Leveling Methods

Reciprocal Leveling
Is employed to determine the difference in elevation between two
points when it is difficult or impossible to keep backsights and foresights
short and equal.

Procedure:
1. The level is first set up very close to point A at L1, and a 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.
DE1 = (a b)
2. The level is then taken across the body of water and set up at L2 near
B. readings are again taken on both points and recorded as a and b.
DE2 = (a- b)
For the True difference in Elevation:
TDE =

DE 1 + DE 2 a ' b'
=
2
2

Field Notes for Reciprocal Leveling

ILLUSTRATIVE PROBLEM:
1. In leveling across a deep and wide river, reciprocal level readings were
taken between two points, X and Y, as follows:
a. With the 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,
2.619, 2.621 and 2.622 meters.
b. With the instrument set up near Y, the rod readings on Y are 3.478 and
3.476 meters; on the distant point X, the rod readings are 2.143,
2.140, 2.146 and 2.144 meters.
Determine the true difference in elevation between two points and the
elevation of Y if the known elevation of X is 290.082 meters.
Solution:
a. Determining Difference in Elevation

At 1st Setup:
(1.284+1.285)
am =
2
= 1.284 m
(2.618+2.619+2.621+2.622)
bm =
4
= 2.620 m
At 2nd Setup:
(2.143+2.140+ 2.146+2.144)
a' m=
4
= 2.143 m
(3.478+3.476)
b' m=
2
= 3.477 m
DE y

( ' mb' m)

= 2.143 3.477

= - 1.334 m
b. Calculating True Difference in Elevation and Elevation of Y.

DE x + DE y
2

TDE =

[1.336+(1.334) ]
2

= -1.335 m
Elev of Y = Elev X + TDE
= 290.082 + (-1.335)
= 288.747 m
2. In Leveling across a wide river, reciprocal leveling readings were taken
between two points A and B as shown in the tabulation, determine the
following:
a. Difference in elevation between two points.
b. Elevation of B if the elevation of A is 951.750 m.
Instrument Setup Near A
BS
1.283
1.284
1.286
1.283

STA

SUM
MEAN

5.136
1.284

STA

Instrument Setup Near B

BS

a'

'

SUM
MEAN

2.143
2.140
2.145
2.142
2.143
2.146
12.859
2.143

DE 1=2.1430.676

(0.608+0665)
2

0.675
0.674
0.677
0.674
0.677
0.678
4.055
0.676

FS
1.478
1.480
1.476
1.478

5.912
1.478

DE 2=2.1431.478

= 0.608 m
TDE =

FS

= 0.665 m

= 0.637 m

Elev of B = 951.750 + 0.637

= 952.387 m