Comparison Between Digital Leveling and PDF

CERTIFICATION
The undersigned certify that they have read and hereby recommend for acceptance by the Ardhi
University a dissertation entitled ‘‘Comparison between Total Station Levelling and Digital
Levelling’’, in fulfillment of the requirements for the Award of Bachelor of Science (B.Sc ) in
Geomatics of the Ardhi University.
……………………………………. …………………………
Mr.S.John Ms.R.Vallerian
(Main Supervisor) (Second Supervisor)
Date: ……………………………… Date: ……………………
…………………………………………………...
Dr. Job Chaula
Head of Geomatics Department
Date: ……………………………………………..
i
DECLARATION
I, Julius Geofrey, hereby declare that this book is submitted in partial fulfillment of the
requirements of the award of B.sc in Geomatics,and contents of this report are the results of my
own findings through my research and investigations,to the best of my knowledge.This dissertation
has never been presented anywhere for similar or any other academic award in any higher learning
institution elsewhere.
…………………………….
Date: ………………………
ii
DEDICATION
I would like to dedicate this book to my lovely parents, Mr. and Mrs. Julius Kajiru and the family
especially my elder brother Joezer and also my young sister Mary, they had never got tired to pray
for my successful end. I recognize and appreciate their advice, care and support they have given
to me throughout the way to success.
iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
First of all and for most I thank the Almighty GOD for his strength and guidance as granted me during the
whole period of my studies.
I would like to express my sincere profound gratitude is to my supervisor Mr.Saburi John and Ms.Regina.I
express my appreciation for the intellectual assistance, guidance, support and professional suggestions and
advices, patience, flexibility and availability have been very inspirational to the completion of this research.
I feel privilege to have him as my supervisor.
Furthermore, I also appreciate the support from my colleagues like Mrisho Bakari,Mussa Hussein and
others for their technical support during the field observations.
The assistance and suggestions from others who have in one way or another contributed to the successful
completion of this work, I gratefully acknowledged.
iv
ABSTRACT
This study is concerned with a comparison between total station levelling and digital levelling.The
study was undertaken in Tanzania at Ardhi university main campus,part of Sam Nujoma
road,university road and University of Dar-es-Salaam main campus.The entire levelling route has
a total length of seven kilometers with flat and hilly terrain.The main concern is to assess the
performance of total station instrument and digital spirit levels in executing levelling for vertical
control in topographic surveys for route engineering projects.The levelling route contains four
segments where three of them have two kilometers in length and the last segment has one
kilometer.The forward and back levelling were run for each segment using both instruments and
the loop misclosure was determined by subtracting the computed reduced level from the known
reduced level of the benchmark.Meanwhile the mean and root mean square of the observed
misclosures were computed for each segment.The main results show that both total station and
digital level can be used in executing levelling for vertical controls in topographic surveys for route
engineering projects.The results also show that a digital level has a lower mean and root mean
square of the observed misclosure compared to that of total station,but both of the instruments
results are within the acceptable misclosures.The main recommendations being made from this
study are that,further research has to be carried out on a different area of interest with longer
levelling routes in order to check the accumulation of errors in longer distances.Survey
organizations should be encouraged to change to digital levelling as it is more precise and data
capture is more automated,thus reducing chances of making blunders.
v
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CERTIFICATION.................................................................................................................................... i
DEDICATION ....................................................................................................................................... iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .................................................................................................................... iv
ABSTRACT............................................................................................................................................ v
TABLE OF CONTENTS .................................................................................................................vi-viii
LIST OF TABLES ................................................................................................................................. ix
LIST OF FIGURES ................................................................................................................................. x
ACRONYMS ........................................................................................................................................ xii
CHAPTER ONE.................................................................................................................................... 1
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Background of the Research........................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Statement of the research problem.................................................................................................. 2
1.3 Objectives...................................................................................................................................... 3
1.4 Scope and limitation of the research ............................................................................................... 3
1.5 Dissertation structure ..................................................................................................................... 3
CHAPTER TWO................................................................................................................................... 5
OVERVIEW OF THE TERRESTRIAL METHODS OF PROVISION OF VERTICAL CONTROLS IN
ENGINEERING SURVEYING............................................................................................................... 5
2.1 Spirit levelling equipment .............................................................................................................. 5
2.1.1 Older instruments........................................................................................................................ 5
2.1.2 Automatic level........................................................................................................................... 7
2.1.3 Levelling staffs ........................................................................................................................... 8
2.1.4 Digital levels............................................................................................................................... 9
2.1.5 Laser levels ................................................................................................................................. 9
2.2 Spirit levelling procedures ........................................................................................................... 10
2.3 Trigonometric levelling................................................................................................................ 11
2.4 Barometric heighting ................................................................................................................... 12
2.4.1 Reduction of observations ......................................................................................................... 13
2.5 Total station levelling .................................................................................................................. 13
2.5.1 Sources of errors in total station levelling process ..................................................................... 14
2.6 Digital spirit levelling .................................................................................................................. 19
2.6.1 Determination of the collimation error of the digital spirit levels ............................................... 19
vi
2.7 Specification for vertical control of route surveys ......................................................................... 21
CHAPTER THREE............................................................................................................................. 22
METHODOLOGY AND DATA PROCESSING ................................................................................... 22
3.1 Field reconnaissance .................................................................................................................... 22
3.2 Planning of the network ............................................................................................................... 22
3.3 Establishment of the benchmarks ................................................................................................. 22
3.3.1 Major benchmarks .................................................................................................................... 22
3.3.2 Minor benchmarks .................................................................................................................... 24
3.3.3 Important uses of benchmarks ................................................................................................... 24
3.4 Instrumentation ............................................................................................................................ 24
3.4.1 General Total station operating procedures ................................................................................ 25
3.4.2 Field procedures for both instrumentation ................................................................................. 26
3.4.3 Description of the method ......................................................................................................... 27
3.5 Data collection ............................................................................................................................. 30
3.6 Data processing ........................................................................................................................... 32
CHAPTER FOUR ............................................................................................................................... 33
RESULTS ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSIONS ...................................................................................... 33
4.1 First segment for digital level (Leica DNA03) .............................................................................. 33
4.2 First segment for Total Station (Leica Flex line TS09) ................................................................. 33
4.3 Second segment for digital level (Leica DNA03) ......................................................................... 33
4.4 Second segment for Total Station (Leica flex line TS09) .............................................................. 34
4.5 Third segment for digital level (Leica DNA03) ............................................................................ 34
4.6 Third segment for Total Station (Leica flex line TS09) ................................................................. 34
4.7 Fourth segment for a digital level (Leica DNA3) .......................................................................... 35
4.8 Fourth segment for Total Station (Leica Flex line TS09) .............................................................. 35
4.9 Summary of Misclosures.............................................................................................................. 36
CHAPTER FIVE ................................................................................................................................. 38
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS .................................................................................. 38
5.1 Conclusions ................................................................................................................................. 38
5.2 Recommendations........................................................................................................................ 38
REFERENCES...................................................................................................................................... 39
APPENDIX IA: Computed digital level data for segment 01.............................................................. 41
APPENDIX IB: Computed digital level data for segment 02 .............................................................. 42
APPENDIX IC: Computed digital level data for segment 03 .............................................................. 43
vii
APPENDIX ID: Computed digital data for segment 04 ...................................................................... 44
APPENDIX IIA: Computed total station data for segment 01........................................................ 45-46
APPENDIX IIB: Computed total station data for segment 02 ............................................................. 47
APPENDIX IIC: Computed total station data for segment 03 ........................................................ 48-49
APPENDIX IID: Computed total station data for segment 04............................................................. 50
viii
LIST OF TABLES
Table 3.1: Reading of the two peg tests ........................................................................................ 29
Table 4.1: Misclosures for digital level ........................................................................................ 36
Table 4.2: Misclosures for the total station ................................................................................... 37
ix
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1.1: Relationship between Ellipsoid,Geoid and Terrain ................................................................. 2

Figure 1.2: Dissertation Structure ............................................................................................................ 4
Figure 2.1:A dumpy level ........................................................................................................................ 6
Figure 2.2:A tilting level.......................................................................................................................... 6
Figure 2.3:An automatic level .................................................................................................................. 7
Figure 2.4:An E-type levelling staff ......................................................................................................... 8
Figure 2.5:A digital level ......................................................................................................................... 9
Figure 2.6:Rotating laser level ............................................................................................................... 10
Figure 2.7: Trigonometric levelling for short sight ................................................................................ 11
Figure 2.8: Compensator Index Error ..................................................................................................... 14
Figure 2.9:Horizontal Collimation Error ................................................................................................ 15
Figure 2.10:Tilting Axis Error ............................................................................................................... 16
Figure 2.11:Vertical Collimation Error .................................................................................................. 17
Figure 2.12:Checking for collimation error ............................................................................................ 20
Figure 3.1:Levelling Route .................................................................................................................... 23
Figure 3.2:Major benchmark ................................................................................................................. 23
Figure 3.3:Minor benchmark ................................................................................................................. 24
Figure 3.4: Total Station Levelling on Flat Terrain................................................................................. 27
Figure 3.5: Two Peg Tests ..................................................................................................................... 29
x
ACRONYMS
ARU Ardhi University
BS Backsight
BM Benchmark
CL Circle left
CollDiff Collimation Difference
CR Circle Right
EDM Electronic distance measurement
FS Foresight
GPS Global positioning system
Hcol Horizontal line of collimation
HD Horizontal distance
IS Intermediate sight
MSL Mean sea level
RL Reduced level
TP Turning point
TBMs Temporary benchmarks
UDSM University of Dar es Salaam
VD Vertical distance
xi
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Research
One of the main purposes of route engineering surveying is to portray the terrain,often of a corridor
on which the engineering project is to be conducted.To realize profit,surveying activities that aim
at showing how the terrain undulates and position of different features on the corridor should take
minimum possible time.Functional planning and route selection usually involve the use of aerial
imagery,satellite imagery and ground surveys as well as the analysis of existing plans and
maps.Once the corridor has been identified and designed after it satisfies all design requirements
with minimal social,environmental and financial impact,the controls are monumented and
coordinated in both horizontal and vertical planes.For Engineering activities like road
construction,often vertical position is obtained from a combination of methods.Spirit levelling has
been the traditional method used to establish vertical control.This method employs the use of spirit
or automatic level instruments and graduated rods. Accurate results are obtained when all of the
systematic errors are controlled and corrected.Short sight lengths and balanced sights are the most
limiting restrictions.The absence of benchmarks at higher elevations all over the globe is evidence
to support the assertion that spirit leveling is extremely costly and time consuming to perform in
hilly and mountainous regions.
In Tanzania the employed height system is the height above mean sea level (orthometric height)
denoted by H.Sometimes one can opt to use the modern Real Time Kinematic (RTK) technique
which yield the ellipsoidal height,given by h.The geoidal height N can be obtained from any
geoidal model such as TZG08 (Ulotu,2009) for Tanzania.The relationship between h,H and the
geoidal height N is given by;
h= H+N ………………………………………………………………… (1.1)
1
The figure below shows the relationship between h,H and N;
Figure 1.1: Relationship between Ellipsoid,Geoid and Terrain

