Surveying Instrumentation

Surv. Araen S. Asanarimam

 Surveying Instrumentation

Published 2018
Cover design & Printed in Nigeria by:
Mbasule Digital Press,
New Era Junction, Jalingo, Taraba State

Surv. Araen S. Asanarimam

Principal Surveyor, Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation

Copyright © Araen Asanarimam Shinge, 2018

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a

retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means- electronic or
mechanical including photocopy, without permission in writing from the Author.
ISBN:

Enquiries: asaaraens@yahoo.com, lissamconsultingservices@yahoo.com

+2347063440190, +2348086932058

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 Forward

Surveying instrumentation is a book that seeks to expose students of

surveying especially at their infancy stage to the varieties of surveying equipment
in the digital market.
This book is in five chapters. Chapter one is on Chain surveying equipment,
chapter two is on theodolite and Total station surveying, chapter three is on the
leveling equipment, chapter four is on plane table and chapter five is on GPS
surveying equipment.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Co e page:………………………………………………………………………. 1
Title page:…………………………………………………………………….…. 2
Fo a d:………………………………………………………………………….. 3
A k o ledge e t:…….……………………………………………………. 4
Ta le of Co te ts:……………………………………………………………. 5
Chapter One: Chain Surveying
. I t odu tio :……………………………………………………….………. 6
1.1 Chai :………………………………………..………….………….…………. 6
. steel a ds:…………………………………………………………....……. 7
. Tapes:…………………………………………………………………………. 8
. A o s:………………………………………………………………….……. 8
. Pegs:……………………..……………………………………………………. 9
. Ra gi g Poles:……………………………………………………….……. 9
. Opti al “ ua e:………………………………………………..….………. 10
. C oss “taff:………….………………………………………………………. 10
. Cli o ete :……….……………………………………………….………. 11
. A e Le el:……..…………………………………………………..…. 11
Chapter Two: THeodolite and Total Station Surveying
2.1.1 Introduction:………………………………………………………………. 13
2.1.2 Uses of Theodolite:……………………………………………………. 13
2.1.3 Components of Theodolite:…………………………………………. 14
2.1.5 Plumb bob:…………….……………………………………………………. 17
2.1.6 Tripod…………….……….……………………………………………………. 19
2.2 Digital Theodolite:……………………………………………………………. 20
2.2.1 Features of Theodolite:…………………………………………………. 21
2.2.2 Comparison of Theodoloite and Total Station:………………. 22
2.3 EDM:…………….………………..………………………………………………. 22
2.3.1 Types of EDM:………………………………………………………………. 22
2.3.2 Principle of EDM:………………………………………………………………. 25
2.4 Total Station Surveying:………………………………………………………. 22
2.4 Introduction:……………….……………………………………………………. 26
2.4.1 Basic Principle of Total Station Surveying:…………………………. 27
2.4.2 Features of Total Station:……………………………………………………. 27
2.4.3 Components of Total Station :……………………………………………. 29
2.4.4 Types of Total Station :…….…………………………………………………. 34
2.4.4 Advantages of Total Station Surveying:………………………………. 39
Chapter Three: Levelling
3.0 Types of leveling instrument:…………………………………………………. 41
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3.1 Levelling Rods:………………………………………………………..……. 46
3.2 Bubble:………………………………………………………..………………. 46
3.3 Tripod:…………………….……………………………………………..……. 47
3.4 Change Plate:…………………………………………..……………..……. 47
3.5 Survey Markers:……………………………………………………..……. 48
Chapter Four: Plane Table
4.1 Plane Table:……………………………………………………………..……. 49
4.2Telescopic Alidade:………………………………………………………..……. 49
Chapter Five: GPS Surveying
5.1 Grades of GNSS Receivers:……………………………………………..……. 51
5.2 Dual Frequency Equipment:……………………………………………..……. 56
5.3 Triple Frequency Equipment:…………………………………………..……. 58
Bi liog aph :……………………………………………………………………………….. 72
A out the Autho :………………………………………………………………………. 73

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 Chapter One: Chain Surveying

1.0 Introduction
Surveying is defined as the science of determining the dimensions and
o tou of the ea th’s su fa e the easu e e ts of dista e, di e tio s a d
elevations. It is impossible to determine when surveying was first used, but in its
simplest form it is as old as recorded civilization. As long as there as been
property ownership, there has been a means of measuring property.
Surveying has three different components, measuring distance, angles and
elevation.
Each piece of surveying equipment can be used to measure one or more of these
components, but determining the piece of equipment that best suit the
application can sometimes be overwhelming for a person with a limited surveying
experience. Listed are the various types of surveying equipment and their uses.

