T – CE DEPT. – APIC – BETCT01 – CS1 – CET122 – L – W7-W8

 Technological Year : BET-CT-01
University Subject : Construction Survey 1: Elementary Surveying Lecture 2 - FOS
of the Philippines Date :
Taguig Campus Topic : Measurement of Vertical Distances Vertical Control
Department of Leveling Principles and Techniques
Civil Engineering

information may include the following: a title to The level is first set up very close to 𝐴 at 𝑋 and a
identify the leveling operation, location of the backsight reading, a, is taken on a leveling rod held at
profile taken, what profile represents, the date it 𝐴 after which a foresight reading, 𝑏, is taken on the rod
was surveyed, names of the survey party held at 𝐵. From these readings the difference in
members, and the name of the draftsman who elevation between two points is
plotted the profile.
𝑫𝑬 𝒂 𝒃
To portray the ground profile, a certain balance
between the horizontal and vertical scale is necessary. The The level is then taken across the body of water
vertical scale is always made much larger than the and set up at 𝑌, very near to 𝐵. From this second
horizontal scale to accentuate or make more pronounced position, readings are again taken on both points and
the differences in elevation This is referred to as the recorded as 𝑎′ and 𝑏′. A second difference in elevation
vertical exaggeration and is usually a ratio of 10:1. This is again obtained as follows:
ratio depends upon:
𝑫𝑬 𝒂 𝒃′
a. Use of the profile. If a highly accurate
representation of vertical dimensions is required Two differences in elevation between 𝐴 and 𝐵, as
the vertical scale should be increased. determined with the instrument set up at 𝑋 and 𝑌,
b. Character of the Terrain. In order to portray the normally will not agree because of instrument errors
irregularities of flat or fairly level ground, a and the effects of curvature and refraction. It would be
greater amount of vertical exaggerations should efficiently precise to assume that the average of the
be used. Correspondingly, a small ratio is used for two quantities determined is the true difference in
rugged terrain where differences in elevation elevation between two points. Thus,
between ground points are significantly large.
c. Horizontal Scale. The horizontal scale is often 𝑫𝑬 𝑫𝑬′
chosen to fit the plotted profile into a convenient 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐞 𝑫𝑬
𝟐
size of paper. If the selected horizontal scale is
drawn large, a smaller vertical scale is used. If the value of 𝑇𝐷𝐸 is negative, it only tells that point
Consequently, a smaller horizontal scale would 𝐴 is higher than point 𝐵. Correspondingly, point 𝐵 is
require a greater amount of vertical exaggeration. higher than point 𝐴 if the value is negative.
G. RECIPROCAL LEVELING H. INVERSE LEVELING
Sometimes in leveling across topographic features such as In the conventional method of differential leveling, it is
rivers, lakes, and canyons, it is difficult or impossible to keep normally seen that the line of sight of the instrument is always
plus and minus sights short and equal. Reciprocal leveling may higher than any point on which the leveling rod is held.
be utilized at such locations. However, this is not always the case. It is sometimes necessary
to determine the elevation of a point located higher than the
telescope of the instrument. For example, it may be necessary
to determine the elevation of a point under a bridge or to check
the underside of a tunnel roof. In such a situation, the rod is held
upside down and its base is placed up at the desired point. The
rod is then read and the distance to the line of sight is recorded
in the normal way. A reading, whether backsight or foresight,
can thus be obtained. Notekeeping is standard except that a
backsight is prefixed by a negative sign and a foresight with a
positive sign. The calculations are still carried out in the usual
manner and it is important to write an explanatory note on the
right-hand page of the filed notebook to clarify the reversal of
signs.
Reciprocal leveling is employed to determine the When an obstruction such as a concrete wall is encountered
difference in elevation between two points when it is difficult along a level route, the usual procedure is to get around it. This
or impossible to keep backsights and foresights short and equal. maybe the way to go about it, however, it could be time
In this method of leveling two sets of rod readings are observed. consuming or may not be possible at all.
One set is taken with the instrument set up close to one point
and another with the instrument set up close to the other point.

