Two Peg Test:

The test that we undertake in order to determine the amount of error and then eliminate it from
our measurement is known as the Two Peg Test.

FIGURE 1.0: Two Peg Test

Procedure:

1) Two Pegs A and B are hammered firmly into the ground by 50 meters apart.
2) A level is set up exactly between the pegs at a point C and read a staff held on each peg in
turn.

Reading on peg A= m

Reading on peg B = m

True difference in level A and B = m

This is the true difference in level between the pegs irrespective of whether the line of
collimation in inclined or not. If there were a collimation error it would be equal in both
directions CA and CB since the distances are equal.

3) The level to a point D is removed some distance beyond peg B. The best distance is 1/10 th
of distance AB,which is 5 meters. A second set of reading on pegs A and B is taken.

Reading on peg A = m

Reading on peg B = m

Apparent difference in level A to B = m

4) Since the true difference in level does not equal the apparent different, there is a collimation
error in the line of sight of the instrument. Because the apparent difference is greater than the
true difference, the line of collimation error points upwards in the case.
5) The correct staff reading required to adjust the level are now required. They are calculated by
one of the following methods.

Calculation of Adjustment: