LECTURE 3: Leveling Concepts and Profile Leveling

Leveling - any process where elevations of points or differences in elevation are determined
Vertical line - a line that follows the local direction of gravity as indicated by a plumb line
Level surface - a curved surface that at every point is perpendicular to the local plumb line
Horizontal plane - a plane perpendicular to the local direction of gravity
Elevation - the distance measured along a vertical line from a vertical datum to a point or object
Mean sea level (MSL). an imaginary surface of the sea which is midway between high and low tides.

Bench Mark (BM) - a fixed point of reference whose elevation is either known or assumed. They may
be permanent or temporary. Permanent Bench Marks (PBM) are those which are established at
intervals throughout the country by the Philippine Coast and Geodetic Surveys (PCGS) or the Bureau of
Lands. They serve as points of reference for levels in a given locality and their elevations are
determined by precise leveling methods.
Backsight (BS) - a reading taken on a rod held on a point of known or assumed elevation. It is always
the first rod reading taken after the instrument has been set-up and leveled.

Foresight (FS) - a reading taken on a rod held on a point whose elevation is to be determined. Fore
sights are often taken forward or on the general direction on which the leveling work proceeds. It is
usually the last reading taken before the leveling instrument is moved to another location.

Turning Point (TP) - an intervening point between two bench marks upon which point foresight and
backsight rod readings are taken to enable a leveling operation to continue to a new instrument
position. It is also sometimes referred to as a Change Point (CP).

Height of Instrument (HI) - The height of instrument (or height of collimation) is the elevation of the
line of sight of an instrument above or below a selected reference datum.