5 | TUP-T – CE DEPT. – APIC – BETCT01 – CS1 – CET122 – L – W7-W8

 Technological Year : BET-CT-01
University Subject : Construction Survey 1: Elementary Surveying Lecture 2 - FOS
of the Philippines Date :
Taguig Campus Topic : Measurement of Vertical Distances Vertical Control
Department of Leveling Principles and Techniques
Civil Engineering

I. SOURCES OF ERROR IN LEVELING minus sights in differential leveling cancels the error due
to this cause.
The accuracy of leveling work may be affected by
numerous factors. However, it is not difficult to obtain accurate Refraction. Light rays coming from an object to the
and precise measurements in leveling as there are different telescope are bent, making the line of sight a curve concave
safeguards which could be taken against expected errors and to the earth’s surface, which thereby decreases rod
mistakes. readings. Balancing the lengths of plus and minus sights
usually eliminates errors due to refraction. However, large
All leveling measurements are subject to three sources of and sudden changes in atmospheric refraction may be
error: (1) instrumental, (2) natural, and (3) personal. These are important in precise work. Although, errors due to
summarized as follows: refraction tend to be random over a long period of time,
they could be systematic on one day’s run.
1. Instrumental Errors
Temperature Variations. Heat causes leveling rods to
Line of Sight. A properly adjusted leveling instrument expand, but the effect is not important in ordinary leveling.
that employs a level vial should have its line of sight and If the level vial of a tilting level is heated, the liquid
level vial axis parallel. Then, with the bubble centered, a expands and the bubble shortens. This does not produce an
horizontal plane, rather than a conical surface, is generated error (although it may be inconvenient), unless one end of
as the telescope is revolved. Also, if the compensators of the tube is warmed more than the other, and the bubble
automatic levels are operating properly, they should always therefore moves. Other parts of the instrument warp
produce a truly horizontal line of sight. If these conditions because of uneven heating, and this distortion affects the
are not met, a line of sight (or collimation) error exists, and adjustment. Shading the level by means of a cover when
serious errors in rod readings can result. These errors are carrying it, and by an umbrella when it is set up, will reduce
systematic, but they are canceled in differential leveling if or eliminate heat effects. These precautions are followed in
the horizontal lengths of plus and minus sights are kept precise leveling. Air boiling or heat waves near the ground
equal. The error may be serious in going up or down a steep surface or adjacent to heated objects make the rod appear
hill where all plus sights are longer or shorter than all minus to wave and prevent accurate sighting. Raising the line of
sights, unless care is taken to run a zigzag line. The size of sight by high tripod setups, taking shorter sights, avoiding
the collimation error, can be determined in a simple field any that pass close to heat sources (such as buildings and
procedure. If backsights and foresights cannot be balanced, stacks), and using the lower magnification of a variable-
a correction for this error can be made. power eyepiece reduce the effect.

Cross hair Not Exactly Horizontal. Reading the rod Wind. Strong wind causes the instrument to vibrate
near the center of the horizontal crosshair will eliminate or and makes the rod unsteady. Precise leveling should not be
minimize this potential error. attempted on excessively windy days.

Rod Not Correct Length. Inaccurate divisions on a rod Settlement of the Instrument. Settlement of the
cause errors in observed elevation differences similar to instrument during the time between a plus sight reading
those resulting from incorrect markings on a measuring and a minus sight makes the latter too small and therefore
tape. Uniform wearing of the rod bottom makes 𝐻𝐼 values the recorded elevation of the next point too high. The error
too large, but the effect is canceled when included in both is cumulative in a series of setups on soft material.
plus and minus sights. Rod graduations should be checked Therefore setups on spongy ground, blacktop, or ice should
by comparing them with those on a standardized tape. be avoided if possible, but if they are necessary, unusual
care is required to reduce the resulting errors. This can
Tripod Legs Loose. Tripod leg bolts that are too loose include taking readings in quick order, using two rods and
or too tight allow movement or strain that affects the two observers to preclude walking around the instrument,
instrument head. Loose metal tripod shoes cause unstable and alternating the order of taking plus and minus sights.
setups. Additionally whenever possible, the instrument tripod’s
legs can be set on long hubs that are driven to refusal in the
2. Natural Errors soft material.