1.1 Chain:-
The chain is usually made of steel wire, and consists of long links joined by
shorter links. It is designed for hard usage, and is sufficiently accurate for
measuring the chain lines and offsets of small surveys. Chains are made up of links
which measure 200mm from centre to centre of each middle connecting ring and
surveying brass handless are fitted at each end. Tally markers made of plastic or
brass are attached at every whole metre position or at each tenth link.
To avoid confusion in reading, chains are marked similarly from both end
(E.g. Tally for 2m and 18m is the same) so that measurements may be
commenced with either end of the chain. There are three different types of
chains used in taking measurement namely:

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 i. Engineer chain ii. Gunter chain

Figure 1: Chain

1.2 Steel Bands:

This may be 30m, 50m or 100m long and 13mm wide. It has handles similar
to those on the chain and is wound on a steel cross. It is more accurate and but
less robust than the chain.
The operating tension and temperature for which it was graduated should
be indicated on the band.

Figure 1: steel tapes

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1.3 Tapes:
Tapes are used where greater accuracy of measurements are required,
such as the setting out of buildings and roads. They are 15m or 30m long marked
in metres, centimeter and millimeters. Tapes are classified into three types; they
are:
i. Linen or Linen with steel wire woven into the fabric;
These tapes are liable to stretch in use and should be frequently tested for
length. They should never be used on work for which great accuracy is required.
ii. Fibre Glass Tapes: These are much stronger than lines and will not stretch in
use.
iii. Steel tapes:
These are much more accurate, and are usually used for setting out
buildings and structural steel works. Steel tapes are available in various lengths up
to 100m (20m and 30m being the most common) encased in steel or plastic boxes
with a recessed winding lever or mounted on open frames with a folding winding
lever.

1.4. Arrows:
Arrow consists of a piece of steel wire about 0.5m long, and are used for
marking temporary stations. A piece of coloured cloth, white or red ribbon is
usually attached or tied to the end of the arrow to be clearly seen on the field.

Fig : Arrows
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1.5. Pegs
Pegs are made of wood 50m x 50mm and some convenient length. They are
used for points which are required to be permanently marked, such as
intersection points of survey lines.
Pegs are driven with a mallet and nails are set in the tops.

Fig : Pegs

1.6. Ranging Pole:

These are poles of circular section 2m, 2.5m or 3m long, painted with
characteristic red and white bands which are usually 0.5m long and tipped with a
pointed steel shoe to enable them to be driven into the ground. They are used in
the measurement of lines with the tape, and for marking any points which need
to be seen. Range Poles are used in taping applications for sighting points,
marking ground points and for lining up surveyors in order to keep them working
in the right direction. They are from 6–10'L and are painted with alternate bands
of red and white to make them more easily seen. Each band is 1'L and the rods
can be used for rough measurements

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Fig : Ranging Poles

1.7. Optical Square:

This instrument is used for setting out lines at right angle to main chain line.
It is used where greater accuracy is required. There are two types of optical
square, one using two mirrors and the other a prism. The mirror method is
constructed based on the fact that a ray of light is reflected from a mirror at the
same angle as that at which it strikes the mirror.
The prism square method is a simplified form of optical square consisting of
a single prism. It is used in the same way as the mirror square, but is rather more
accurate.

Fig : Optical square

1.8 Cross Staff:

Fig: Cross staff

This consists of two pairs of vanes set at right angle to each other with a
wide and narrow slit in each vane. The instrument is mounted upon a pole, so
that when it is set up it is at normal eye level. It is also used for setting out lines at
right angle to the main chain line.