In certain cases,it has been claimed that total station instrumentation is capable of providing
acceptable vertical control for engineering works.(Maembe,2012).More recently digital spirit
levelling has been adopted by surveyors as it is deemed to be faster than the traditional (analogue)
spirit levelling. The use of digital spirit levelling and total station instrumentation for provision of
vertical control can be looked at their loop misclosures and efficiency interms of time.The method
that will yield acceptable loop misclosure and save time will be the best to be adopted for
engineering works such as route surveying.
1.2 Statement of the research problem

In height determination we have a number of instruments of different precisions and relatively
different field procedures which ends with different precisions.The highest precision in levelling
is obtained by the use of spirit levelling.Total station levelling is less precise but how much is it
imprecise compared to conventional spirit levelling?The use of digital spirit levels saves
2
computational and observation time.It is therefore expected to be less tedious than the conventional
spirit levelling.The question is how much tedious is it?Does it give the same precision compared
to conventional analogue spirit levelling?These are some of the problems which are going to be
discussed in this report.
1.3 Objectives
The objective of this study is to assess the performance of total station instrumentation and digital
spirit levels in executing levelling for vertical control in topographic surveys for route engineering
projects.
1.4 Scope and limitation of the research

This study is limited to the comparison between total station levelling and digital levelling on the
four segments that are 7km in lengths. Each segment consists of 2km in length except the final
segment which contain 1km.The research has been limited to 7km in length due to lack of financial
supports.The comparison will be judged by statistical quantities such as maximum,minimum,mean
and root mean square differences.
1.5 Dissertation structure

The structure of the whole study is shown in Figure 1.2
3
Figure 1.2: Dissertation Structure
4
CHAPTER TWO
OVERVIEW OF THE TERRESTRIAL METHODS OF PROVISION OF VERTICAL

CONTROLS IN ENGINEERING SURVEYING
Levelling is a branch of surveying, the object of which is to;
i. Find the elevation of a given point with respect to the given or assumed datum.
ii. Establish a point at a given elevation with respect to the given or assumed datum.
Levelling is the measurement of geodetic height using an optical levelling instrument and a level
staff or rod having a numbered scale. Common levelling instruments include the spirit level, the
dumpy level, the digital level, and the laser level.
2.1 Spirit levelling equipment
Spirit levelling employs a spirit level, an instrument consisting of a telescope with a crosshair and
a tube level like that used by carpenters, rigidly connected. When the bubble in the tube level is
centered the telescope's line of sight is supposed to be horizontal (i.e. perpendicular to the local
vertical).
The spirit level is on a tripod with sight lines to the two points whose height difference is to be
determined. A graduated leveling staff or rod is held vertical on each point; the rod may be
graduated in centimeters and fractions or tenths and hundredths of a foot. The observer focuses in
turn on each rod and reads the value. Subtracting the "back" and "forward" value provides the
height difference.
If the instrument is placed equidistant from the two points to be measured, any small errors in its
adjustment and the effects of earth curvature and refraction will tend to cancel out
2.1.1 Older instruments
(a) The wye level is the oldest and bulkiest of the older style optical instruments. A low-powered
telescope is placed in a pair of clamp mounts, and the instrument then leveled using a spirit level,
which is mounted parallel to the main telescope. (Levelling - Wikipedia, the free
encyclopedia.htm)
(b) The dumpy level was developed by English civil engineer William Gravatt, while surveying
the route of a proposed railway line from London to Dover. More compact and hence both more
robust and easier to transport, it is commonly believed that dumpy levelling is less accurate than
other types of levelling, but such is not the case. Dumpy levelling requires shorter and therefore
more numerous sights, but this fault is compensated by the practice of making foresights and
backsights equal. ( Levelling - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.htm)
5
Figure 2.1:A dumpy level
(c) The tilting level consist of the telescope which is pivoted at the centre of the tribrach,an
attachment plate with three footscrews.The footscrews are used to centre the circular
bubble,thereby setting the telescope proximately in a horizontal plane. After the telescope has been
focused on the staff, the line of sight is set more precisely to the horizontal using the highly
sensitive tubular bubble and the tilting screw that raises or lowers one end of the telescope. The
double concave internal focusing lens is moved along the telescope tube by its focusing screw until
the image of the staff is brought into focus on the cross-hairs.
Figure 2.2:A tilting level
6
2.1.2 Automatic level (Levelling - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.htm)
Automatic levels make use of a compensator that ensures that the line of sight remains horizontal
once the operator has roughly leveled the instrument (to within maybe 0.05 degree). The surveyor
sets the instrument up quickly and doesn't have to relevel it carefully each time he sights on a rod
on another point. It also reduces the effect of minor settling of the tripod to the actual amount of
motion instead of leveraging the tilt over the sight distance. Three level screws are used to level
the instrument. The features of the automatic level are;
Gun sight, Circular level (pond bubble), Levelling Screw Base Plate , Objective Lens Focusing
Knob, Horizontal fine motion screw, Horizontal circle window, Horizontal circle setting ring,
Reticle adjusting screw cover, and Eyepiece.
Figure 2.3:An automatic level
2.1.2.1 Setting up an automatic level
Set up the tripod at just above chest height. Make sure it is stable, and mount the level on the top.
Adjust the leveling screws until the pond bubble is centralised. As long as the pond bubble is
central, the automatic compensators are able to finely level the instrument. To ensure this is the
case, whilst looking through the scope, gently tap the level. The view will waver for a few moments
before steadying. If this does not happen, the instrument is not level enough for the compensators
to cope, and needs adjustment.
Sight towards the staff using the gun sight. Look through the eyepiece and focus the reticle by
gradually turning the reticle focusing ring anti-clockwise. Turn the focusing knob to focus on the
staff. Turn the fine motion screw to centre the staff in the field of view. Turn the focusing knob to
eliminate parallax between the staff and reticle.
7
2.1.3 Levelling staffs
Reading the Staff
The staff starts at zero, on the ground. Every 10 cm is a number, showing (in meters to one decimal)
the height of the bottom of what appears to be a stylised E (even numbers) or 3 (odd numbers), 5
cm high. The stems of the E or 3 and the gaps between then are each 10mm high. These 10mm
increments continue up to the next 10cm mark.
To read the staff, take the number shown below the reticle. Count the number of whole 10mm
increments between the whole number and the reticle. Then estimate the number of mm between
the last whole 10mm block and the centre of the reticle.
Figure 2.4:An E-type levelling staff
The person holding the staff should endeavour to hold it as straight as possible. The leveller can
easily see if it is tilted to the left or right, and should corect the staff-holder. However, it cannot
easily be seen that the staff is tilted towards or away from the leveller. In order to combat this
possible source of error, the staff should be slowly rocked towards and away from the leveller.
When viewing the staff, the reading will thus vary between a high and low point. The correct
reading is the lowest value.
8
2.1.4 Digital levels (Levelling - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.htm)
Digital levels are increasingly common in replacing conventional spirit levels particularly in civil
engineering applications, such as building construction and steel structure erection, for on-site
angle alignment and levelling tasks. The industry practitioners often refer those leveling tool as:
“construction level”, “heavy duty level”, "inclinometer" or “protractor”. These modern electronic
levels are (i) capable of displaying precise numeric angles within 360° with high accuracy, (ii)
digital readings can be read from a distance with clarity, (iii) affordable price resulted from mass
adoption, providing advantages that the traditional levels are unable to match. Typically, these
features enable steel beam frames under construction to be precisely aligned and levelled to
required orientation, which are vital to effectively ensure stability, strength and rigidity of steel
structures on sites. Digital levels, embedded with angular Microelectromechanical Systems
(MEMS) technology effectively improve productivity and quality of many modern civil structures
used by on-site constructions workers. Some of the recent models are even designed with
waterproof Ingress Protection(IP65) and impact resistance features to meet the stringent working
environment of the industry.
Another type of digital levels electronically read a bar-coded scale on the staff. These instruments
usually include data recording capability. The automation removes the requirement for the operator
to read a scale and write down the value, and so reduces blunders. It may also compute and apply
refraction and curvature corrections.
Figure 2.5:A digital level
2.1.5 Laser levels (Levelling - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.htm)
Laser levels project a beam which is visible and/or detectable by a sensor on the leveling rod. This
style is widely used in construction work but not for more precise control work. An advantage is
that one person can perform the levelling independently, whereas other types require one person
9
at the instrument and one holding the rod.The sensor can be mounted on earth-moving machinery
to allow automated grading.
Figure 2.6:Rotating laser level
2.2 Spirit levelling procedures (Levelling - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.htm)
A typical procedure is to set up the instrument within 100 metres of a point of known or assumed
elevation. A rod or staff is held vertical on that point and the instrument is used manually or
automatically to read the rod scale. This gives the height of the instrument above the starting
(backsight) point and allows the height of the instrument (H.I.) above the datum to be computed.
The rod is then held on an unknown point and a reading is taken in the same manner, allowing the
elevation of the new (foresight) point to be computed. The procedure is repeated until the
destination point is reached. It is usual practice to perform either a complete loop back to the
starting point or else close the traverse on a second point whose elevation is already known. The
closure check guards against blunders in the operation, and allows residual error to be distributed
in the most likely manner among the stations.
Some instruments provide three crosshairs which allow stadia measurement of the foresight and
backsight distances. These also allow use of the average of the three readings (3-wire leveling) as
a check against blunders and for averaging out the error of interpolation between marks on the rod
scale.
The two main types of levelling are single-levelling as already described, and double-levelling
(Double-rodding). In double-levelling, a surveyor takes two foresights and two backsights and
makes sure the difference between the foresights and the difference between the backsights are
equal, thereby reducing the amount of error.Double-levelling costs twice as much as single-
levelling.
10
2.3 Trigonometric levelling
Trigonometrical levelling is used where difficult terrain, such as mountainous areas, precludes the
use of conventional differential levelling. It may also be used where the height difference is large
but the horizontal distance is short such as heighting up a cliff or a tall building. The vertical angle
and the slope distance between the two points concerned are measured. Slope distance is measured
using Electromagnetic Distance Measurers (EDM) and the vertical (or zenith) angle using a
theodolite.When these two instruments are integrated into a single instrument it is called a ‘total
station’. Total stations contain algorithms that calculate and display the horizontal distance and
vertical height, This latter facility has resulted in trigonometrical levelling being used for a wide
variety of heighting procedures, including contouring. However, unless the observation distances
are relatively short, the height values displayed by the total station are quite useless, if not highly
dangerous, unless the total station contains algorithms to apply corrections for curvature and
refraction. Figure 2.7 gives the geometry for determination of heights for short sights i.e sight that
disregard curvature and refraction.
∆H
Figure 2.7: Trigonometric levelling for short sight
11
Short Sights.
From Figure 2.7 it can be seen that when measuring the angle
∆h =S sin α ………………………………………………………………………...………..(2.1)
When using the zenith angle z
∆h =S cos z …………………………………………………………………………………. (2.2)
If the horizontal distance is used
∆h =D tan α = D cot z …………………………………………………………………….… (2.3)
The difference in elevation (H) between ground points A and B is therefore
∆H=hi+∆h – ht=∆h + hi − ht ………………………………………………………………….(2.4)
Where ∆H, ∆h, hi and ht are shown in Figure 2.7
For long lines the effect of curvature,c, and refraction,r, must be considered.In this case the ∆H
between A and B is
∆H= ∆h + hi-ht + (c-r) …...…………………………………………………………………(2.5)
The combined correction (c-r) is approximately given in Eq.(2.6) (Schofield,2001)
(c-r)=0.067D² mm…………………………………………………….………….…………(2.6)
where D is distance in km.
Trigonometric heighting is a fairly accurate method of height determination,but the accuracy of