Curvature of the Earth. A level surface curves away Settlement of a Turning Point. This condition causes
from a horizontal plane at the rate which is about 0.7 ft/mi an error similar to that resulting from settlement of the
or 8 cm/km. The effect of curvature of the earth is to instrument. It can be avoided by selecting firm, solid
increase the rod reading. Equalizing lengths of plus and turning points or, if none are available, using a steel turning

6 | TUP-T – CE DEPT. – APIC – BETCT01 – CS1 – CET122 – L – W7-W8

 Technological Year : BET-CT-01
University Subject : Construction Survey 1: Elementary Surveying Lecture 2 - FOS
of the Philippines Date :
Taguig Campus Topic : Measurement of Vertical Distances Vertical Control
Department of Leveling Principles and Techniques
Civil Engineering

pin set firmly in the ground. A railroad spike can also be Misreading the Rod. During leveling the instrument-man
used in most situations. may occasionally read the rod incorrectly. This mistake occurs
because the incorrect mark is in the telescope’s field of view
3. Personal Errors near the cross line. In addition, this mistake frequently occurs
when the line of sight to the rod is partially obstructed in the
Bubble Not Centered. In working with levels that field. Noting the full meter marks both above and before the
employ level vials, errors caused by the bubble not being horizontal cross hair line will prevent this mistake.
exactly centered at the time of sighting are the most
important of any, particularly on long sights. If the bubble Waving a Flat Bottom Rod while Holding It on a Flat
runs between the plus and minus sights, it must be Surface. This action produces an incorrect rod reading because
recentered before the minus sight is taken. Experienced rotation is about the rod edges instead of the center or front face.
observers develop the habit of checking the bubble before In precise work, plumbing with a rod level, or other means, is
and after each sight, a procedure simplified with some preferable to waving. This procedure also saves time.
instruments, which have a mirror-prism arrangement
permitting a simultaneous view of the level vial and rod. Recording Notes. Mistakes in recording, such as
transposing figures, entering values in the wrong column, and
Parallax. Parallax caused by improper focusing of the making arithmetic mistakes, can be minimized by having the
objective or eyepiece lens results in incorrect rod readings. notekeeper repeat the value called out by an observer, and by
Careful focusing eliminates this problem. making the standard field-book checks on rod sums and
elevations. Digital levels that automatically take rod readings,
Faulty Rod Readings. Incorrect rod readings result store the values, and compute the level notes can eliminate these
from parallax, poor weather conditions, long sights, mistakes.
improper target settings, and other causes, including
mistakes such as those due to careless interpolation and Touching Tripod or Instrument during the Reading
transposition of figures. Short sights selected to Process. Beginners using instruments that employ level vials
accommodate weather and instrument conditions reduce may center the bubble, put one hand on the tripod or instrument
the magnitude of reading errors. If a target is used, the while reading a rod, and then remove the hand while checking
rodperson should read the rod, and the observer should the bubble, which has now returned to center but was off during
check it independently. the observation. Of course, the instrument should not be
touched when taking readings, but detrimental effects of this
Rod Handling. Using a rod level that is in adjustment, bad habit are practically eliminated when using automatic
or holding the rod parallel to a plumb bob string eliminates levels.
serious errors caused by improper plumbing of the rod.
Banging the rod on a turning point for the second (plus) Erroneous Calculations. Although level notes only require
sight may change the elevation of a point. simple addition and subtractions, mistakes in these
computations are still committed. For this reason, mathematical
Target Setting. If a target is used, it may not be checks should always be performed to ensure that only correct
clamped at the exact place signaled by the observer because values are determined.
of slippage. A check sight should always be taken after the
target is clamped. K. REDUCING ERRORS AND MISTAKES