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1.9. Clinometer

Fig: Clinometer
This instrument is used for measuring angles of ground slopes (slope angle).
They are of several form, the common form is the Watki g’s Cli o ete , which
consist of a small disc of about 60mm diameter. A weighted ring inside the disc
can be made to hang free and by sighting across this graduated ring angle of
slopes can be read off. It is less accurate than abney level.

1.10 Abney Level

Fig: Abney level

This instrument is generally used to obtain roughly the slope angle of the
ground. It consists of a rectangular, telescopic tube (without lenses) about
125mm long with a graduated arc attached. A small bubble is fixed to the vernier
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arm, once the image of the bubble is seen reflected in the eyepiece the angle of
the line of sight can be read off with the aid of the reading glass.

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 Chapter Two: Theodolite and Total Stations Surveying

2.1 Introduction

A theodolite is a surveying instrument and precision instrument for

measuring angles in the horizontal and vertical planes.

2.1.2 Uses of theodolite

1. Mapping applications and in construction industry

2. Measurement of horizontal and vertical angles
3. Measurement of magnetic bearings of a line
4. Locating points on line
5. Prolonging survey lines
6. Determining difference in elevation of points
7. Setting out curves
8. Aligning tunnels
9. Locating Mining works
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2.1.3 Main components of Theodolite

- Upper Plate: It is the base on which the standards and vertical circle are
placed. For the instrument to be in corrent adjustment it is necessary that
the upper plate must be perpendicular to the alidade axis and parallel to
the trunnion axis.
- Telescope:It has the same features as in a level graticule with eyepiece and
internal focussing for the telescope itself.
- Vertical Scale (Circle): It is a full 400g scale. It is used to measure the angle
between the line of sight (collimation axis) of the telescope and the vertical
axis.
- Vertical Clamp and Tangent Screw : This allow free transiting of the
telescope. When clamped, the telescope can be slowly transited using
vertical tangent screw

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15
Axes of Theodolite

V -Vertical axis
S –Sight axis, collimation axis
H –horizontal axis (telescope rotary axis )
L –level axis (the alidade axis)

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Fig: Plum bob
Plum bob
Probably the most common and well known survey tool is the plumb bob.
A plumb bob is used, while taping distances, to project a vertical line from a point
on the ground. While it appears to be as basic a tool as there is, skill and
experience are required to use a plumb bob accurately and effectively. A
Gammon reel is often used for storage of the string line which is attached. A
plumb bob should be dried and wiped clean before storing it in its leather sheath.

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Fig: Plumb bob

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Fig: Tripod

Tripod
A sturdy tripod in good condition is essential for obtaining accurate
measurements. The legs of the tripod are adjustable and are made of wood,
fiberglass or aluminum and are adjustable for use with many different pieces of
surveying equipment. Tripods made of wood or aluminum can influence readings
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in certain weather conditions, fiberglass can be heavy to carry when surveying
over various terrains and distances. Tripods come with two different styles of
heads: flat or dome. Dome heads allow for more adjustment, flat head tripods
have less play, but are sometimes easier to fit. Tripods come in two different
th ead sizes: " a d ⁄ " . ⁄ " is sta da d fo e e e uip e t.
Adapte s a e a aila le to adapt olde " t ipod th eads to ⁄ " .

A tripod, as its name implies, is a 3-legged unit that is used for the stable
set-up of survey instruments and targets. Instruments are locked onto the tripod
by a lockdown screw attached to the head. Care should always be taken that the
feet are firmly planted in the ground or weighted when set on pavement or
concrete. Care should always be taken that the instrument is properly seated and
locked onto the tripod.

The head of the tripod should be kept clean and protected from damage.
Tripods should be dried before storing in a secure and dry location (not thrown in
the back of a pick-up truck).

