Vertical Control Networks

Vertical control networks are a series of points on which precise heights, or elevations, have
been established. Vertical control stations are typically called bench marks. As a part of a
vertical information network, the bench mark's elevation is known relative to a datum,
usually mean sea level.

A vertical control survey determines elevation with respect to sea level. These surveys are
also used as a benchmark upon which other surveys are based and high degree of accuracy
is required.
In topographic surveying, bench marks serve as starting and closing points for the leveling
operations when you are locating details. Although for some surveys the datum may be
assumed, it is preferable that all elevations be tied to bench marks which are referred to the
.sea-level datum

Geoid

The geoid is a model of global mean sea level that is used to measure precise surface
elevations.
This irregular shape is called "the geoid," a surface which defines zero elevation. Using
complex math and gravity readings on land, surveyors extend this imaginary line through the
.continents. This model is used to measure surface elevations with a high degree of accuracy

Undulating surface based upon earth's magnetic field -

- Attempts to reconcile the non-spherical shape of the earth

- Earth has different densities depending on where you are and gravity varies
- A geoid describes earth’s mean sea-level perpendicular at all points to gravity
Coincides with mean sea level in oceans Geoid is below ellipsoid in the
conterminous US
- Important for determining elevations and for measuring features across large
study areas

Ellipsoid
In geodesy, a reference ellipsoid is a mathematically defined surface that approximates the
geoid, the truer figure of the Earth, or other planetary body.

Flattened earth at the poles that approximates mean sea level

MSL
MSL is defined as the zero elevation for a local area. The zero surface referenced by
 .elevation is called a vertical datum

Datum

A geodetic datum is an abstract coordinate system with a reference surface (such as sea
 .level) that serves to provide known locations to begin surveys and create maps

A datum is a reference surface of constant potential, called as a level surface of the earth’s
gravity field, for measuring the elevations of the points. One of such surfaces is the mean sea
level surface and is considered as a standard datum. Also an arbitrary surface may be
adopted as a datum.

Orthometric height (Geoid height)

.A geoid height is the ellipsoidal height from an ellipsoidal datum to a geoid

Orthometric height is the height on the surface above the geoid. But we can’t measure from
.the geoid so we use leveling

The Ellipsoidal Height of a point of the Earth Surface is the distance H e from the point to the ellipsoid.

Benchmarks

Benchmarks are stable points of known elevation. Their purpose is to provide elevation with
high precision and are usually located along road.

 Because BP can suffer from damage, at least 3 BPs have to be established. In case of
damage, based on two others, the damaged point can be re-established. Benchmarks should
be established before leveling is required. Almost any fixed or permanent object can serve
as BP. Sometimes nail in tree, wooden stake or clearly identified position on the pavement.