J. MISTAKES IN LEVELING Errors in running levels are reduced (but never eliminated)
by carefully adjusting and manipulating both instrument and
A few common mistakes in leveling are listed here. rod and establishing standard field methods and routines. The
following routines prevent most large errors or quickly disclose
Rod not fully extended. When using a leveling rod, it is mistakes: (1) checking the bubble before and after each reading
important that it is fully extended when reading the high (or (if an automatic level is not being used), (2) using a rod level,
long) rod. The two sliding section should lock properly into (3) keeping the horizontal lengths of plus and minus sights
position. The clamp should also be tightened firmly to avoid the equal, (4) running lines forward and backward, (5) making the
upper portion of the rod from sliding downward. usual field-book arithmetic checks, and (6) breaking long
leveling circuits into smaller sections.
Holding the Rod in Different Places for the Plus and Minus
Sights on a Turning Point. The rodperson can avoid such 1. Requirements For Testing and Adjusting Instruments
mistakes by using a well-defined point or by outlining the rod
base with lumber crayon, keel, or chalk. Before testing and adjusting instruments, care should
be exercised to ensure that any apparent lack of adjustment

7 | TUP-T – CE DEPT. – APIC – BETCT01 – CS1 – CET122 – L – W7-W8

 Technological Year : BET-CT-01
University Subject : Construction Survey 1: Elementary Surveying Lecture 2 - FOS
of the Philippines Date :
Taguig Campus Topic : Measurement of Vertical Distances Vertical Control
Department of Leveling Principles and Techniques
Civil Engineering

is actually caused by the instrument’s condition and not by condition, sight a sharply defined point with one end of the
test deficiencies. To properly test and adjust leveling horizontal crosshair. Turn the telescope slowly on its
instruments in the field, the following rules should be vertical axis so that the crosshair moves across the point. If
followed: the crosshair does not remain on the point for its full length,
it is out of adjustment. To correct any maladjustment,
a. Choose terrain that permits solid setups in a nearly loosen the four capstan screws holding the reticle. Rotate
level area enabling sights of at least 40 m (200 ft) the reticle in the telescope tube until the horizontal hair
to be made in opposite directions. remains on the point as the telescope is turned. The screws
b. Perform adjustments when good atmospheric should then be carefully tightened in their final position.
conditions prevail, preferably on cloudy days free
of heat waves. No sight line should pass through L. TWO-PEG TEST: TESTING AND ADJUSTING THE
alternate sun and shadow, or be directed into the LINE OF SIGHT
sun.
c. Place the instrument in shade, or shield it from The line of sight is adjusted to make it parallel to the axis
direct rays of the sun. of the level vial. There is always the possibility that the line of
d. Make sure the tripod shoes are tight and the sight of a leveling instrument will be inclined either above or
instrument is screwed onto the tripod firmly. below the horizontal. Such a condition will introduce
Spread the tripod legs well apart and position corresponding errors when determining differences in
them so that the tripod plate is nearly level. Press elevation. When this adjustment is made the line of sight is truly
the shoes into the ground firmly. horizontal when the bubble is centered on the level vial. To
check and adjust the line of sight, a procedure known as the two-
2. Adjusting the Parallax peg test is employed.

The parallax adjustment is extremely important, and 1. Procedure for the Two-Peg Test
must be kept in mind at all times when using a leveling
instrument, but especially during the testing and Two pegs (level rods), 60 to 90 meters apart (usually
adjustment process. The adjustment is done by carefully 100 ft) are established on the ground. It is preferable that
focusing the objective lens and eyepiece so that the the two pegs have a considerable difference in elevation in
crosshairs appear clear and distinct, and so that the order to arrive at more accurate test results.
crosshairs do not appear to move against a background
object when the eye is shifted slightly in position while
viewing through the eyepiece.