2.2 Digital Theodolite

Fig: Digital Theodolite

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•P o ides the alue of o se atio di e tl i ie i g pa el.
•The p e isio of this t pe of i st u e t a ies i the o de of " to "
•All the pa a ete s e ui ed to e o se ed du i g su e i g a e o tai ed.
•The value of observation gets displayed in a viewing panel.
•The p e isio of this t pe of i st u e t a ies i the o de of . " to ".

The important features of total station are:

- Key-board: Control all the functions are controlled by operating key board.
- Digital panel: Displays the values of distance, angle, height and the co-
ordinates of the observed point, where the reflector (target) is kept.
- Remote height object: The heights of some inaccessible objects such as
towers can be read directly. The micro-processor provided in the
i st u e t applies the o e tio fo ea th’s u atu e a d ea
refraction, automatically.

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 - Traversing program:The co-ordinates of the reflector and the angle or
bearing on the reflector can be stored and can be recalled for next set up of
instrument.
- Setting out for distance, direction and height: Whenevera particular
direction and horizontal distance is to be entered for the purpose of
locating the point on the ground using a target, then the instrument
displays the angle through which the theodolite has to be turned and the
distance by which the reflector should move.

Comparison of theodolite and Total Station

- Both the total station and theodolite are devices for the measurement of
vertical and horizontal angles during engineering projects and surveying.
- Each has specific characteristics due to which they are used.
- The factors of time, expertise available, and cost will determine the use of
either of these instruments.
- The factors of time, expertise available, and cost will determine the use of
either of these instruments.

2.3 Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM)

Measurement of distance is accomplished with a modulated microwave or
infrared carrier signal, generated by a small solid-state emitter within the
instrument's optical path, and bounced off of the object to be measured. The
modulation pattern in the returning signal is read and interpreted by the onboard
computer in the EDM. The distance is determined by emitting and receiving
multiple frequencies, and determining the integer number of wavelengths to the
target for each frequency.Direct measurement of distances and their directions
can be obtained by using electronic instruments that rely on propagation,
reflection and reception of either light waves or radio waves.

2.3.1 Types of Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM) Instruments:

EDM

i. Infrared wave measurements

ii. Light wave measurements
iii. Light wave measurements

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Infrared Wave Instruments

•These i st u e ts easu e dista es usi g a plitude odulated i f a ed

waves. (prisms mounted on target are used to reflect the waves.)
•These i st u e ts a e light a d e o o i al a d a e ou ted o theodolites
for angular measurements.
•The a ge of su h a i st u e t ill e k a d the a u a a hie ed is ±
mm.

Fig: Infrared Wave Instruments

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Light Wave EDM Instruments

•These a e the i st u e ts which measures distances based on propagation

of modulated light waves.
•The a u a of su h a i st u e t a ies from 0.5 to 5 mm / km distance and
has a range of nearly 3 km.

Fig : light wave EDM instrument

Microwave EDM Instruments

•These i st u e ts ake use of high frequency radio waves.

•Thee i st u e ts e e i e ted as early as 1950 in South Africa by Dr. T.L.
Wadley.
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•The a ge of these i st u e ts is up to 100 km and can be used both during
day and might

Fig. Microwave EDM intruments

2.3.2 Principle of EDM

In EDM the beam of light is the carrier and which is reflected back from mirror
located at the other end. Such instrument are less expensive because one active
instrument and battery are only needed at one end and instrument at other end
is simply a reflecting mirror centered over ground centre mark.

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 Total Stations Surveying
2.4 Introduction
Total station surveying - defined as the use of electronic survey equipment
used to perform horizontal and vertical measurements in reference to a grid
system (e.g. UTM, mine grid). A form of an electronic theodolite combined with
an electronic distance measuring device (EDM). The primary function is to
measure slope distance, vertical angle, and horizontal angle from a setup point to
a foresight point.

