Chapter 3: Leveling

1
Definition of Leveling:
Leveling is an approach for determining elevation
difference between two points.

Leveling” is a general term used in land surveying

which is applied to vertical distance measurements.

2
 Importance of Leveling
Mainly leveling is important to:

Determining elevation difference between two or

successive points.

Help to determine the slope

Help to calculate volume of cut and fill in different

land reforming and construction works

3
3.1 Definitions and terms used in leveling
Datum: is a reference point usually mean sea level (MSL)
to which elevations of other points or benchmarks are
referred.

Station: it is a representative point whose elevation to be

measured or location of the leveling rod when the reading
is being taken.

4
Elevation: is the relative magnitude for the height of the
point above or below the datum, which is believed to
having zero elevation.

 Elevation is calculated by subtracting the fore sight

(FS) from the height of instrument (HI).

Benchmark (BM): is a fixed point of reference with

assumed or known elevation from w/c all relative
elevations of other stations are calculated.

5
Elevation difference: is the difference or change in
vertical distance between the two points in reference of
the datum or benchmark.

Back sight (BS): the 1st staff reading taken from a point
of known or assumed elevation

It is always written with “+” sign and also called as

“+” sight

It helps to obtain the height of instrument (HI)

6
Vertical line

7
 Fore sight (FS): The last staff reading taken from a
point of unknown elevation or a point its elevation to be
determined.

It is also called as “-” sight

Subtracted from HI to get elevation of a point

Intermediate sight (IS): other staff readings taken

between BS and FS from a point of unknown elevation.

8
Turning point: is an intermediate point where both
fore sight and back sight readings are taken.

This point denotes the shifting of the

instrument to another location.

Height of instrument (HI): is the relative elevation

for the line of sight of the instrument (telescope).

9
In order to calculate the elevation difference, BS and
FS readings should be taken from the staff reading
when the “middle cross hair” cuts the leveling rod.

Upper Cross Hair

Middle Cross Hair

Lower Cross Hair

10
During determining elevation difference of given points,
there should be benchmark with known or assumed
elevation.

To determine the elevation of the point (station) the HI

should be identified.

And HI is calculated from both elevation of the BM and

BS.

HI = Ele.BM + BS

11
General Procedures of leveling

12
1. First, set the instrument between the two points, say
point A and B.
2. Set the instrument (stadia) in between the points (A and
B).
3. Held the leveling rod at point A, which is the B.M with
assumed elevation.
4. Take BS reading from point A and determine HI by
adding BS reading to Elevation of point A (BM).

13
5. Held the leveling rod at point B and turn the head of the
stadia to point B and take FS reading from point B (which is
the point its elevation to be determined).
6. Finally, calculate elevation of point B by subtracting FS
from HI.

14
Example

BS = 6.32 ft HI = 106.32 ft FS = 3.10 ft

Point B
Elevation = 103.22 ft

Starting point
Point A (BM elevation 100.00 ft)
What is the difference in level between A & B ?

16
Cont..

The difference in level between A & B is equal to

AC; i.e. 3.222 – 1.414 = 1.808m.

This represents a rise in the height of the land at B

relative to A.

17
Cont.…

18
The difference in level between F&G is 3.2222 – 3.484
= -0.262m

In any two successive staff readings:

 Second reading less than first represent a rise.

 Second reading greater than first represents a fall.

If the actual level (m a.s.l) of one of the two points is

known, the level of the other may be found by either
adding the rise or subtracting the fall.

19
 CON…

If the level at A is 1280 m a.s.l., then the level at

B = Level at A + Rise

= 1280 m a.s.l + 1.808

= 1281.808 m a.s.l

20
3.2 Types of leveling
Based on the type of instruments and nature of the
lands to be surveyed, there are different methods of
leveling. However, among those, the following
leveling types are to de described:

»Simple leveling

»Differential leveling

»Profile leveling
21
3.2.1 Simple leveling:

This type of leveling is used if:

The points their elevation to be determined are inter-
visible with each other.

The distance between the points is small.

The elevation difference is completed with one

instrument setup.

22
 Example of simple leveling

Ele.B = HI - FS

HI = Ele. A + BS
FS (-)= 0.895 m
BS (+) = 1.037 m

HI = 104.496m Ele.B = 103.601m

Ele.A = 103.459m
BM A: known elevation B: unknown elevation
Datum: Ele. = 0.000m
23
Question:

What if both back sight and fore sight readings are

equal??

Answer:

The two end points are found on the same elevation

from the datum or benchmark.

24
3.3.2 Differential leveling:

Differential leveling is an operation of determining

elevation difference between two distant points.

It is applicable if:-

 Points are far apart with each other.

 One instrument setup is not enough to complete

the leveling.

 There is a large elevation difference b/n points. 25

In differential leveling as the points are far
apart with each other, different instrument
setups will be required to complete the
operation.

26
Materials required for differential leveling:-
Engineer’s level
Leveling rod
Plumb bob
Measuring tape
Field note book
Duty of survey members
Instrument man
Rod man
Note keeper
Members 27
28
1) First, locate two points BM1 and final point (M).