the results depends very much on the accuracy of the distance determination and the measurements
of the vertical angle.
2.4 Barometric heighting

Barometric levelling is used principally on exploratory or reconnaissance surveys where
differences in elevation are large,as in mountainous or in hilly country.In order to obtain reliable
results it is necessary to use at least two barometers,one at a reference point of known height is
read at regular intervals while the surveyor proceeds throughout the area,recording locations,times,
and barometer readings.Comparison of readings made at the same time then gives the height
differences.Atmospheric pressure may differ over a considerable range in the course of a day or
even an hour,so elevations determined by one ordinary barometer conduct from one elevation to
another may be several feet in error.In whatever way,by means of sensitive barometers and special
techniques,elevations can be determined within a foot or about (0.3m).
Usually barometric observations are taken at a fixed station during the same period that
observations are made on a second barometer,which is moved is from point to point in the field.The
procedure makes it possible to correct the readings of the portable barometer at atmospheric
disturbances.The mercurial barometer is accurate, but it is cumbersome and suitable only for
observation at a fixed station.For field use an aneroid barometer is used commonly because it is
light and easily transported.
12
2.4.1 Reduction of observations
The fundamental formula for the reduction of barometric observations to determine height
difference is: (Schofield,2001)
h₂-h₁= Klog 10(P₁/P₂)(Tm + 273.2) ……………………………………………………….(2.7)
where h₂-h₁ is altitude at lower and upper stations 1 and 2
P₁ and P₂ are the corresponding pressures in mill bars;
Tm is the mean temperature in degrees Celsius of the air between station 1 and 2.
K is a constant depending on the composition of a test sample of air taken to represent

average conditions.
For surveying work,the altimeter provides a rapid means of heighting where errors of 1-5 metres
in difference of elevation between two points can be committed.
2.5 Total station levelling

Total station instrumentation is widely used in various survey sites, and sometimes it is not utilized
since users fail to understand the principles of this unit.One of them is levelling, and sometimes
users misunderstand the principles of total station levelling.Since development of total station
Levelling its use as a level has gained application at a tremendous speed.The achievable accuracy
when used accordingly can exceed that of ordinary spirit levelling.(Maembe,2012).
Advantages of measuring heights with a total station instrumentation is that sightings can be taken
over longer distances that are not possible with spirit levelling.Furthermore horizontal positioning
are also obtained. The total station instrumentation should be equipped with dual-axis
compensation to ensure that the horizontal and vertical angles errors remain minimum.
The minimum requirements for total station levelling are:
i. Maintain the height of instrument to height of target,this results into line of sights
which are parallel to the ground.The consequence is for the line of sight to traverse
similar layers of air on both back and fore sights.
ii. Maintain the back sight length to that of foresight.
When above conditions are satisfied,refraction and earth curvature effects cancel out.When
backsight (BS) is subtructed from foresight (FS) it makes a total station to work like a spirit level
with capability to incline while doing this data for horizontal positioning can also be collected so
that both elevation and horizontal location are obtained.
13
2.5.1 Sources of errors in total station levelling process
(http://www.tcd.ie/civileng/Staff/Brian.Caulfield/3A1/3A1%20Lecture%208.pdf)
All theodolites measure angles with some degree of imperfection.These imperfections result from
the fact that no mechanical devices can be manufactured with zero error.In the past very specific
measuring techniques were taught and employed by surveyors to compensate for minor
mechanical imperfections in electronic theodolites.With the advent of electronic theodolites,the
mechanical errors still exist but are related to in a different way.The following are major sources
of errors when using an electronic theodolites including total station instrumentation;
(a) Compensator index error

Errors caused by not levelling a theodolite or total station carefully cannot be eliminated by taking
face left and face right readings.If the total station is fitted with a compensator it will measure
residual tilts of the instrument and will apply corrections to the horizontal and vertical angles for
these.However all compensators will have a longitudinal error l and traverse error t known as zero
point errors. These are averaged using face left and face right readings but for single face readings
must be determined by the calibration function of the total station.
Figure 2.8: Compensator Index Error
14
(b)Horizontal collimation error
Horizontal collimation error exists when the optical axis of the the total station instrument is not
exactly perpendicular to the telescope axis.To test for horizontal collimation error,point to a target
in face one then point back to the same target in face two,the difference in horizontal circle readings
should be 180 degrees.Horizontal collimation error can always be corrected for by meaning the
face left and face right pointing of the instrument.
Figure 2.9:Horizontal Collimation Error
(c)Height of standards error
In order for the telescope to plunge through a truly vertical plane the telescope axis must be
perpendicular to the standing axis.As stated before there is no such a thing as perfection in the
physical world.All theodolites have a certain degree of error caused by imperfect positioning of
the telescope axis.Generally,determination of this error should be accomplished by a qualified
technician because horizontal collimation and height of standards errors interrelate and can
magnify or offset one another.Horizontal collimation error is usually eliminated before checking
15
for height of standards.Height of standards error is checked by pointing to a scale the same zenith
angle above a 90-degree zenith in “face-one” and “face-two”.The scales should read the same in
face one as in face two.
(d)Tilting axis error
This axial errors occur when the titling axis of the total station is not perpendicular to its vertical
axis. This has no effect on sightings taken when the telescope is horizontal, but introduces errors
into horizontal circle readings when the telescope is tilted, especially for steep sightings. As with
horizontal collimation error, this error is eliminated by two face measurements, or the tilting axis
error a is measured in a calibration procedure and a correction applied for this to all horizontal
circle readings as before if a is too big, the instrument should be returned to the manufacturer.
Figure 2.10:Tilting Axis Error
16
(e)Vertical collimation error
A vertical collimation error exists on a total station if the 0° to 180° line in the vertical circle does
not coincide with its vertical axis. This zero point error is present in all vertical circle readings and
like the horizontal collimation error, it is eliminated by taking FL and FR readings or by
determining i.
Figure 2.11:Vertical Collimation Error
17
(f) Pointing errors
Pointing errors are due to both human ability to point the instrument and environmental conditions
limiting clear vision of the observed target.The best way to minimize pointing errors is to repeat
the observation several times and use the average as the results.
(g)Uneven heating of the instrument.
Direct sunlight can heat one side of the instrument enough to cause small errors.For the highest
accuracy,utilize an umbrella or pick a shaded spot for the instrument.
(h)Vibrations
Avoid instrument locations that vibrate.Vibrations can cause the compensator to be unstable.
Advantages of Precise total station levelling.
(a) Line of sight height above ground can be maintained at maximum because the observation
is always to the top of the rod.This prevents the effects of heat shimmer close to the ground.
(b) Temperature gradient( layers of air of different temperatures) tend to run parallel to the
ground.These layers of air are warmer near the ground and get cooler as the height above
the ground increases.However.the rate of change is greater near the ground and decreases
as the height above the ground increases.The density of air changes as its temperature
changes.When light passes from air of one density to air of different density,the light is
refracted(bent).The greater the differences in the two densities,the greater the light will be
refracted.In spirit levelling,where elevation changes significantly from backsight to
foresight,the horizontal line of sight cuts through these gradients of different densities.If
the backsight is high on the rod,the foresight will be low on the rod.The backsight line of
sight is passing through air that is changing temperature at a slower rate than the
foresight.This causes the line of sight to be refracted more on one shot than the other.In
total station levelling,the line of sight can be maintained reasonably parallel to the
ground,preventing the line of sight from passing through these temperature gradients.
(c) The height of total station levelling target can be changed to overcome situations where
obstructions to the line of sight would interfere with spirit levelling.
(d) The only calibration necessary for the rods is that they are the same length or any difference
in their lengths is a known amount.To eliminate the accumulation of rod length error when
using 2 rods,the rod used on the first backsight must be used also the last foresight and
there must be an even number of setups with the rods alternated between backsight and
foresight.If only one rod is used,there is no need for any of these requirements.
18
(e) There is no need to precisely level the total station if it has a compensator allowing for fast
setups using only the circular level.
2.6 Digital spirit levelling

Digital spirit levels are similar in appearance to automatic levels, a horizontal line is established
by a compensator and this is done by centralizing a circular bubble with the foot screws.The main
difference between this and other levels is that the staff readings are taken and recorded
automatically. When levelling, a special bar-coded staff is sighted, and there is no need to sight
this staff as the level will do this automatically and display the measurement. It can also display
the horizontal distance to the staff. The advantages of digital spirit levels are that observations are
taken without the need to read a staff or record anything by hand. Introducing this automation
removes two of the most common errors when levelling, reading the staff incorrectly and writing
down the wrong value in the field book. The on-board computer also calculates the heights required
so that the possibility of making a mistake is removed. This makes the digital level much faster to
use.
2.6.1 Determination of the collimation error of the digital spirit levels

