Salahaddin University-Erbil

College of Engineering
Department of Geomatics-Surveying

Basic Surveying Instruments

Practical lecture #2

“Testing & Adjusting Leveling Instruments”

With the passing of time, through normal use, all leveling instruments will need periodical testing and
adjustment accordingly. Some of the adjustments can be done in the field using some simple tools but
sometimes it is best to be checked by a qualified technician who adopts standard methods with special tools.

Test & Adjustment of Horizontal Cross hair:

Sighting a leveling instrument at specific points and reading relevant measurements is our main
purpose. Although it is best to always sight an object at the very center of the crosshairs (intersection
of vertical & horizontal crosshairs), but sometimes this is not done and in case the horizontal
crosshair is not truly horizontal when the instrument is leveled, an error will occur. To test this, it is
as simple as specifying a sharply defined point on the same level as the collimation or line of sight.

Equipment/Tools required:
 Leveling instrument
 Specific pin or allen key used for turning small capstan nuts

Procedure:
1. Set up the leveling instrument and level the instrument.
2. Once the instrument is leveled, sight a sharply defined point so that the point is aligned with
or in contact with one end of the horizontal crosshair. Note that the point must be on the same
level as the line of sight.
3. Turn the telescope slowly about its vertical axis so that the horizontal crosshair moves along
the point.
4. If the crosshair does not remain on the point for its full length, it’s out of adjustment and
requires immediate attention.
5. To correct this problem, first loosen the four capstan screws holding the reticle with the
provided tool.
6. Then rotate the reticle (crosshairs) in the telescope until a state is reached in which the
horizontal crosshair remains on the point while the telescope of the instrument is turned.
7. Finally, tighten the screws carefully in their final position.

Result:
It is required to indicate in the test results whether the instrument is acceptable (OK) or not. In this
test, it shall become obvious whether the horizontal crosshair of the instrument in question is viable
or reliable to be used.