Most total stations use a modulated near-infrared light emitting diode

which sends a beam from the instrument to a prism. The prism reflects this beam
back to the instrument. The portion of the wavelength that leaves the instrument
and returns is assessed and calculated. Distance measurements can be related to
this measurement.
The accuracy of a total station is dependent on instrument type. Angle
Accuracy (Ho izo tal o Ve ti al a a ge f o to .
Distance Accuracy can range from: +/- (0.8 + 1 ppm x D) mm to +/- (3 + 3 ppm x
D) mm where D = distance measured. Accuracy is highly dependent on leveling
the instrument. Thus two leveling bubbles are provided on the instrument and are
referred to the circular level and the plate level. Circular level is located on the
tribrack while plate level is on horizontal axis of instrument just below scope of
the total station.
“e siti it of Ci ula Le el = ’ / 2mm

• Se sitivity of Plate Level = 0” /

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Basic Principle of Total Station Surveying
A total station integrates the functions of a theodolite formeasuring angles,
an EDM for measuring distances, digital data and a data recorder. All total
stations have similar constructional features regardless of their age or level of
technology, and all perform basically the same functions.It is a light weight,
compact and fully integrated electronic instrument combining the capability of an
EDM and an angular measuring instrument such as wild theodolite.
It can perform the following functions.
•Dista e easu e e t
•A gula easu e e t
•Data p o essi g
•Digital displa of poi t details
•“to i g data is a ele t o i field ook

2.4.2 Basic Features of Total Station:-

iv. Total solution for surveying work,
v. Most accurate and user friendly,
- Gives position of a point (x, y and z) w. r. t. known point (base point),
- Measures distance and angles and displays coordinates,
27
- EDM is fitted inside the telescope,
- Digital display,

- On board memory to store data,

- Compatibility with computers,
- Measures distance and angles and displays coordinates,
- Auto level compensator is available,
- Can work in lesser visibility also,
- Can measure distances even without prismatic target for lesser distances,
- water proof,
- On board software are available,
- Can be used for curve layout after feeding data.

Total Stations can be used for:

• General purpose angle measurement
• Ge e al pu pose dista e easu e e t
• Slope measurement
• P o isio of o t ol su e s
• Co tou a d detail appi g
• “etti g out a d o st u tio o k

vi. A gula a u a up to
vii. Distance measured with laser up to 2 KM
viii. Distance measured with infrared rays up to 4 KM.( with single prism)
ix. Capable of storing up to 20,000 points.

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2.4.3 Components of Total station

1) Total Station (and tripod)

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2) Electronic Notebook
Ele t o i ote ook is ega ded as the ai s of the total statio . The
notebook will record, calculate, and even manipulate field data automatically
saving valuable time and manpower. The electronic notebook records the slope
distance, horizontal and vertical angles from the total station and can perform
numerous calculations using operating software which is loaded into the unit.
SDR 33 is an electronic notebook made by Sokkia. Cost is approximately
$4000 and can store up 2MB of readings and analysis.

The main menu of the notebook is made up of a number of directories:

1) Function menu
2) Survey menu
3) COGO menu
4) Road menu
5) Level menu

Function Menu

The function menu consists of a series of sub-menus which contain specific input
options which may be used during on particular job or may apply to all survey
jobs.

The function sub-menus in the SDR 33 are:

1) Job - multiple jobs can be stored
2) Instrument type - instrument type, prism constant, orientation (azimuth)
3) Job settings - current job, atmospheric correction, curvature and refraction
correction, and sea level correction
4) Configure reading - allows control over how information can be numbered
and stored (POS or OBS), single/double angle measurement setting, allows
code lists to be activated, as well as compatibility with other instruments
(WILD)
5) Tolerances - Ho . A d Ve . A gle = , EDM = allo s a curacy of
duplicate readings to be checked.

6) Units
7) Communications - downloading or uploading data (SDR, MOSS, DXF)
8) Date and Time
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9) Job Deletion
10) Calculator
11) Feature Code List - list to identify survey details 12) Hardware - system info,
battery life
13) Upgrade
14) User Program - allows programs to be uploaded
15) Language - English but you can upload more languages

Survey Menu
x. The survey menu consists of a series of sub-menus which contain specific
software to use the raw data recorded from the total station and
transform this information into usable survey results.
- The survey sub-menus in the SDR 33 are:
1) Topography - allows topography of a region to be measured.