2) BM1 represents a permanent (assumed) point of

known elevation and leveling operation starts.

3) (M) is a final point its elevation to be measured.

4) Setup the instrument near to BM1 at convenient

location “position-A” toward the route of BM1
and M.

29
5) With bubble at the center (full instrument setup),
take BS reading from the rod held at BM1. and
record.

6) Then add the BS reading to the elevation of BM1.

to determine the HI at “position-A”.

7) Then move the level rod to a selected point (TP1)

at equivalent distance from “position-A” and take
FS reading from the level rod held at (TP1).
30
8) After taking FS reading from TP1, subtract the FS
from HI at “position -A” to establish elevation of
TP1.

9) After you complete, leave the level rod on

that point (TP1) and move the instrument forward
to other point “position -B”, and setup the
instrument MID WAY between the old and new
turning points.
31
10. With bubble centre, take BS reading from the
level rod held at (TP1) and record.

11. With the BS from TP1, find HI at “position-B”.

12. And shift the rod to other turning point (TP2) and
take FS reading from the level rod held in TP2.

13. Repeat the process until you took the last FS

reading from the level rod held at last point (M).

32
14. Set up the level (instrument) at “position -C” and
take BS reading from the level rod held at point
(M).

15. Select a turning point (TP3) at equal interval from

the instrument setup “position -C” and take FS
from the level rod held at (TP3) and continue in
this way until you reach the starting point (BM1).

33
 Differential Leveling
Example

1.055m 1.451m
0.927m 1.295m
S1
S1’
BM1 (elev. S2 0.713m 1.835m
134.685m) A S2 ’
TP1
B S3
TP2 S3 ’

HI @ A C
Ele TP1
HI @ B
Ele TP2 M

HI @ C
34
Ele M
 Since any differential leveling operation is not
complete with out closing it (turning to the start
point), a return check measurement must be
done to reduce error.

 This means repeat the same procedure from the

end point of M to the starting point BM1 along
different route.

 Closing is made to calculate errors of closure.

35
 After closing the leveling operation, the assumed
elevation of BM1 could be different from the
surveyed (calculated) one and this is termed as
error of closure (ε).

Error of closure (ε) = Ele. of BMcal1 – Ele. of BMgiven1

Error of closure (ε) = ΣBS – ΣFS

This is called an arithmetic checking.

36
Differential Leveling Field
NoteBook

37
 Points Dist (m) BS(+) HI FS(-) Elev.
BM1 1.055 134.685 (Given)
55 135.740
TP 1 0.927 1.451 134.289
38 135.216
TP 2 0.713 1.295 133.921
45 134.634
M 1.756 1.835 132.799
66 134.555
TP 3 1.533 0.917 133.638
77 135.171
TP 4 1.384 0.841 134.330
82 135.714
BM1 1.022 134.692
 363 7.368 -7.361 134.685
Check
Error 0.007 0.007 38
 Arithmetic check by closing a loop
ΣBS- ΣFS = Last Elevation BM-1 – First (given) Elevation BM-1

Σ(BS) - Σ(FS) = 7.368m – 7.361m = 0.007m = 7mm

Checked

Last Elev. BM-1 – First Elev. BM-1 = 134.692m – 134.685m = 0.007m = 7mm

Therefore, the
operation is:
39
Q: What if arithmetically is not checked?

A: Something goes wrong during the leveling

operation, and the work is:

So, what…..??

40
 Calculate allowable error of closure:

Allowable   C D
• Where:
• ε – Allowable error of closure in (mm)
• D – total distance in (km)
• C – constant which is 24 for ordinary surveying
Allowable error of closure = ± 240.363km = 14.46 mm
Allowable error of closure > error of closure,
14.46mm > 7mm
 accepted and apply correction.
41
 Distribute the error of closure over each point
(applying correction)

Si
General formula is: vi   * 
S

S1 55
v1   *  v1   * 0.007  0.001
S 363

42
  S1  S2   55  38 
v2    * v2    * 0.007  0.002
 S   363 

By applying the same method

v3  0.003; v4  0.004; v5  0.005

 55  38  45  66  77  82 
v6    * 0.007  0.007
 363 

43
 Point Dist (m) BS(+) HI FS(-) Elev. Corec.Ele.
BM1 1.055 134.685 (given) 134.685
55 135.740
TP 1 0.927 1.451 134.289 134.288
38 135.216
TP 2 0.713 1.295 133.921 133.919
45 134.634
M 1.756 1.835 132.799 132.796
66 134.555
TP 3 1.533 0.917 133.638 133.634
77 135.171
TP 4 1.384 0.841 134.330 134.325
82 135.714
BM1 1.022 134.692 134.685
 363 7.368 -7.361 134.685 134.685

Error 7.368 134.692 0.000

-7.361 -134.685
0.007 0.007
44
εper= ± 240.363 km = 14.46 mm, (ε < εper)
3.2.3 Profile leveling

Is the process of determining elevation of series

points at a measured regular intervals along the
center of the proposed line.