3. Testing and Adjusting Level Vials

For leveling instruments that employ a level vial, the

axis of the level vial should be perpendicular to the vertical
axis of the instrument (axis about which the instrument
rotates in azimuth). Then once the bubble is centered, the
instrument can be turned about its vertical axis in any
azimuth and the bubble will remain centered. Centering the
bubble and revolving the telescope 180° about the vertical
axis can quickly check this condition. The distance the
bubble moves off the central position is twice the error. To
correct any maladjustment, turn the capstan nuts at one end
of the level vial to move the bubble halfway back to the The instrument is set up and leveled in a location such
centered position. Level the instrument using the leveling that the eyepiece is 20 cm or less in front of the rod held on
screws. Repeat the test until the bubble remains centered one of the pegs as at 𝐴. A rod reading, 𝑎, is taken on the
during a complete revolution of the telescope. rod held at point 𝐴 by sighting through the objective end of
the telescope. In this procedure, the crosshairs will not be
4. Preliminary Adjustment of the Horizontal Crosshair visible, by the field of view will be so small that its center
maybe determined easily by holding a pointed pencil on the
Although it is good practice to always sight an object rod. The telescope is then turned toward the rod now held
at the center of the crosshairs, if this is not done and the over the other peg at 𝐵, and a rod reading, 𝑏, is taken on it.
horizontal crosshair is not truly horizontal when the The instrument is next moved, setup, and leveled near
instrument is leveled, an error will result. To test for this 𝐵 where a second set of rod readings, 𝑐 and 𝑑, are taken on
8 | TUP-T – CE DEPT. – APIC – BETCT01 – CS1 – CET122 – L – W7-W8
 Technological Year : BET-CT-01
University Subject : Construction Survey 1: Elementary Surveying Lecture 2 - FOS
of the Philippines Date :
Taguig Campus Topic : Measurement of Vertical Distances Vertical Control
Department of Leveling Principles and Techniques
Civil Engineering

the rod held at 𝐵 and 𝐴, respectively. The computed to 𝐴 and from 𝑃 to 𝐵 are measured. Rod readings 𝑐 and 𝑑
difference in elevation for the two setups are: are then taken on 𝐴 and 𝐵, respectively, and the difference
in elevation calculated as follows:
𝐷𝐸 𝑎 𝑏
𝐷𝐸 𝑑 𝑐 𝐷𝐸 𝑐 𝑑

If the two difference in elevation are equal, the line of

sight is in adjustment. When the line of sight is inclined
from the horizontal, the error in the line of sight for the
distance 𝐴𝐵 is 𝑒 or the difference in elevation 𝑑 and 𝑑 .
Considering the rod readings taken with the instrument
setup near 𝐴 and also near 𝐵, the true difference in
elevation between 𝐴 and 𝐵 for each setup would be

𝑇𝐷𝐸 𝑎 𝑏 𝑒
𝑇𝐷𝐸 𝑑 𝑒 𝑐

𝑻𝑫𝑬𝒂 𝑻𝑫𝑬𝒃
𝑻𝑫𝑬
𝟐

If 𝐷𝐸 is not equal to 𝐷𝐸 , the correct rod reading at

𝐴 with the instrument still setup near 𝐵 is

𝒅 𝒄 𝑻𝑫𝑬

If 𝑑 is greater than 𝑑 , the line of sight is inclined

upward; if 𝑑 is less than 𝑑 , it is inclined downward. It is
important to remember that the values of 𝑇𝐷𝐸 and 𝑑 must If 𝐷𝐸 is equal to 𝐷𝐸 , the line of sight is parallel to
always be solved with due regard to signs. Also, it is always the axis of the level tube, and it can be concluded that the
advisable to draw a sketch of the setup and the observations line of sight is horizontal. If not, 𝐷𝐸 , is called the
made in the field to avoid confusion. erroneous or false difference in elevation, and the
inclination of the line of sight from the horizontal is
2. Alternative Procedure for the Two-Peg Test
𝐼 𝐷𝐸 𝐷𝐸 𝑎 𝑏 𝑐 𝑑
This alternative procedure for the two-peg test is based
upon the principle that if the line of sight of the instrument The error in the reading on the far rod at 𝐵 can be
is not horizontal, it will deviate up or down in direct determined by proportion as follows:
proportion to the horizontal distance from the instrument to
the rod. 𝑒 𝐷
𝐼 𝐷 𝐷
Two pegs designated as 𝐴 and 𝐵 are set 60 m to 90 m
apart on a fairly level ground. The instrument is first set up The correct rod reading 𝑑 at the far rod held at 𝐵 for
and leveled at a point 𝑀 which is equally distant from both a horizontal line of sight is determined by subtracting
pegs. Then rod readings 𝑎 and 𝑏 are taken on 𝐴 and 𝐵, algebraically from the rod reading 𝑑 the amount of 𝑒 .
respectively. The true difference in elevation between two Thus,
pegs is
𝑑 𝑑 𝑒
𝑇𝐷𝐸 𝐷𝐸 𝑎 𝑏
If 𝑑 is greater than 𝑑 , the line of sight is inclined
Since the two pegs are equally distant from the upward; if 𝑑 is less than 𝑑 , it is inclined downward.
instrument, this difference will be correct even though the Similarly, the error in the near end rod held at 𝐴 for a
level is not in adjustment. horizontal line of sight is determined by also subtracting
The instrument is then moved and setup at point 𝑃 algebraically from the rod reading 𝑐 the amount 𝑒 or
within 2 m to 3 m from 𝐴. It is preferable but not necessary
to set up on line with the two pegs. The distances from 𝑃 𝑐 𝑐 𝑒