A digital levels automatically compensates for the collimation error digitally performing readings
in coded staffs, if such error is defined and saved in the memory of the instrument. They have the
absolute collimation error absColl and the variable error Collimation Difference (collDif), which
depends on meteorological conditions. Initial value of the absColl set by a manufacturer is equal
to zero seconds. The collimation error of these levels can be adjusted using maintenance program
CHECK&ADJUST. By setting up this program, readings are automatically compensated for the
Earth curvature errors. Checking is made by repeating the leveling of a 45– 50 m length site line
AB, which is fixed by metal poles. The line is divided into three equal sections. The line contains
points 1 and 2, which are locations of the leveling stations (Fig 2.12).
19
Figure 2.12:Checking for collimation error
In the station 1, reading a₁ and distance d₁ are set to the closer-standing staff. Then, reading a₂
and distance d₂ are set to the further-standing staff. Measurement sequence in the station is as
follows: b₂, d₃ and a₂, d₄. If absColl = 0 and during the checking collDif = const ≠ 0, then two
height differences can be calculated:
20
According to collDiff it follows that;
collDif = arctg [(a1 – b1 + b2 – a2) / (d1 – d2 + d3 – d4). Starting the checking, i.e. putting into the
program CHECK&ADJUST, absColl value from the memory of the level can be seen in the
instrument display. After performing measurements in both stations, the variable collimation error
collDif and the new absolute collimation error absColl are calculated. Both values, in seconds, are
shown in the display.The new absolute collimation error is equal to the sum of the old and the
newly determined variable collimation error. The absolute collimation error absColl, taking into
account collDif value, can be set to a new value or left as the old value. If the absColl value is too
large (>20”), it can be reduced or removed by adjusting the position of the middle horizontal
reticle. After confirming the adjustment of the reticle position, the level calculates the correct
reading a2’. Visual reading to the staff with cent metric steps placed in point A is made without
moving the level standing in the point 2. If the instrument is well adjusted, the calculated and the
visually set readings are identical. If the difference between the readings is larger than 3 mm for
the 30 m distance (collDif ≈20”), horizontal reticle should be adjusted. After the adjustment of the
horizontal reticle, the collimation error is check again.
2.7 Specification for vertical control of route surveys

In this research the allowable misclosure which is going to be employed is classified under the 4th
order standards and specifications of spirit levelling in engineering surveys. The relative accuracy
is given by 20 √k mm where k is total distance run between stations in kilometer.
21
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY AND DATA PROCESSING
3.1 Field reconnaissance

Reconnaissance is very important before the execution of any surveying work whereby the
surveyor visits the field area and plans the field work according to the nature of the field area. The
area suited for this research has the various topographies of plain terrain to hilly major terrain.The
area found to be favourable for easy walking and there is a good intervisibility between
consecutive points.On this route the three suitable places found to place major benchmarks at two
kilometers apart from the benchmark BM71 at Ardhi university main campus near the ARUSO
office and make a loop of approximate seven kilometers.
3.2 Planning of the network

During planning for the measurement I did take account on monumenting few benchmarks
because others may need to establish the benchmarks for other purpose in the future.The
benchmarks are established so that they are easily accessible so that other people may use those
points in future measurements.The distance between points is two kilometers.
3.3 Establishment of the benchmarks

Benchmarks were established at all selected positions,starting from the benchmark BM71 at ARU
main campus.The established benchmarks are GJK01,GJK02 and GJK03 as the major
benchmarks. Also minor benchmarks were established between the two consecutive major
benchmarks.
3.3.1 Major benchmarks

The benchmarks established as a reference points on some major objects.The iron pin in concrete
were used to mark the main benchmarks.The benchmarks were marked as GJK01, GJK02 and
GJK03.
22
Figure 3.1:Levelling Route
Figure 3.2:Major benchmark
23
3.3.2 Minor benchmarks
Minor benchmarks established for a short duration because the job is of temporary nature.The
same procedure used to monument the major benchmarks were used in monumenting minor
benchmarks but the difference is the aluminium nail in concrete was used in each minor
benchmark.The short term TBK was used to name minor benchmarks followed by numbers.
Figure 3.3:Minor benchmark
3.3.3 Important uses of benchmarks

Control points that are used primarily for vertical control usually don’t have very accurate
horizontal coordinates.The description card will be needed to find it,and definitely the description
card will be used to confirm the true identity and location of the point,with the reference to the
nearby objets.The vertical coordinates are extremely accurate,as it is the purpose of a benchmark
to provide a reliable true elevation for mapping and construction projects.
3.3.4 Requirements on the benchmarks.
i. The distance between the benchmarks should be at least 1 km.

ii. The choice of location of the points should be done with the greatest care and should
guarantee the permanency for many years.
iii. The marker should be designed with a well-defined highest point so that a rod with a flat
bottom can be set up vertically.
iv. The point should be located so that the risk of destruction is minimized.
v. The marker should be equipped with an identification,and a description should be drawn
up in such way that no mix up with other points can be done.
3.4 Instrumentation
In this research the two instrumentations i.e total station and digital level are going to employed in
measuring heights of points.A digital level used was Leica DNA 03 with serial no. 343873.The
procedures for operating with a digital level has been explained in chapter two above. The main
difference between this and other levels is that the staff readings are taken and recorded
automatically. When levelling, a special bar-coded staff is sighted, and there is no need to sight
24
this staff as the level will do this automatically and display the measurement. It can also display
the horizontal distance to the staff. The advantages of digital levels are that observations are taken
without the need to read a staff or record anything by hand. Introducing this automation removes
two of the most common errors when levelling, reading the staff incorrectly and writing down the
wrong value in the field book. The on-board computer also calculates the heights required so that
the possibility of making a mistake is removed.This makes the digital level much faster to use.
Meanwhile, Leica total station TS09 with a serial no. 1353371 was used during field observation.
The advantage of measuring heights with total station is that sightings can be taken over longer
distances that are not possible with ordinary spirit levelling. For height in engineering works, the
total station should be equipped with dual-axis compensation to ensure that the horizontal and
vertical angles errors remain minimum.(tolerable).Also total station levelling gives out not only
heights of points but also horizontal positioning of each point for the entire levelling route.
The errors in zenith angle, telescope collimation, curvature, refraction and other natural errors
effects and the errors related with the use of handheld prism pole should be taken into
considerations during the field work.The most important error is in measuring the zenith
angle.(vertical angle).It is also used in other applications programs when heights are required for
three-dimensional traverses and when performing a resection with elevations, and for remote
height measurements. However,this method can be used very effectively for contouring,
particularly in open areas where a large number of sighted spot heights can be located from a
specific set up station.
3.4.1 General Total station operating procedures

Standard operating procedures should require that control points be measured and noted
immediately in the field book after the instrument has been set up and leveled.This ensures that
the observation to control points are established before any outside influences have had an
opportunity to degrade the setup.In making observations for an extended period of time at a
particular instrument location,re-observe the control points from time to time.This ensures that any
data observed between the control shots are good,or that a problem has developed and appropriate
action can be taken to remedy the situation.
As a minimum,require survey crews to observe both vertical and horizontal control points at the
beginning of each instrument setup and again before the instrument is picked up.One of the major
advantages of using a total station equipped with data collection is that some errors previously
attributed to blunders(e.g.transposition errors) can be minimized or eliminated.
Even if the wrong reading is set on the horizontal circle in the field or the wrong elevation is used
for the benchmark,the data itself may be precise.To make the data accurate,many software
packages will allow the data to be rotated and/or adjusted as it is processed.The only way to assure
that these corrections and/or observations have been accurately processed is to compare the data
to control points.Without these observations in the recorded data,the orientation of that data will
25
always be in question.The use of total station with a data collector can be looked upon as two
separate and dinstict operations.
3.4.2 Field procedures for both instrumentation

i. Familiarize yourself with the benchmark whose elevation you are to determine and
the route that you will use
ii. Select a convenient point for your first set up,where you can be able to see the prism
held at the known benchmark and unknown point from this point.
iii. Set up your total station,level it,turn the power on.
iv. Carry the prism pole to the known benchmark and use the bubble to level the prism
pole at the benchmark.
v. Sight the total station on the prism,to measure the backsight.Record the horizontal
distance (HD) and the vertical distance (VD) displayed on the screen.
vi. Remove the total station from the tripod and replace it with the digital level.Sight
the instrument to the bar coded staff held at the benchmark and measure the
backsight.Record the horizontal distance (HD) and the vertical distance (VD)
displayed on the screen.
vii. Move the prism to another point towards your designated benchmark.Take it as the
first turning point(TP1).Sight on the leveled prism,measure and record HD and VD
for this foresight reading.The turning point should have the same distance from the
total station as the original benchmark to minimize error.
viii. Remove out the total station from the tripod and replace it with the digital level at
the same instrument height and target height. Sight on the leveled staff,measure and
record HD and VD for this foresight reading.The turning point should have the
same distance from the total station as the original benchmark to minimize error.
ix. Keep the prism at TP1.Pack up and move the instrument to a new position along
the route and again set up and level the total station at this new point.
x. Measure and record the backsight to TP1 by using both instruments.
xi. Move the prism to a new turning point along the route let say TP2.Measure and
record the foresight to this new point.Again replace the total station with digital
level and set the instrument height to be similar to the height of target.
26
xii. Continue until you are able to take a foresight reading on the prism and staff held
at all new benchmarks.
xiii. Set up the total station followed by digital level at a new point and take a backsight
reading on the prism and a staff held at all new benchmarks.
xiv. Proceed back to the original benchmark along the same benchmark to make a loop.
xv. After taking a foresight reading to the original benchmark,then a loop has been
complete.
3.4.3 Description of the method

Set up two targets and reflectors about few metres apart and set up your total station at the
middle,the total station used has the vertical circle of an accuracy of at least 2 seconds.The distance
will be shorter for vertical circles having less accuracy and can be longer for vertical circles
accurate to one second or better.This thesis will demonstrate the ability of your total station to
precisely determine the difference in elevation between a backsight (BS) and foresight(FS).
Consider the diagram below;
The figure below show the position to level the total station during the total station levelling
process on the different changes of terrain. On each type of terrain the total station is at the centre
where the distance of the foresight is equal to the distance of the backsight and the collimation line
should be parallel to the ground.
Figure 3.4: Total Station Levelling on Flat Terrain
The target will remain stationary,each taking on the role of BS and FS in succession while the
total station is re-set up between turns.Pick one of the targets as the starting BM and record its
27
elevation in the field notebook.Point on that target in the Circle Left(CL) and measure the distance
to it.In the BS column ,record the Vertical Distance(VD) and be sure to note whether it is a (+)
plus or (-) minus VD.Record the horizontal and slope distance to the nearest decimeter as well as
the zenith angle in the next columns.Then rotate the instrument and point on the other target and
repeat the above steps recording everything in the FS column. Again note if the VD is (+) plus or
a (-) minus.Plunge the scope and repoint on the FS in the Circle Right (CR),this time record only
the VD and zenith angle.Rotate the instrument to re-point on the BS in the CR and record the VD
and zenith angle.This completes one set of the direct and reverse pointings on the BS and FS.
Then,take the horizontal distances simply to have the summed total length of this single set
up,while the lengths of all the set-ups will be summed at the end to give the grand total distance
of the levelling route.Next,compute the means for the BS and FS readings.To find the difference
in elevation between the BS and the FS,subtract the mean BS from the mean FS.To find the
elevation of the FS,algebrically sum the difference in elevation with the RL of the initial BM
elevation.
Difference in elevation, ∆H=FS-BS
Elevation of a point=RL±∆H
Then,remove the instrument to the next station and re-set it.For the next set of observations,the
target that was the FS is now the BS and the original BS is now the FS.Observe and record the set
of observation pointings to the BS and FS as before in both CL and CR.
Repeat the same procedures to pass over the all established benchmarks GJK01,GJK02 and GJK03
in between until the level run is completed as forward run.Then again repeat the similar steps and
procedures from the final benchmarks and close to the initial benchmark as a back level run,in this
case the initial and the final benchmark is the same since it is a loop level run.At this point the
accuracy of the method and the total station used can be assessed by noting the deviation of the
RL of the benchmarks established in between.
For the digital level,a typical procedure is to set up the instrument within 100 metres of a point of
known or assumed elevation. A rod or staff is held vertical on that point and the instrument is used
manually or automatically to read the rod scale. This gives the height of the instrument above the
starting (backsight) point and allows the height of the instrument (H.I.) above the datum to be
computed.
The rod is then held on an unknown point and a reading is taken in the same manner, allowing the
elevation of the new (foresight) point to be computed. The procedure is repeated until the
destination point is reached. It is usual practice to perform either a complete loop back to the
starting point or else close the traverse on a second point whose elevation is already known. The
closure check guards against blunders in the operation, and allows residual error to be distributed
in the most likely manner among the stations
28
Before starting to take measurement, the level was tested to see if it contains collimation errors by
using two peg test and the following were the procedures;
i. Two pegs were established about 60m apart on fairly flat area then a level was set between
the two pegs.
ii. Two staves were put at A and B then the reading at A was recorded as back sight (BS) and
the reading at B was recorded as foresight (FS), the difference in reading was recorded in
the table 1.
iii. The level was then set close to staff B about 10m and read staff A as BS and staff B as
foresight (FS) also all the reading were recorded as shown in the table 3.1.
Figure 3.5: Two Peg Tests
Table 3.1shows the reading of the two peg test.
Instruments at the Backsight at point A Foresight at point B Difference

middle point
between point A and
B.(30m×30m)
1.043
1.503 0.46
Instruments near 0.977
point B(10m)
1.441 0.464
Collimation error = 0.004m
From the readings, the level showed that the collimation error obtained was 0.004m which is within
tolerance.
29
For my case the digital level was set at a few distance from the BM71 where the coded bar staff
was held and the backsight (BS),horizontal line of collimation(HCOL),horizontal distance were
measured and recorded on the field notebook.Then after the instrument was turned to read the staff
held at the next point which was termed as the first change point,a foresight reading and the
horizontal distance was measured and recorded.Then the instrument was set between the first
change point and the second change point and the backsight reading,Hcol,and horizontal distance
was measured and recorded.The forward levelling was run until the GJK01 was
reached.Thebacksight reading,hcol,and the horizontal distance of GJK01 was measured and
recorded ready to reverse the route back to BM71.Therefore the first segment was leveled by
forward and back levelling.The horizontal distance from BM71 to GJK01 was two kilometers.
The second segment started from GJK01 up to GJK02.Again the digital level was set up between
the benchmark and the first change point.The backsight reading,Hcol,and the horizontal distance
of the benchmark was taken.afer that the digital level was turned back to read the FS,HOR-DIST
of the first change point.Then the instrument was moved and set up between the first change point
and the second change point and again the BS,HCOL,HOR_DIST was taken.The same procedures
was followed until GJK02 was reached.The back levelling started at this benchmark back to
GJK01 and complete a second segment.The distance from GJK01 up to GJK02 was two
kilometers.
The third segment started from GJK02 up to GJK03 and the area was found to have small
mountainous nature.Again the instrument was set at few distance to GJK02 ready to observe the
BS,HCOL,HOR-DIST .Then the instrument was turned back to ready the FS,HOR-DIST of the
first change point.Then the instrument was moved and set up between the first change point and
the second change point and again the BS,HCOL,HOR_DIST was taken from first change point
followed by FS,HOR-DIST of the second change point.The same procedures was followed until
GJK03 was reached.The back levelling started at this benchmark back to GJK02 and complete a
third segment.The distance from GJK02 up to GJK03 was two kilometers.
The last segment started from GJK03 up to BM71 and constitute a total distance of one
kilometers.The instrument was set at few distance to GJK03 and the BS,HCOL,HOR_DIST was
taken,this was followed by observing the FS,HOR-DIST of the first change point.Then the
instrument was set between the first change point and the second change point and again the
BS,HCOL,HOR-DIST was taken from 1st change point and FS,HOR-DIST was taken from 2nd
change point.
3.5 Data collection
In order to fulfill the objective of this research,different methodologies were undertaken including
data search,data collection,data processing and finally data analysis.After data search,route design
and monumentation then data collection started. By following the procedures explained on the
30
paragraphs above to execute this method, the computed data as forward and back levelling for both
instruments are attached this book as appendix IA,IB,IC,ID and IIA,IIB,IIC,IID.
It was almost a week spent in data collection because the observation were done early in a day and
stops after the noon in the sunny day but there were some days where the sky was fully covered
by clouds and no sun since it was a rainy season the observation did not stop.Observation was then
resumed late in a day when the sun is not hot in the evening so as avoid shimmering during the
observation process.
After the completion of the observation and data collection in the field in both directions of the
levelling (forward and back levelling) a check was performed so as to decide whether the data
collected was good for processing and then analysis to fulfill the objective of this thesis or the
observation should be repeated.
The check done is as shown below for both forward and back levelling;
For the digital level DNA 3 with serial no.343873.
Forward levelling check:
ƩFS ƩBS ƩFS- ƩBS

36.49624 36.49975 -0.0035
Back levelling check;

26.6734696 26.676969 -0.0035
For the total station (Leica TS 09) with serial no.1353371.
Forward levelling check:

-7.2536958 -7.27576848 0.0221
31
Back levelling check;

-6.4099848 -6.387914 -0.0221
Where; ƩFS= Summation of the foresight readings.
ƩBS= Summation of the backsight readings.
After being satisfied with the data collected,the data was then processed by the use of Microsoft
excel to find the change in elevation and then the height of each point in the levelling route.
3.6 Data processing
Using Microsoft excel the difference in elevation was determined by the formula shown below.
Difference in elevation(∆H)=Mean foresight (FS)-Mean backsight(BS)
The mean foresight and backsight was obtained by taking the mean values of the readings taken
in the circle left and circle right position.This removes the collimation error in the observation.
The difference in elevation is used to calculate the height of a point along the levelling route,by
adding that change in elevation with the reduced level of the initial benchmark or the previous one.
The reduced level of the permanent benchmark and temporary benchmark was calculated and filled
in the table attached to this book.
32
CHAPTER FOUR
RESULTS, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSIONS

This chapter provides analysis information of the research being done, the obtained results are
required to meet the requirements of the research objective. The objective of this research is to
assess the performance of total station instrumentation and digital spirit levels in executing
levelling for vertical controls in topographic surveys for route engineering projects
It was a loop levelling done with four segments and each of the first three segment has a length of
two kilometers, and the last segment has the length of one kilometer.
4.1 First segment for digital level (Leica DNA03)

It has nine minor benchmarks and two major benchmarks named BM71 and GJK01 with a
separation distance of two kilometers.
First segment loop misclosures is W1
W1= R.L of BM71 on forward levelling – R.L of BM71 on back levelling.
W1=47.676-47.67599=0.0mm
W1=0.0mm
The misclosure W1=0.0mm is a good misclosure because the acceptable misclosure of 20√2.00003
(mm) is 28.3 mm.
4.2 First segment for Total Station (Leica Flex line TS09)
It has nine minor benchmarks and two major benchmarks named BM71 and GJK01 with a
First segment loop misclosure W1 is
W1= R.L of BM71 on forward levelling – R.L of BM71 on back levelling.
W1=47.676-47.663=13mm
W1=13mm
The misclosure is good because it does not exceed the acceptable misclosure of 20√2.0970 (mm)
which is 28.96 mm.
4.3 Second segment for digital level (Leica DNA03)

It has five minor benchmarks and two major benchmarks named GJK01 and GJK02 with a
33
Second segment loop misclosure W2 is
W2= R.L of GJK01 on forward levelling – R.L of GJK01 on back levelling.
W2=46.08628-46.0863=0.02mm
W2=0.02mm
The misclosure W2=0.02mm is a good misclosure because the acceptable misclosure of

20√2.00001 (mm) is 28.3 mm.
4.4 Second segment for Total Station (Leica flex line TS09)
It has five minor benchmarks and two major benchmarks named GJK01 and GJK02 with a
Second segment loop misclosure W2 is
W2=46.0777-46.086= -8mm
W2= -8mm
The obtained misclosure -8mm is good because it supersedes the acceptable misclosure of
20√2.0011 (mm) is 28.3 mm.
4.5 Third segment for digital level (Leica DNA03)

It has eleven minor benchmarks and two major benchmarks named GJK02 and GJK03 with a
Third segment loop misclosure (W3) is
W3=44.97397-44.974=0.03mm
W3=0.03mm
The misclosure is acceptable as it does not exceed the acceptable misclosure of 20√2.0001 (mm)
which is 28.3mm.
4.6 Third segment for Total Station (Leica flex line TS09)
It has eleven minor benchmarks and two major benchmarks named GJK02 and GJK03 with a
34
Third segment loop misclosure W3 is
W3=44.974-44.974=0.0mm
W3=0.0mm
The misclosure is acceptable as it does not exceed the acceptable misclosure of 20√1.9998 (mm)
which is 28.3mm.
4.7 Fourth segment for a digital level (Leica DNA3)