2) Traverse Adjustment - allows series of stations used as traverse to be

calculated for closure. The program can then calculate the adjustments required
in the stations to ensure closure.

3) Resection - calculates the coordinates of an unknown or free station by

observing a number of unknown stations from the unknown point.
4) Set Collection, Set Review - structured method for collecting multiple sets of
information from a station. 5) Building Face Survey - used to survey details of a
building including details where the prism cannot be placed.

6) Collimation - used to measure error in single angle measurements. 7) Remote

Elevation - used to easu e ele atio s of poi ts i hi h the ta get a ’t e
placed. (e.g.. Powerline heights, bridge heights). The prism is placed directly
below the object and the slope distance to the prism is recorded along with the
angle up to the remote elevation. Based on these measurements, the remote
elevation point can be calculated.

COGO Menu
xi. COGO is a suite of programs aimed at coordinate geometry problems in civil
engineering – origi all a su s ste of MIT’s I teg ated E gi ee i g
“ ste ICE“ de eloped i the ’s.
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 xii. the COGO menu consists of a series of sub-menus which contain specific
software used for coordinate geometry calculations and setting out
work in the field.
- the COGO sub-menus in the SDR 33 are:
1) Setting out Coordinates - allows coordinates to be placed in the field.
2) Setting out Line
3) Set out Arc
4) Resection
5) Inverse - allows calculation of point to point info,
6) Areas
7) Intersections
8) Point Projections
9) Taping from Baseline

Road Menu

xiii. The Road menu consists of a series of sub-menus which contain specific
software used to perform a detailed road or highway survey.
xiv. the details of the road can be entered into the data collector and the
road can be laid out in the field including all appropriate cut and fill
information at each point.
xv. the cross-section survey sub-menu allows for measurements of earthwork
areas which can be uploaded into CAD for earthwork volume
calculations.

Level Menu

xvi. The level menu consists of a series of sub-menus which contain specific
software used to perform a levelling and level adjustment calculations

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Fig: Electronic notebook

3) Prism (and prism pole)

4) Computer interface
5) Batteries and radios

33
Specifications

Range
Reflector less : 3 – 70 meters
Single Prism : 1 – 3000 m
xvii. Accuracy
A gles : ’’ -
Distance : 3mm (with prism)
:4mm (with out)
xviii. Data Storage : 5000 points

2.4.4 Types of Total Stations

There are four basic types of this surveying equipment :

Robotic Total Station Construction Total Station Imaging Total Station

34
Optical Total Station

Reflectorless Total Stations

The level menu consists of a series of sub-menus which contain specific
software used to perform a levelling and level adjustment calculations

35
Fig: Reflectorless Total Stations

Robotic Total Stations

e.g Sokkia SRX

The level menu consists of a series of sub-menus which contain specific

software used to perform a levelling and level adjustment calculations

36
37
Another Example of Reflectorless Total stations is Topcon

Fig: Topcon

Types of Total Station Surveying

xix. Slope Staking
xx. Topographic surveys
xxi. Construction project layout
xxii. Leveling
xxiii. Traverse surveys and adjustments
xxiv. Building Face Surveys
xxv. Resections
38
 xxvi. Areas
- Intersections
xxvii. Point Projections
xxviii. Taping from Baseline
xxix. Areas
xxx. Intersections
xxxi. Point projections
xxxii. Road (highways) surveys
xxxiii. Taping from baseline
xxxiv. Building corners
xxxv. Control and offset lines

Advantages of Total Station over Conventional instruments:

xxxvi. Traditional survey methods are laborious and time consuming
xxxvii. Fully automatic electronic measurement
xxxviii. Digital display of staff reading and distance
xxxix. Data storage in instrument possible
xl. Direct transfer to personal computer of data stored in instruments
xli. Online operation through integrated interface to computer

xlii. Relatively quick collection of information

xliii. Multiple surveys can be performed at one set-up location.
xliv. Easy to perform distance and horizontal measurements with
simultaneous calculation of project coordinates (Northings, Eastings,
and Elevations).
xlv. Layout of construction site quickly and efficiently.
xlvi. Digital design data from CAD programs can be uploaded to data
collector.
xlvii. Daily survey information can also be quickly downloaded into CAD
which eliminates data manipulation time required using conventional
survey techniques.

