42 ESci 121m: Fundamentals of Surveying

Lesson 3.2: Differential leveling

Learning Outcome
At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to calculate elevations
from a differential leveling data.

Discussion
Differential leveling is used to determine differences in elevation between
points (that are some distance from each other) by using a surveyors’ level and
a graduated measuring rod (Kavanagh, 2015). It requires series of set-ups of
the instrument along a general route and for each set up, a rod reading back to
the point of known elevation and forward to the point of unknown elevation are
taken. Figure 14 illustrates the process of differential leveling.

Figure 20. Differential leveling

Definition of Terms

Figure 21. Leveling Terms

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1. Bench Mark (BM) – is a fixed point of reference whose elevation is

either known or assumed.
2. Backsight (BS) – a reading taken on rod held on a point of known or
assumed elevation. It is a measure of the vertical distance from the
established line of sight to the point sighted. Frequently referred to as
the (+) sights.
3. Foresight (FS) – a reading taken on a rod held on a point whose
elevation is to be determined. It is the vertical distance from the line of
sight of the instrument to the point observed. Often referred to as the
minus (-) sights.
4. Height of Instrument (HI) – or the height of collimation, is the
elevation of the line of sight of an instrument above or below a
selected reference datum.
5. Backsight Distance (BSD) – the backsight distance is measured
from the center of the instrument to the rod on which a backsight is
taken.
6. Foresight Distance (FSD)- the horizontal distance from the center of
the instrument to the rod on which a foresight is taken.
7. Turning Point (TP) – is an intervening point between two bench
marks upon which point foresight and backsight rod readings are
taken to enable a leveling operation to continue. Sometimes referred
to as the change point.

Figure 22. Leveling Example

In figure 16, we will compute for the elevation of point B. BM A has an elevation
of 410.26’, while the BS reading is at 4.71 and the FS reading is 2.80. From the
figure, we can compute HI to be,
HI = Elev.BM + BS
(10)

and the elevation of B is equivalent to

Elev.B = HI − FS
(11)
Elev.B = Elev.BM + BS − FS
(12)
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Vision: A globally competitive university for science, technology, and environmental conservation. TP-IMD-02
Mission: Development of a highly competitive human resource, cutting-edge scientific knowledge V0 07-15-2020
and innovative technologies for sustainable communities and environment. No. CET.ESC
SLG20-08
 44 ESci 121m: Fundamentals of Surveying

Therefore, B as an elevation of 412.17’.

Figure 23. Leveling Procedure: more than one set-up (Kavanagh, 2015)

In the above figure is a differential leveling of more than one setup. For leveling
of this setup, it is necessary to tabulate the leveling data which helps ease the
computations. Below is the tabulated leveling data. Computed values are in red
letters.

Station BS HI FS Elevation
BM 460 2.868 164.141 161.273
TP1 1.977 165.136 0.982 163.159

BM461 0.540 164.596

References
Ghilani, C., & Wolf, P. (2012). Introduction to Geomatics 13th Ed. New Jersey:
Pearson Education, Inc.
Kavanagh, B. F. (2015). Surveying with Construction Applications Seventh
Edition. New York: Prentice Hall.
S.K., R. (1999). Fundamentals of Surveying. New Delhi: Prentice Hall of India.

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Vision: A globally competitive university for science, technology, and environmental conservation. TP-IMD-02
Mission: Development of a highly competitive human resource, cutting-edge scientific knowledge V0 07-15-2020
and innovative technologies for sustainable communities and environment. No. CET.ESC
SLG20-08