It has four minor benchmarks, and two major benchmarks named GJK03 and BM71 with a
separation distance of one kilometer.
Fourth segment loop misclosure W4 is
W4=44.29197-44.29195=0.02mm
W4=0.02mm
The misclosure W4=0.02mm is a good misclosure because the acceptable misclosure of 20√1.0001
(mm) is 20.001 mm.
4.8 Fourth segment for Total Station (Leica Flex line TS09)
It has four minor benchmarks, and two major benchmarks named GJK03 and BM71 with a
separation distance of one kilometer.
Fourth segment loop misclosure W4 is
W4=44.292-44.2917=0.3mm
W4=0.3mm
The misclosure W4 = 0.3mm is a good misclosure because the acceptable misclosure of 20√0.9994
(mm) is 20 mm.
35
4.9 Summary of Misclosures
Instrument : Digital level (Leica DNA03)
Table 4.1shows misclosures for digital level
Segment Length (km) Allowable Observed Remarks

Misclosure(mm) Misclosure(mm)
BM71- GJK01 2.00003 28.3 0.0 Observed

misclosure is
acceptable
GJK01- GJK02 2.00001 28.3 0.02 Observed

misclosure is
acceptable
GJK02- GJK03 2.0001 28.3 0.03 Observed

misclosure is
acceptable
GJK03- BM71 1.0001 20.001 0.02 Observed

misclosure is
acceptable
Mean of the observed misclosure = ∑ misclosure = 0.0 + 0.02 + 0.03 + 0.02 = 0.02mm
4 4
Root mean square of the observed misclosure=√ (misc2 ) /4 =√ (0.02+0.022+0.032+0.022)/4
Root mean square of the observed misclosure= √ (0.0017/4)=0.021mm
Both mean and root mean square are acceptable as they do not exceed the allowable misclosure.
36
Instrument: Total station (Leica TS09)
Table 4.2 shows misclosures for total station
Segment Length (km) Allowable Observed Remarks

Misclosure (mm) Misclosure (mm)
BM71- GJK01 2.00003 28.96 13 Observed

misclosure is
acceptable
GJK01- GJK02 2.00001 28.3 -8 Observed

misclosure is
acceptable
GJK02- GJK03 2.0001 28.3 0.0 Observed

misclosure is
acceptable
GJK03- BM71 1.0001 20 0.3 Observed

misclosure is
acceptable
Mean of the observed misclosure = ∑ misclosure = 13-8+0.0+0.3=1.325mm
4 4
Root mean square of the observed misclosure=√ (misc2 ) /4= √(132+82+0.02+0.32)/4
Root mean square of the observed misclosure=√ (233.09/4) = 7.63mm
Both mean and root mean square are acceptable as they do not exceed the allowable misclosure.
37
CHAPTER FIVE
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Conclusions
From the results and the research questions, the following conclusions can be made;
i. This study has focused on the comparison between total station levelling and digital
levelling in terms of their loop misclosures at each segment using both instrumentation. i.e
total station and digital level. The project was done according to both total station levelling
and digital levelling procedures in order to fulfill the objective of this research. The mean
and root mean square of the observed misclosures for a digital level was 0.02mm and
0.021mm respectively. The mean and root mean square of the observed misclosures for
total station was 1.325mm and 7.63mm respectively. Therefore both instruments i.e total
station and digital level can be used in executing levelling for control in topographic
surveys for route engineering projects.
ii. Referring to the tables of the analysis of the results, the total station instrument is less
precise than digital level by a factor of about 360.
iii. The ordinary level provides a staff reading to 1mm count while the digital level provides a
staff reading to 0.01mm.Therefore digital levelling is more precise than ordinary spirit
level.
iv. The main advantage of digital level compared to total station and ordinary level is its faster
data capture, shorter time and safer means of data processing and the ability of data storage
and retrieval electronically.
5.2 Recommendations
Based on the results and conclusions, the following recommendations are being made;
i. The research was undertaken at ARU and UDSM main campus through Sam Nujoma road
and the university road. The results were obtained as explained in the previous chapters.
Therefore the results obtained are a good start in comparing the total station levelling and
digital levelling in terms of their loop misclosures. Thus it is being recommended that,
further research be carried out on longer levelling routes in order to check the accumulation
of errors in longer distances.
ii. If one has a choice to use either one of the instruments for provision control levels in
engineering surveys, the digital level should be preferred as it is more precise and faster.
iii. Survey organizations should be encouraged to change to digital levelling as it is more
automated, thus reducing chances of making blunders (gross errors) that occur during
ordinary spirit levelling.
38
REFERENCES
Chandra A.M.(2005):‘Surveying – Problem solving with theory and objective type questions’.New
Age International Publishers,New Delhi.
http:www.whycos.org/fck_editor/upload/file/PacificHYCOS/Surface_water/levelling_and_surve
ying.pdf.
Kavanagh B.F.(2010):‘Surveying with construction application’ Pearson Education inc.publishers,

New Jersey.
Maembe,W.(2012):‘Potential Application of Total Station Levelling as a Precise Geodetic

Levelling’BSc. Thesis,Department of Geomatics Ardhi University,Dar es Salaam,Tanzania.
Schofield, W and Breach,M.(2007):‘Engineering Surveying’,Sixth edition.Elsevier Ltd,Oxford