Disadvantages

xlviii. Vertical elevation accuracy not as accurate as using conventional survey

level and rod technique.

39
xlix. Horizontal coordinates are calculated on a rectangular grid system.
However, the real world should be based on a spheroid and rectangular
coordinates must be transformed to geographic coordinates if projects
are large scale.
l. Examples : highways, large buildings, etc.
li. As with any computer-based appli atio Ga age i e uals Ga age out .
Ho e e , i the ase of i a u ate o st u tio su e s Ga age i
e uals la suits a d o t a to s lai s fo e t as.
lii. Total stations are dependent on batteries and electronics. The LCD screen
does not work well when it is cold.
liii. Battery life is also short, batteries and electronics both do not work well
when wet.
liv. Loss of data is an important consideration.

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 Chapter Three:

Leveling

3.0 Types of Leveling Instruments

i. Dumpy Level
ii. Wye Level
iii. Tilting Level
iv. Automatic Level
v. Laser Level
• Digital Le el

Dumpy Level

• Wo k ho se fo o e a e tu
• Tu ula le el ial
• le eli g s e s

Wye Level

41
• “i ila to Du p le el
• Re o a le teles ope – simplify instrument adj.
• Cla ps on wye permit removal

Tilting Level

• le eli g s e s
• Teles ope is tilted to center bubble
• Coi ide e Bu le

Automatic Level

Automated Levels has the following characteristics:

- Easy to use (not power!)

42
 - Needs experience

- Robust even in hostile environment

Fig: Automatic level

• le eli g s e s
• Co pe sato used i place of tubular level
vial to level the instrument.

Laser Level

• “e so dete ts lase beam

43
• Rotati g ea of lase light or single beam
• Ele t o i le eli g technology, compensators, and leveling screws and
bubbles used to level.

Digital Level

- Engineers Digital Level

- Accuracy in 1 km double run, 0.9mm to invar rod, 1.5mm to standard bar
code rod, 0.6m to 100m sighting range, distance accuracy 3-5mm/10m, 2
line x 8 character display, 64kb on board storage, GEB79 internal
rechargeable battery, RS232 port, 24x magnification, 360 degree
graduation, endless fine drive.
- Replaces the Wild N2 precision level.
- NA3003 Precision Digital Level Accuracy in 1 km double run, 0.4mm to
invar rod, 1.5mm to standard bar code rod, 0.6m to 100m sighting range,
distance accuracy 3-5mm/10m, 2 line x 8 character display, 64kb on board
storage, GEB79 internal rechargeable battery, RS232 port, 24x
magnification, 360 degree graduation, endless fine drive.
- Replaces the Wild N3 precision level.

- Push-button technique
- No reading errors, special staff
- Readings are stored and analyzed digitally
- Uses Barcode staffs
- Internal storage of data
- Download to the computer
- Automated height computation + adjustment
- No feeling for quality anymore
- You frequently need power plugs
- Compensators used to level
- Bar-coded rod – like uniform product code on a box of Cheerios
- Distance measuring capability
- Electronic data recording.

44
Fig: Automatic levels

Hand Levels

i. Abney Level

ii. Locke Level

iii. Clinometer

45
3.1 Leveling Rods

• Philadelphia– 2 sections ≈ 13 ft. extended

• Chi ago F is o – 3 sections ≈ 13 ft.
• Teles opi – 14 to 50 ft.
• Othe s
– Pocket rod
– Folding rule

3.2.1 Bubble

- Keep the pole upright

- Any tilt will disturb your readings
- Turning pins
- Turning plates
- Rod level

46
Fig: Bubble

3.3 Tripod

• Wooden design or aluminum

lv. F o eas to sit to ops, this is high

3.4 Change Plate

For long survey lines, change plate is useful in the following areas:-
- Allows change of instruments
- Best is a metal change plate
- Screws e.g. at fences
- Sharp stones or nails
- Beware of dark colors

