University of Sulaimani Survey Lecture

Department of Civil Engineering Second Stage

Fakher M. Qader 2019-2020

Methods of direct levelling

1 Mid-point Levelling

Mid-Point levelling is by far the most accurate method of levelling. In this

method level device is located at midway between start and end points and
both B.S and F.S are taken from this point.

Aim is to determine the height of point B or the difference in elevation of

points A and B. Points A and B are starting and end points respectively.

Backsight (B.S): staff reading at starting point is called Backsight

Foresight (F.S): staff reading at end point or second point (Point B) is called
Foresight.

Figure 11: Mid-Point Levelling

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University of Sulaimani Survey Lecture
Department of Civil Engineering Second Stage
Fakher M. Qader 2019-2020

Δh Method

𝐻𝐵 = 𝐻𝐴 + ∆ℎ

∆ℎ = 𝐻𝐵 − 𝐻𝐴

∆ℎ=B.S-F.S

H.I Method

𝐻𝐼 = 𝐻𝐴 + 𝐵. 𝑆

𝐻𝐵 = 𝐻𝐼 − 𝐹. 𝑆

HA : Height of point A with respect to the Datum

HB : Height of point B with respect to the Datum

HI : Height of Instrument

Δh: Difference in height between A and B

Example 1:

Determine Δh and HB if B.S=2.185 m , F.S=1.376 m and

HA =100.000 m.

Δh=B.S-F.S=2.185 – 1.376 =0.809 m

HB=HA+ Δh=100.000+0.809=100.809 m

OR

H.I=HA +B.S=100.000+2.185=102.185 m

HB=H.I-F.S=102.185-1.376=100.809 m

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University of Sulaimani Survey Lecture
Department of Civil Engineering Second Stage
Fakher M. Qader 2019-2020

Collimation Error

Collimation error is happened when the line of sight of level device is not
horizontal perfectly. Following figure demonstrates how Collimation error
occurs and how it is eliminated. Assume a collimation error (E) exists in
level device thus both B.S and F.S contain this error.

Figure 12: Collimation Error

Δh=(B.S+E)-(F.S+E)=B.S-F.S

As it is seen, in mid-point method collimation error is eliminated so this

method can be introduced as the most accurate method of levelling.

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University of Sulaimani Survey Lecture
Department of Civil Engineering Second Stage
Fakher M. Qader 2019-2020

2 Reciprocal Levelling

When there are natural obstacles or manmade objects such as lakes or

buildings, it is impossible to use mid-point levelling. As it is shown in Fig.13,
Set up the level at station 1 and take reading on staff at points A and B
then repeat the action at station 2.

Reciprocal levelling must be used to achieve accuracy and to eliminate

following errors.
1. Instrument error
2. Combined effect of earth curvature and atmosphere refraction

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University of Sulaimani Survey Lecture
Department of Civil Engineering Second Stage
Fakher M. Qader 2019-2020

Figure 13: Reciprocal Levelling

Δh1 =RB1 –RA1

Δh2 =RB2 –RA2

Δh1+Δh2
Δhavg =
2

Two Pegs Test

To detect whether there is a collimation error in level device this test is

done. First locate two points A and B 75 to 100 m apart then set up the
level midway between A and B (Station 1).Take first set of readings (B.S 1
and F.S 1).

Locate the level at a distance of (L/10) from point A (Station 2) then take
second set of readings (B.S 2 and F.S 2).

Figure 14: Two Pegs Test

Δh1 =B.S 1 –F.S 1

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University of Sulaimani Survey Lecture
Department of Civil Engineering Second Stage
Fakher M. Qader 2019-2020

Δh2 = B.S 2 –F.S 2

If (Δh1 - Δh2 =0) so level is quite accurate and there is no collimation error.
Allowable collimation error are 1mm per 20 m or 4 mm per 50 m according
to Uren and Price and Wimpey. If collimation error breaks these limits, level
device must be repaired.

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