UK.
Ulotu P.E.(2009):‘Geoid Model of Tanzania from Sparse and Varying Gravity Data Density by the
KTH Method’ PhD Thesis, Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) School of architecture and Built
environment, Department of Transport and Economics Division of Geodesy, Stockholm,Sweden.
39
APPENDICES
40
APPENDIX IA: Computed digital level data for segment 01
SEGMENT 01 FROM BM71 TO GJK01
FORWARD LEVELLING BACK LEVELLING
STATION BS FS HOR DIST HI RL REMARK STATION BS FS HOR DIST HI RL REMARK
BM71 1.77123 58.826 49.44723 47.676 BM GJK01 1.16976 128.745 47.25604 46.08628 BM
1.67623 0.65176 51.506 50.4717 48.79547 1.01376 0.77048 110.595 47.63153 46.61777
0.65823 2.58476 59.486 48.54517 47.88694 0.95276 0.61448 95.595 48.10202 47.14926
0.17023 2.44276 48.276 46.27264 46.10241 1.16976 0.55348 104.625 48.8505 47.68074
0.78723 2.52176 35.786 44.53811 43.75088 1.01376 0.72948 115.925 49.26699 48.25323
1.11423 2.14276 52.556 43.50958 42.39535 0.95276 0.75348 73.195 49.59848 48.64572
1.33223 1.99576 74.036 42.84605 41.51382 1.16976 0.82248 98.375 50.07797 48.90821
1.78823 1.29076 45.336 43.34352 41.55529 1.01376 0.82148 122.295 50.40246 49.3887
1.62923 1.60276 68.706 43.36999 41.74076 0.95276 1.03248 47.435 50.45494 49.50218
1.12023 1.85176 86.525 42.63846 41.51823 1.16976 0.80548 79.795 50.95143 49.78167
1.05123 1.75876 80.235 41.93093 40.8797 1.01376 0.49748 78.116 51.59992 50.58616
1.18923 1.69976 102.945 41.4204 40.23117 0.95276 0.64248 96.196 52.04241 51.08965
0.98923 1.68376 84.925 40.72587 39.73664 1.16976 1.31448 84.926 52.0299 50.86014
1.73323 1.72376 96.195 40.73534 39.00211 1.01376 1.27448 102.946 51.90139 50.88763
1.74323 1.05176 78.115 41.42681 39.68358 0.95276 1.29048 80.236 51.69587 50.74311
1.92623 0.90676 79.795 42.44628 40.52005 1.16976 1.34948 86.526 51.64836 50.4786
1.71723 1.21476 47.435 42.94875 41.23152 1.01376 1.44248 68.707 51.35185 50.33809
1.86623 1.44176 122.295 43.37322 41.50699 0.95276 1.19348 45.337 51.24334 50.29058
1.82223 1.23076 98.375 43.96469 42.14246 1.16976 0.88148 74.037 51.66383 50.49407
1.81823 1.23176 73.195 44.55116 42.73293 1.01376 1.58648 52.556 51.22331 50.20955
1.90923 1.16276 115.925 45.29763 43.3884 0.95276 1.73348 35.786 50.5748 49.62204
1.90923 1.13876 104.625 46.0681 44.15887 1.16976 2.11248 48.276 49.76429 48.59453
1.84123 0.96276 95.595 46.94657 45.10534 1.01376 2.03348 59.486 48.87678 47.86302
1.34323 1.02376 110.595 47.26604 45.92281 0.95276 2.17548 51.506 47.78627 46.83351
GJK01 1.59323 1.17976 128.745 47.67951 46.08628 BM BM71 1.58323 0.24248 58.826 49.25922 47.67599 BM
∑ 2000.03 2000.043
41
APPENDIX IB: Computed digital level data for segment 02
SEGMENT 02 FROM GJK01 TO GJK02
STATION BS FS HOR- DST HI RL REMARK STATION BS FS HOR-DST HI RL REMARK
GJK01 0.47031 24.253 46.55659 46.08628 BM GJK02 0.89164 34.303 45.86561 44.97397 BM
0.83731 1.10464 88.903 46.28926 45.45195 0.73964 1.08343 27.973 45.62294 44.8833
0.77631 1.09964 113.383 45.96592 45.18962 0.68364 1.51043 40.553 44.89728 44.21364
0.51231 1.18964 96.363 45.28859 44.77628 0.56464 1.41343 44.733 44.14961 43.58497
1.09931 1.83664 27.063 44.55126 43.45195 0.59064 1.37243 60.093 43.46894 42.8783
0.91431 1.19864 82.693 44.26693 43.35262 0.88364 1.31243 50.433 43.14128 42.25764
0.90031 0.90664 144.123 44.2606 43.36029 0.23264 1.08843 122.983 42.38661 42.15397
0.94031 1.08764 114.583 44.11326 43.17296 0.75164 1.22743 127.173 42.01194 41.2603
0.87431 1.15164 105.993 43.83593 42.96162 1.10964 1.11343 79.543 42.10928 40.99964
0.73131 1.02064 153.613 43.5466 42.81529 1.18264 0.72643 112.763 42.66661 41.48397
0.68931 1.16464 108.743 43.07127 42.38196 1.23864 0.72143 114.173 43.28494 42.0463
1.18331 0.95964 125.573 43.29493 42.11163 0.94964 1.27443 125.573 43.06128 42.11164
0.63031 1.24864 114.173 42.6766 42.04629 1.15464 0.78043 108.743 43.53661 42.38197
0.63531 1.19264 112.763 42.11927 41.48396 1.01064 0.82243 153.613 43.82594 42.8153
1.02231 1.11964 79.543 42.02194 40.99963 1.14164 0.96543 105.993 44.10328 42.96164
1.13631 0.76164 127.173 42.39661 41.2603 1.07764 1.03143 114.583 44.25061 43.17297
0.99731 0.24264 122.983 43.15127 42.15397 0.89664 0.99143 144.123 44.25694 43.3603
1.22131 0.89364 50.433 43.47894 42.25763 1.18864 1.00543 82.693 44.54128 43.35264
1.28131 0.60064 60.093 44.15961 42.8783 1.82664 1.19043 27.063 45.27861 43.45197
1.32231 0.57464 44.733 44.90728 43.58497 1.17964 0.60343 96.363 45.95594 44.7763
1.41931 0.69364 40.553 45.63295 44.21364 1.08964 0.86743 113.383 46.27928 45.18964
0.99231 0.74964 27.973 45.87561 44.88331 1.09464 0.92843 88.903 46.54661 45.45197
GJK02 1.11231 0.90164 34.303 46.08628 44.97397 BM GJK01 1.11231 0.56143 24.253 47.19861 46.0863 BM
∑ 2000.01 2000.01
42
APPENDIX IC: Computed digital level data for segment 03
STATION BS FS H-DIST HI RL REMARK STATION BS FS H-DIST HI RL REMARK
GJK02 2.40741 111.55 47.38138 44.97397 BM GJK03 1.9785 53.306 46.27047 44.29197 BM
2.41241 0.85024 38.996 49.12794 46.71553 2.758 0.93746 40.294 48.14503 45.38703
2.28041 0.67824 48.656 50.73011 48.4497 1.532 1.24286 49.238 48.48819 46.95619
2.37841 0.76224 33.296 52.34628 49.96787 2.244 1.86346 54.682 48.92275 46.67875
2.33541 0.66624 29.116 54.01545 51.68004 2.311 0.76746 47.376 50.52031 48.20931
2.96441 0.76824 16.536 56.21162 53.24721 2.708 0.81946 33.647 52.46287 49.75487
2.60141 0.16424 22.866 58.64879 56.04738 0.521 0.60546 56.208 52.43243 51.91143
2.65641 0.30524 27.196 60.99996 58.34355 2.575 0.90746 82.607 54.15399 51.57899
2.79041 0.54224 28.876 63.24813 60.45772 2.038 0.88246 40.584 55.36355 53.32555
2.62941 0.51724 22.646 65.3603 62.73089 2.012 1.11146 33.996 56.31811 54.30611
2.29841 0.66824 22.756 66.99047 64.69206 2.806 1.07946 38.052 58.09867 55.29267
2.41841 0.81024 49.102 68.59864 66.18023 2.479 0.85246 30.076 59.77923 57.30023
2.56841 0.84724 28.266 70.31981 67.7514 1.539 1.14546 24.297 60.22679 58.68779
2.20641 1.05124 18.766 71.47498 69.26857 1.337 1.86446 23.355 59.75335 58.41635
1.57241 1.63424 17.056 71.41315 69.84074 2.379 1.81046 30.116 60.37591 57.99691
1.37341 2.11224 22.866 70.67432 69.30091 2.739 0.53746 23.356 62.63147 59.89247
1.93741 1.68624 18.116 70.92549 68.98808 2.281 0.69446 30.116 64.27203 61.99103
2.24041 1.37524 18.166 71.79066 69.55026 2.524 1.05446 35.176 65.79559 63.27159
2.99341 0.88124 25.496 73.90283 70.90943 2.309 1.01146 28.336 67.14715 64.83815
2.31441 0.49124 46.416 75.726 73.4116 2.1 1.11046 25.106 68.19071 66.09071
2.83241 1.16324 34.146 77.39517 74.56277 1.503 1.25646 35.256 68.49127 66.98827
1.38441 1.29524 34.946 77.48434 76.09994 1.116 2.07546 24.496 67.58583 66.46983
1.12341 1.98524 29.076 76.62251 75.49911 1.046 2.01246 22.616 66.67339 65.62739
1.06141 2.33324 54.466 75.35068 74.28928 0.646 2.33946 24.926 65.03395 64.38795
0.78341 2.15924 38.686 73.97485 73.19145 0.286 2.86046 22.526 62.51351 62.22751
0.57341 2.40124 48.796 72.14702 71.57362 1.172 2.48846 26.296 61.25108 60.07908
0.69041 2.67724 21.526 70.16019 69.46979 2.151 1.50646 20.686 61.94964 59.79864
0.62241 2.56424 60.076 68.21836 67.59596 2.675 0.96546 20.246 63.7132 61.0382
0.68641 2.64524 22.036 66.25953 65.57313 2.486 1.07546 32.606 65.17776 62.69176
0.64541 2.49924 32.606 64.4057 63.7603 2.632 0.71646 22.036 67.14732 64.51532
1.00441 2.68824 20.246 62.72187 61.71747 2.551 0.75746 60.076 68.99488 66.44388
0.89441 2.16424 20.686 61.45204 60.55764 2.664 0.69346 21.526 71.01944 68.35544
1.43541 1.18524 26.296 61.70221 60.26681 2.388 0.76146 48.796 72.7 70.312
2.41741 0.29924 22.526 63.82039 61.40298 2.146 0.64446 38.686 74.25556 72.10956
2.78941 0.65924 24.926 65.95056 63.16115 2.32 0.85446 54.466 75.77512 73.45512
2.26841 1.05924 22.616 67.15973 64.89132 1.972 1.13246 29.076 76.66868 74.69668
1.94141 1.12924 24.496 67.9719 66.03049 1.282 1.19446 34.946 76.81024 75.52824
2.00441 1.51624 35.256 68.46007 66.45566 1.15 1.45546 34.146 76.5588 75.4088
1.18541 2.11324 25.106 67.53224 66.34683 0.478 2.90346 46.416 74.18736 73.70936
1.03941 2.32224 28.336 66.24941 65.21 0.868 2.38546 25.496 72.72392 71.85592
0.94041 2.53724 35.176 64.65258 63.71217 1.362 3.06446 18.166 71.07548 69.71348
0.98341 2.29424 30.116 63.34175 62.35834 1.673 2.31146 18.116 70.49104 68.81804
0.62341 2.75224 23.356 61.21292 60.58951 2.099 2.00846 22.866 70.6356 68.5366
0.46641 2.39224 30.116 59.28709 58.82068 1.621 1.44446 17.056 70.86616 69.24516
1.73941 1.35024 23.356 59.67626 57.93685 1.038 1.64346 18.766 70.31472 69.27672
1.79341 1.55224 24.296 59.91743 58.12402 0.834 2.27746 28.266 68.92528 68.09128
1.07441 2.49224 30.076 58.4996 57.42519 0.797 2.63946 49.102 67.13684 66.33984
0.78141 2.81924 38.056 56.46177 55.68036 0.655 2.48946 22.756 65.3564 64.7014
1.00841 2.02524 33.996 55.44494 54.43653 0.504 2.36946 22.646 63.54496 63.04096
1.04041 2.05124 40.586 54.43411 53.3937 0.529 2.70046 28.876 61.42752 60.89852
0.81141 2.58824 82.606 52.65728 51.84588 0.292 2.86146 27.196 58.91208 58.62008
0.83641 0.53424 56.206 52.95945 52.12305 0.151 2.72746 22.866 56.38964 56.23864
0.53441 2.72124 33.646 50.77262 50.23822 0.755 2.67246 16.536 54.5262 53.7712
0.74841 2.32424 47.376 49.19679 48.44839 0.653 3.03546 29.116 52.19776 51.54476
0.69641 2.25724 54.686 47.63596 46.93956 0.749 2.40646 33.296 50.59432 49.84532
1.79241 1.54524 49.236 47.88313 46.09073 0.665 2.44946 48.656 48.86388 48.19888
1.17181 2.77124 40.296 46.2837 45.1119 0.837 2.35146 38.996 47.40344 46.56644
GJK03 0.86641 1.99174 53.306 45.15837 44.29197 BM GJK02 2.3974 2.48346 111.55 47.3714 44.974 BM
∑ 2000.1 2000.1
43
APPENDIX ID: Computed digital data for segment 04
SEGMENT 04 FROM GJK03 TO BM71

