The branch of levelling in which difference of elevations of two points is determined from the

observed vertical angles and measured horizontal distance, is called trigonometrical levelling.

Vertical angles are generally observed by theodolite. Horizontal distance is measured directly or
computed trigonometry.

Based upon the horizontal distance between stations, trigonometrical levelling, classified in to two
types

I. Observations of heights and distances as plane survey.

II. Observations of heights and distances as geodetic survey.

Observations of heights and distances as plane survey

When distance between two station are is too large, the distance between the stations measured on he
surfaces of earth or computed trigonometrically may be assumed as a horizontal may be assumed as a
horizontal distance and the amount of correction due to curvature of the earth surface, is ignored. The
following three cases are involved

Case.1-Base of Object is accessible.

Case.2- Base of Object is inaccessible and instrument stations and the elevated object are in
the same vertical plane.

Case.3- Base of Object is inaccessible and instrument stations and the elevated object are not
in the same vertical plane.

Case.1-Base of Object is accessible.

Assumptions. The horizontal distance between the instrument stations C and base of Object A can be
measured accurately.

Let D= horizontal distance between C & A.

S=Reading on the levelling staff held vertically on a bench mark with the line of sight horizontal.

h=Hight of instrument at C

α= angle elevation of B.

The horizontal line of sight meets the vertical through B at F.

From CFE, we get,

EF=CE tan α – D tan α

Therefore R.L. of F= R.L of instrument axis +EF = R.L. of B.M +S+D tan α
Case.2-Base of an inclined Object accessible.