Proposed line can be:

Ditch (channel)

Road or

Stream bed etc. 45

And the proposed line is divided into series of
short measured regular intervals designated
as full and plus station.

0+00,0+20….1+00….

46
Importance of profile leveling:
When planning the design and construction of buildings,
engineers must first consider the existing conditions of the
site.

Because, the given site may not be level and suitable for the
proposed work.

So, it must be modified before any construction work is

done.

47
Therefore, :
Initially, slope of the natural ground should
be displayed.

Finally, volume of cut and fill should be

determined, and bill of quantity for
construction works can be done.

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So, profile leveling:

Display the existing slope of the land

Allow us to draw site elevations

And design proposed works.

49
Materials required for profile leveling:-
Engineer’s level
Leveling rod
Plumb bob
Measuring tape
Peg and mallet
Field note book
Duty of survey members
Instrument man
Rod man
Note keeper
Members
50
Procedures of profile Leveling

51
1) Determine the proposed surveying line and fix a
BM1.

2) Measure distance and mark points at suitable

nearly regular intervals (say 10m, 20m, 30m,
etc.) depending on the steepness of the ground.

3) Setup the instrument at convenient location near

the line to be profiled, “position-1” for maximum
intermediate sight readings.
52
4) Take BS reading from the rod held at the BM1 to
determine the HI at “position-1”.

5) Rod is then held successively on the points marked

before and record their reading as IS.

6) After taking possible IS if necessary shift the

instrument and continue in such away.

53
Legend:
In the next slide, we will use these colors to represent
the respective staff readings.

Intermediate Sight (IS)

Back Sight (BS)

Fore Sight (FS)

54
 TP-2
HI-2 @ P-2
HI-1 @ P-1

TP-1

BM-1

0+00 0+50 1+00 1+50 2+00 2+50 3+00 3+50 4+00 4+50 4+80 5+00 5+50 6+00 6+35
 Station Hor. Dist BS IS FS HI Elevation
BM-1 3.81 103.81 100.00
0+00 0 9.42 94.39

0+50 50 5.21 98.60

1+00 100 4.80 99.01

1+50 150 4.95 98.86

2+00 200 4.98 98.83

2+50 250 4.62 99.19

3+00 300 4.51 99.30

TP-1 7.47 4.40 106.88 99.41

3+50 350 7.78 99.10

4+00 400 7.32 99.56
4+50 450 7.15 99.73
4+80 480 6.48 100.40
5+00 500 6.95 99.93
5+50 550 6.80 100.08
6+00 600 6.71 100.17
6+35 635 6.27 100.61
TP-2 7.31 6.81 107.38 100.07
BM-1 7.39 99.99
Ʃ 635 18.59
18.60
Σ(BS) - Σ(FS) =18.59 – 18.60 = -0.01m Last Ele BM-1 – First Ele BM-1 = 99.99-100.00=-0.01m
 Arithmetic check by closing a loop
ΣBS- ΣFS = Last Elevation BM-1 – First Elevation BM-1

Σ(BS) - Σ(FS) =18.59 – 18.60 = -0.01m

Checked
Last Elevation BM-1 – First Elevation BM-1 = 99.99-100.00 = -0.01m

Therefore,
the work is:
57
• If arithmetically is not checked, something
goes wrong.

• Therefore, the work is

So, what…..??

58
 Plotting a profile
Profile leveling shows the cross section of the
ground surface on a paper using convenient scale.

Since profile is conducted in little graded area of

points with small elevation difference and large
horizontal distance:-

– Vertical scale is exaggerated with respect to

horizontal….(5-20 times)
59
 Displaying the topographic nature of ground surface
101

100

99
Elevation in Meter

98

97

96

95

94
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700
Horizontal Distance in Meter 60
Question:

The profiled land is proposed for irrigation canal

designed at slope of 0.5%..............

A) Show the proposed profile if the irrigation canal

starts from an elevation of 100.61 meter at point
6+35 and falls in the direction of point 0+00.

B) Highlight the cut and fill areas of the irrigation

canal.
61
Solution: Hint:
dy Slope = 0.5% (0.005)
Slope  Ele. 6+35= 100.61m
dx
S (Distance)= 635m
dy  slope* dx
Ele. 0+00=?

dy  0.005* 635m dy  3.11m

Ele.0  00  100.61m  3.11m

Ele.0  00  97.5m 62
 Profile of the proposed irrigation canal
101

100

99
Elevation in Meter

98

97

96

95

94
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700
Horizontal Distance in Meter 63
 Cut and fill areas of the proposed irrigation canal
101

100 Cut
99
Elevation in Meter

98

97

Fill
96

95

94
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700
Horizontal Distance in Meter 64
 HI-2 @ P-1
HI-2 @ P-2

TP-1

BM-1

0+00 0+10 0+20 0+30 0+40 0+50 0+60 0+70 0+80 0+90 1+00
The End

66
This +0.004 value indicates the error is +ve error
or increase value from the assumed, so it should be
subtracted from each point elevation.
To distribute error of closure equally over all
points use the formula below the same, as using in
differential leveling.

Si
vi   * 
S
Not necessary 67
68