47
Fig: Change plate

3.5 Survey Markers

Fig: Survey markers

- Gives you a fixed point
- Should be of good quality
- Should be long-term
- Preferable in bedrock, settled buildings, or bridges
- Do not use fences or walls

48
 Chapter Four: Plane Table Instrument

Fig: Plane Table

Telescopic Alidade:-
The telescopic alidade consists of a telescope meant for inclined sight or
sighting distant objects clearly. This alidade has no vanes at the ends, but is
provided with fiducial edge. The function of the alidade is to sight objects. The
rays should be drawn along the fiducial ends.
The telescopic alidade is used when it is required to take in lined sights.
- Also the accuracy and range of sights are increased by its use.
- It essentially consists of a small telescope with a level tube and graduated
arc mounted on horizontal axis.
- The horizontal axis rests on a A-frame fitted with vernier fixed in position in
the same manner as that in a transit.
- All the parts are finally supported on a heavy rule, one side of which is used
as the working edge along which line may be drawn. The inclination of the
line of sight can be read on the vertical circle.
- The horizontal distance between the instrument and the point sighted can
be computed by taking stadia readings on the staff kept at the point.
49
- The elevation of the point can also be computed by using usual
tacheometric relations.
- Sometimes, to facilitate calculation work, a Beaman stadia are may be
provided as an extra.
- Thus, the observer can very quickly and easily obtain the true horizontal
distance from the plane table to a levelling staff placed at the point and the
difference in elevation between them.
- The same geometric principle apply to the alidade as to the transit, but the
adjustments are somewhat modified in accordance with the lower degree
of accuracy required.

Fig: Plain aliade

50
 Chapter Five: GPS Surveying

5.1 Grades of GNSS receivers

i. Consumer Grade
– Tracking at expense of accuracy
– Inexpensive, mass produced
– Handheld mobile devices

- Designed to track in tough conditions, but at the expense of accuracy

- Garmin, TomTom, SiRF, ublox, etc
- Track only L1 code frequency, all visible satellites
- 12 channels GNSS antenna
- Pros
– Low-cost, Low power
– Small, user-friendly
– Fast satellite acquisition
• Cons
– Poor accuracy in challenging GNSS environments
– Inconsistent accuracy
– Unable to post-processing (with few exceptions)
– No on-board GIS data collection functionality

51
Fig: Garmin 12-Consumer grade GPS

ii. Mapping
They are of a Reasonable accuracy
i. – Fairly low cost, moderate training
ii. • T a k the L ode a d a ie f e ue ies
iii. • “o e odels apa le of t a ki g L a ie f e ue
iv. • Build-in software to resist multipath errors
v. • Use defi a le PDOP a d ele atio asks
vi. • Diffe e tial GN““ DGN““ apa le
vii. – SBAS – Satellite Based Augmentation System
viii. – CORS – Continuosly Operating Reference Station
52
 ix. • Li ited pa allel ha els GN““ a te a
x. • Designed to operate where GIS data is collected and
xi. with reasonable accuracy
xii. – Trimble, Leica, Topcon, Ashtech, etc
xiii. From <1 meter to (2-5) meter horizontal accuracy
xiv. – # of SV, DOP numbers, environment
xv.• Ve ti al o po e t ot e a u ate
xvi. – 2-3 times less accurate than horizontal
xvii. Fairly low-cost
xviii. Moderate training
xix. Good for GIS data collection and navigation

Fig: Nomad® 900G Zeno 15 Handheld FC-25 Controller

Windows Mobile® 6.5
(2-5 m)

iii. Professional (Survey/Geodetic)

– Significant more expensive
– Handle carrier data, better accuracy
53
 – Versatile, raw data, advanced training

• T a k at least L /L ode/ a ie f e ue ies

• + pa allel ha el GP“ a te a
– Javad Triumph: 864 channels*
• Build-in software to resist multipath errors
• Use o figu a le
• Desig ed to hold a u a as the u e -one priority at
the price of limited ability to track in many environments
– Trimble, Leica, