Fieldwork No.

04b
RECIPROCAL LEVELING

Name :Cole, James Michael D Weather :Cloudy

Group No. :2 Place :Hillside, USC
Designation :Rodman Time, Start : 1:30 pm
Instructor :Engr. Oliver Dave L. Mag-uyon End : 3:30 pm
Class Schedule :MW, 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm

I. Objectives

a. To determine the difference in elevation between two points on opposite sides of an

imaginary wide river.

II. Instruments

1 unit - Engineers Level 4 pcs - marking pins

2 pcs - leveling rod

III. Procedure

a. Set two pins on the ground about 100 paces apart. Designate these points as A and
B and imagine that these points are on opposite sides of a wide river. The elevation
of B is to be determined while the elevation of A is known or assumed.
b. Set up and level the instrument near A. Take and record a series of two
consecutive backsights on A and four consecutive foresight readings on B.
c. Set up and level the instrument near B. Take and record a series of two consecutive
foresight rod readings on B and four consecutive backsight rod readings on A.
d. Perform the necessary computations.

Remarks :

1. The method describe will practically eliminate the effects of curvature and
refraction if the two sightings are taken under the same atmospheric conditions.
2. The instrument is purposely thrown out of level by turning the leveling screws after
each sighting and then releveled before another sighting.
3. More accurate results are obtained by taking simultaneous readings with two
instruments and then repeating the operation with the instruments interchanged.
 Table 1. Reciprocal Level Notes

Points BS FS Points BS FS
A 1.48 B 1.51
1.48 1.50
B 2.37 A 0.6
2.38 0.6
2.38 0.6
2.38 0.6
sum 2.96 9.51 sum 3.01 2.4
mean a = 1.48 b = 2.38 mean a’ = 1.5 b’ = 0.6

DEA = a -b = 1.48 – 2.38 = -0.9

DEB = a’ - b’ = 1.5 – 0.6 = 0.9
TDE = ( DEA + DEB ) / 2 = (-0.9 + 0.9) / 2 = 0
Elev B = Elev A + TDE = 100 + 0 = 100

V. Conclusion
In this fieldwork, we did the Reciprocal Leveling. Reciprocal Leveling is employed to
determine the difference in elevation between two points when it is difficult or
impossible to keep back sights and foresights short and equal. This type of leveling can
be used on places like rivers, streams, lakes, etc.

In our data, the mean of a is 1.48, the mean of b is 2.38, the mean of a’ is 1.5 and
the mean of b’ is 0.6. In order to get the TDE we need to get the DE A and DEB; DEA is
0.9 and DEB is 0.9 so, our TDE is 0. There’s no difference of elevation in this fieldwork.

The errors in this fieldwork are: error due to refraction because sun rays are
everywhere since it was a sunny day, error to temperature, when this fieldwork was
conducted it was very hot because of the sun which could cause the leveling rods to
expand and causes the instrument to warp. Luckily, we have umbrellas to give shade to
the instrument.
VI. Sketch