CENGR 1210

Leveling
Leveling
• Is the process of directly or indirectly measuring vertical distances
• Is an operation in surveying performed to determine the difference in
levels of two points,
• By this operation the height of a point from a datum, known as
ELEVATION, is determined.
• Datum – is a reference surface of constant potential, called as a level
surface of the earth’s gravity field.
 Sources of errors in leveling
Instrumental Errors Personal Errors Natural Errors
a) Out of Adjustment a) Bubble not centered a) Curvature of the
earth
b) Rod not Standard b) Faulty Rod Readings b) Atmospheric
Length c) Rod not held plumb Refraction
c) Defective Tripod d) Unequal Back sight c) Temperature
Variations
and Foresight
Distances d) Wind
e) Settlement of the
Instrument
f) Faulty Turning Points
Sample Problem
A man’s eyes 1.75 m above sea level can barely see the top of
a lighthouse which is at certain distance away from a man.

a) What is the elevation of the White House above sea level if the light house is 20 km
away from the man?

b) How far is the house from the man in meters if the top of the lighthouse is 14.86 m
above sea level?

c)What is the height of the tower at a distance 20 km. away from the man that will just be
visible without the line of sight approaching nearer than 1.75 m to the water?