9 | TUP-T – CE DEPT. – APIC – BETCT01 – CS1 – CET122 – L – W7-W8

 Technological Year : BET-CT-01
University Subject : Construction Survey 1: Elementary Surveying Lecture 2 - FOS
of the Philippines Date :
Taguig Campus Topic : Measurement of Vertical Distances Vertical Control
Department of Leveling Principles and Techniques
Civil Engineering

To check the computations, the difference in elevation number points 𝑛 at which the corrections are to be applied
computed from the two corrected rod readings 𝑐′ and 𝑑′ is
should be equal to the true difference in elevation.
𝒏 𝒎 𝟏
𝑇𝐷𝐸 𝑎 𝑏 𝑐 𝑑′
and the correction at each point is
M. ADJUSTMENT OF THE LEVEL CIRCUITS
𝒆𝒄
𝒄𝒏
A level circuit (or loop) is a line of levels which begins and 𝒏
ends at the same point or is run between points of precisely
known elevation. In running a close loop, it will always be The corrections at the intermediate points are taken as
expected that the observed elevations (as computed from the same as that for the change points to which they are related.
level notes) will not agree with the known elevations of
previously established points within the loop. The difference Another approach could be to apply total of 𝑒/2
between observed and known elevations of the initial point, or correction equally to all the back sights and total of 𝑒/2
benchmark, is referred to as the error of closure. correction equally to all the fore sights. Thus if there are
𝑛 back sights and 𝑛 foresights then

𝒆𝒄
𝒄𝑩𝑺
𝟐𝒏𝑩𝑺
𝒆𝒄
𝒄𝑭𝑺
𝟐𝒏𝑭𝑺

2. Level Over Different Routes

When the elevation of a 𝐵𝑀 is to be established by

1. Levels Over One Route running several lines of levels over different routes from a
common point of origin, it will always be certain that
An elevation correction for any particular point in a different results will be obtained. In this manner of
level circuit is usually applied in direct proportion to the leveling, there will be as many observed elevations as there
distance of the point from the initial benchmark. If the are lines terminating at the benchmark to be established.
distances are not known, corrections may instead be made
directly proportional to the number of setups of the In ordinary leveling work, weights are assigned to the
instrument. The error of closure, 𝑒 is determined by different routes and the adjustment is made by
subtracting from the observed elevation Elev of the initial proportioning the discrepancy according to the lengths or
benchmark the known elevation Elev of that point. the routes. Thus, weight is given to each route equal the
reciprocal of its length, and when different lines of levels
𝒆𝒄 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐯𝑶 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐯𝑲 to the same point are compared, the shorter the route, the
greater the weight of its results. The most probable value
The computed error of closure may be a positive or a of the benchmark’s elevation will then be the weighted
negative value and its sign should be considered when mean of the observed values.
determining the elevation correction.

The elevation correction is then determined by

dividing the error of closure 𝑒 by the length (or perimeter)
𝐿 of the level circuit and multiplying the distance 𝑙 from
the initial benchmark of the point considered. Thus,
𝒆𝒄
𝒄 𝒍
𝑳

Alternatively, the correction is applied to the

elevations of each change point and the closing point of
known elevation. If there are 𝑚 change points then the total

10 | TUP-T – CE DEPT. – APIC – BETCT01 – CS1 – CET122 – L – W7-W8