STATION BS FS HOR-DIST HI RL REMARK STATION BS FS HOR-DIST HI RL REMARK
GJK03 0.9745 45.386 45.26647 44.29197 BM BM71 0.57345 45.386 48.24945 47.676 BM
1.2799 1.98625 40.756 44.76587 43.48597 0.33185 1.01893 46.756 47.44715 47.1153
1.9005 0.76025 50.474 46.11186 44.21136 1.74945 1.57943 44.474 47.50194 45.7525
0.8045 1.47225 42.616 45.64986 44.84536 1.17785 1.36323 49.615 47.20134 46.02349
0.8565 1.53925 48.393 45.17286 44.31636 0.47405 1.23323 41.394 46.32694 45.85289
0.6425 1.93625 45.454 44.08485 43.44235 0.89245 0.92723 45.386 46.17694 45.28449
0.9445 -0.2508 41.576 45.48585 44.54135 1.35525 1.31963 51.577 46.09733 44.74209
0.9195 1.80325 49.778 44.80785 43.88835 1.59725 1.21053 42.774 46.36883 44.77158
1.1485 1.26625 45.236 44.89584 43.74734 0.55525 0.65683 48.238 46.15203 45.59678
1.1165 1.24025 50.175 44.97784 43.86134 0.75725 1.92983 43.177 44.86423 44.10698
0.8895 2.03425 40.216 44.03884 43.14934 1.69725 1.98383 47.214 44.46242 42.76518
1.1825 1.70725 47.214 43.71983 42.53733 2.02425 1.26483 40.216 45.10662 43.08237
1.9015 0.76725 43.177 45.05983 43.15833 1.23025 0.97183 50.175 45.24982 44.01957
1.8475 0.56525 48.238 46.54783 44.70033 1.25625 1.19883 45.236 45.19202 43.93577
0.5745 1.60725 42.774 45.72082 45.14632 1.79325 1.23083 49.778 45.63922 43.84597
1.1282 1.36525 51.577 45.68952 44.56132 -0.2608 1.00183 41.576 44.26141 44.52217
1.2373 0.90245 39.458 46.23012 44.99282 1.92625 1.02683 45.454 45.04561 43.11936
0.8449 0.48405 41.394 46.79671 45.95181 1.52925 0.72483 48.393 45.73481 44.20556
1.1509 1.18785 49.615 46.96551 45.81461 1.46225 0.93883 42.616 46.14301 44.68076
1.2809 1.75945 44.474 46.69271 45.41181 0.75025 0.88683 50.474 45.8912 45.14096
1.4971 0.34185 46.756 48.0537 46.5566 1.97625 1.98283 40.756 45.7694 43.79315
BM71 0.9366 0.58345 45.386 48.6126 47.676 BM GJK03 0.9645 1.36223 39.458 45.25645 44.29195 BM
∑ 1000.123 1000.123
44
APPENDIX IIA: Computed total station data for segment 01
45
46
APPENDIX IIB: Computed total station data for segment 02
STN BS/FS CIRCLE TOTAL STAT TOTAL STAT ∆H-MEAN ∆HFS-∆HBS ZENITH ANGLE MEAN Z-ANGLE H-DIST S-DIST RL REMARKS
POSITION ∆H-BS ∆H-FS
GJK01 BS CL 3.1169 90.14.14 168.056 168.037 46.0777 BM
CR 3.1089 3.1129 269.45.37 90.14.19
TBK11 FS CL 2.4088 89.26.41 168.308 168.299
CR 2.4096 2.4092 -0.7037 270.33.34 89.26.34
TBK11 BS CL 3.3389 90.14.01 166.314 166.31 45.19
CR 3.3249 3.3319 269.45.38 90.14.12
TBK12 FS CL 1.775 89.30.52 166.122 166.116
CR 1.7754 1.7752 -1.5567 270.28.31 89.31.11
TBK12 BS CL 3.0829 90.16.45 166.371 166.368 43.4494
CR 3.0559 3.0694 269.42.39 90.17.3
TBK13 FS CL 1.4488 89.26.10 166.472 166.464
CR 1.4496 1.4492 -1.6202 270.33.34 89.26.18
TBK13 BS CL 3.1959 89.45.21 167.292 167.289 41.6452
CR 4.1919 3.6939 270.14.27 89.45.27
TBK14 FS CL 0.911 89.09.46 167.314 167.307
CR 0.9124 0.9117 -2.7822 270.50.16 89.9.45
TBK14 BS CL 2.3169 90.44.07 166.13 166.127 38.679
CR 2.3259 2.3214 269.16.08 90.44.00
TBK15 FS CL 8.1958 88.00.20 166.321 166.318
CR 8.1964 8.1961 5.8747 271.59.43 88.00.19
TBK15 BS CL 0.8349 92.30.25 166.31 166.304 44.3698
CR 0.8269 0.8309 267.29.11 92.30.37
GJK02 FS CL 1.6194 89.37.16 166.106 166.102 44.974 BM
CR 1.6188 1.6191 0.7882 273.22.19 86.37.29
BACK LEVELLING
GJK02 BS CL 1.6088 89.37.16 168.056 168.037 46.974 BM
CR 1.6094 1.6091 273.22.19 86.37.29
TBK15 FS CL 0.8169 92.30.25 168.308 168.299
CR 0.8249 0.8209 -0.7882 267.29.11 92.30.37
TBK15 BS CL 8.1864 88.00.20 166.314 166.31 46.0378
CR 8.1858 8.1861 271.59.43 88.00.19
TBK14 FS CL 2.3159 90.44.07 166.122 166.116
CR 2.3069 2.3114 -5.8747 269.16.08 90.44.00
TBK14 BS CL 0.9024 89.09.46 166.371 166.368 40.0151
CR 0.901 0.9017 270.50.16 89.9.45
TBK13 FS CL 4.1819 89.45.21 166.472 166.464
CR 3.1859 3.6839 2.7822 270.14.27 89.45.27
TBK13 BS CL 1.4396 89.26.10 167.292 167.289 42.6493
CR 1.4388 1.4392 270.33.34 89.26.18
TBK12 FS CL 3.0459 90.16.45 167.314 167.307
CR 3.0729 3.0594 1.6202 269.42.39 90.17.3
TBK12 BS CL 1.7654 89.30.52 166.13 166.127 44.1216
CR 1.765 1.7652 270.28.31 89.31.11
TBK11 FS CL 3.3149 90.14.01 166.321 166.318
CR 3.3289 3.3219 1.5567 269.45.38 90.14.12
TBK11 BS CL 2.3996 89.26.41 166.31 166.304 45.5303
CR 2.3988 2.3992 270.33.34 89.26.34
GJK01 FS CL 3.0989 90.14.14 166.106 166.102
CR 3.1069 3.1029 0.7037 269.45.37 90.14.19 46.086 BM
47
APPENDIX IIC: Computed total station data for segment 03
48
49
APPENDIX IID: Computed total station data for segment 04
SEGMENT 04 FROM GJKO3 TO BM71
FORWARD LEVELLING
GJK03 BS CL -1.9298 89.16.38 113.784 113.78 44.292 BM
CR -1.9292 -2.6063 270.42.52 89.16.53
TBK27 FS CL 3.0072 88.37.18 113.51 113.504
CR 2.9862 2.9967 5.603 271.22.24 88.37.27
TBK27 BS CL -2.9973 89.15.45 99.364 99.36 49.895
CR -2.9977 -3.6743 270.44.08 89.15.49
TBK28 FS CL -2.8998 90.25.09 98.761 98.756
CR -2.9008 -2.9003 0.774 269.34.51 90.25.9
TBK28 BS CL -0.8736 88.11.37 100.718 100.712 50.669
CR -0.8734 -1.5503 271.47.51 88.11.53
TBK29 FS CL -1.9108 89.45.47 100.634 100.63
CR -1.9098 -1.9103 -0.36 270.14.15 89.45.46
TBK29 BS CL -3.1091 88.37.17 145.321 145.328 50.3089
CR -3.1099 -3.7863 271.22.04 88.37.37
TBK30 FS CL -4.0508 92.47.24 146.799 146.806
CR -4.0498 -4.0503 -0.264 267.12.41 92.47.22
TBK30 BS CL -0.1917 86.03.12 40.322 40.328 50.0449
CR -0.1913 -0.8683 273.56.17 86.03.28
BM71 FS CL -3.233 91.26.29 40.202 40.208 47.676 BM
CR -3.2412 -3.2371 -2.3688 268.32.40 91.26.55
BACK LEVELLING
BM71 BS CL -2.5703 91.26.29 40.202 40.21 47.676 BM
CR -2.5703 -2.5703 268.32.40 91.26.55
TBK30 FS CL 0.4755 86.03.12 40.322 40.33
CR 0.4751 0.4753 3.0456 273.56.17 86.03.28
TBK30 BS CL -3.3835 92.47.24 146.799 146.79 50.7216
CR -3.3835 -3.3835 267.12.41 92.47.22
TBK29 FS CL -2.4431 88.37.17 145.321 145.315
CR -2.4423 -2.4427 0.9408 271.22.04 88.37.37
TBK29 BS CL -1.2435 89.45.47 100.634 100.63 50.9856
CR -1.2435 -1.2435 270.14.15 89.45.46
TBK28 FS CL -0.2066 88.11.37 100.718 100.714
CR -0.2068 -0.2067 1.0368 271.47.51 88.11.53
TBK28 BS CL -2.2335 90.25.09 98.761 98.756 51.3456
CR -2.2336 -2.2335 269.34.51 90.25.9
TBK27 FS CL -2.3309 89.15.45 99.364 99.362
CR -2.3305 -2.3307 -0.0972 270.44.08 89.15.49
TBK27 BS CL 3.6635 88.37.18 113.51 113.56 49.8947
CR 3.6635 3.6635 271.22.24 88.37.27
GJK03 FS CL -1.2624 89.16.38 113.784 113.792 44.2917 BM
CR -1.263 -1.2627 -4.9262 270.42.52 89.16.53
50
51

Comparison Between Digital Leveling and PDF

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Comparison Between Digital Leveling and PDF

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

CERTIFICATION

(Main Supervisor) (Second Supervisor)

Date: ……………………………… Date: ……………………

Dr. Job Chaula

Head of Geomatics Department

Figure 1.1: Relationship between Ellipsoid,Geoid and Terrain ................................................................. 2

ARU Ardhi University

CollDiff Collimation Difference

EDM Electronic distance measurement

GPS Global positioning system

Hcol Horizontal line of collimation

MSL Mean sea level

TBMs Temporary benchmarks

UDSM University of Dar es Salaam

h= H+N ………………………………………………………………… (1.1)

Figure 1.1: Relationship between Ellipsoid,Geoid and Terrain

1.2 Statement of the research problem

1.4 Scope and limitation of the research

1.5 Dissertation structure

OVERVIEW OF THE TERRESTRIAL METHODS OF PROVISION OF VERTICAL

Levelling is a branch of surveying, the object of which is to;

2.1 Spirit levelling equipment

2.1.1 Older instruments

Figure 2.2:A tilting level

Figure 2.3:An automatic level

2.1.2.1 Setting up an automatic level

Figure 2.4:An E-type levelling staff

Figure 2.5:A digital level

2.1.5 Laser levels (Levelling - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.htm)

Figure 2.6:Rotating laser level

2.2 Spirit levelling procedures (Levelling - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.htm)

Figure 2.7: Trigonometric levelling for short sight

Where ∆H, ∆h, hi and ht are shown in Figure 2.7

where D is distance in km.

Trigonometric heighting is a fairly accurate method of height determination,but the accuracy of

2.4 Barometric heighting

h₂-h₁= Klog 10(P₁/P₂)(Tm + 273.2) ……………………………………………………….(2.7)

where h₂-h₁ is altitude at lower and upper stations 1 and 2

P₁ and P₂ are the corresponding pressures in mill bars;

K is a constant depending on the composition of a test sample of air taken to represent

2.5 Total station levelling

The minimum requirements for total station levelling are:

(a) Compensator index error

Figure 2.8: Compensator Index Error

Figure 2.9:Horizontal Collimation Error

(c)Height of standards error

(d)Tilting axis error

Figure 2.10:Tilting Axis Error

Figure 2.11:Vertical Collimation Error

(g)Uneven heating of the instrument.

Advantages of Precise total station levelling.

2.6 Digital spirit levelling

2.6.1 Determination of the collimation error of the digital spirit levels

2.7 Specification for vertical control of route surveys

METHODOLOGY AND DATA PROCESSING

3.1 Field reconnaissance

3.2 Planning of the network

3.3 Establishment of the benchmarks

3.3.1 Major benchmarks

Figure 3.2:Major benchmark

Figure 3.3:Minor benchmark

3.3.3 Important uses of benchmarks

3.3.4 Requirements on the benchmarks.