Experiment‐10 

Contour map preparation using 
Autoplotter Software 
Name: Dhinesh Kanna Ramkumar    
Reg.No: 19BCL0007
Slot: L55‐L56 
Teacher: Dr. Porchelvan 
 
Aim: To draw a detailed contour map of plot of given area with the help of 
dumpy level and civil related software. 
Apparatus Required :  Levelling staff, Dumpy Level, steel pegs, Surveyor’s 
handbook and cotton string . 
Theory 
A contour line of a function of two variables is a curve along which the function has a constant value,
so that the curve joins points of equal value. It is a plane section of the three-dimensional graph of
the function f(x, y) parallel to the (x, y)-plane.
In cartography, a contour line (often just called a "contour") joins points of equal elevation (height)
above a given level, such as mean sea level. A contour map is a map illustrated with contour lines,
for example a topographic map, which thus shows valleys and hills, and the steepness or gentleness
of slopes. The contour interval of a contour map is the difference in elevation between successive
contour lines.
More generally, a contour line for a function of two variables is a curve connecting points where the
function has the same particular value.
The gradient of the function is always perpendicular to the contour lines. When the lines are close
together the magnitude of the gradient is large: the variation is steep. A level set is a generalization
of a contour line for functions of any number of variables.
Contour lines are curved, straight or a mixture of both lines on a map describing the intersection of a
real or hypothetical surface with one or more horizontal planes. The configuration of these contours
allows map readers to infer the relative gradient of a parameter and estimate that parameter at
specific places. Contour lines may be either traced on a visible three-dimensional model of
the surface, as when a photogrammetrist viewing a stereo-model plots elevation contours, or
interpolated from the estimated surface elevations, as when a computer program threads contours
through a network of observation points of area centroids. In the latter case, the method
of interpolation affects the reliability of individual isolines and their portrayal of slope, pits and peaks.
Procedure for calculating R.L. using Height of Collimation Method

1. The first reading recorded becomes the Bench Mark and the sight is known as Back
 Sight.Also, determine length of chainage from starting point for better understanding of
terrain of land.
2. The readings recorded until the last observation which can be possibly recorded using
dumpy level is known as intermediate sight.
3. The last observation taken on the observation table by us is known as Foresight.
4. After completing the table of Sl.No., B.S.,I.S. and F.S., add three more columns H.C.
,R.L.and remarks.
5. Let’s take the example of an observation table to understand how to calculate R.L. using rise
and fall method.
Sl. No. B.S. I.S. F.S. H.C. R.L. Remarks
1.250 101.250 100.000 B.M.=100.000
1.750 99.500
1.420 99.340
1.270 99.580
1.410 99.790 F.S.

6. Now, we add R.L. and B.S. to get H.C. After finding its sum, get the difference between H.C.
and I.S./F.S. for given B.M. or T.B.M. which becomes R.L. of levelling point.
7. Check if our readings are right by proving the following mathematical expression to be
true. Sum of B.S. – sum of F. S. = last R. L. – first R.L. .

Aim: To make a contour map of a given section of area using Autoplotter 8 Pro Software. 
Apparatus Required:  Tripod Stand, Dumpy Level, Nylon Rope,Pegs and Measuring Tape.  
Procedure: 
1. Measure out an area of a uniform 2‐D shape like rectangle and square with the help of a 
measuring tape.  
2. Divide each dimension of 2‐D shape into equal sections . For example, if we divide 
dimension of a square into 3 sections, we would need to mark out 25 points in total 
including the points along the given dimension of the square. 
3. Put steel pegs onto the points marked with equal chainage to divide each dimension 
into equal sections. Use the nylon rope to provide straight lines for greater accuracy in 
sectioning of dimensions.  
4. Fix the tripod stand by keeping the flat surface roughly levelled by making a pen stay 
stationary atop its flat surface.  
5. Insert the dumpy level machine atop the tripod stand and begin the process of centering 
it by screwing the clamping screw into the nut provided directly above the marked 
point.  
6. Level the given dumpy level machine by making the longitudinal bubble provided in the 
dumpy level to be centered along the provided line. 
 7. Hold the levelling staff at a point outside of the provided 2‐D shape on an irregular 
terrain and  mark down the staff reading.This would be the backsight(B.S.) and 
benchmark of given survey observation table.  
8. Similarly, repeat step 7, and record the observations into the given survey observation 
table till the final point.  
9. The final point must be mentioned under foresight category(F.S.) .  
10.  It is suggested to draw a rough figure of the shape and the points where pegs are 
placed on the 2‐D shape and mention the  staff level readings over it for feasibility of 
transferring the survey details into the surveyor’s handbook.  
11. Find the reduced levels of each of the points mentioned in your rough figure by using 
the height of collimation method as mentioned in theory section earlier.  
12. Cross check your readings by checking whether the given mathematical equation under 
height of collimation in theory section is being satisfied.  
13. Now, go onto the Internet and download the Free version of the Autoplotter 8 software.  
14. Mention the shape of the plot, points on the plot and its calculated R.L. to the software 
and the software would generate the required contour map.  
15. Hence, we are being able to reproduce a contour map of the given section of land with 
the help of a  civil‐related software.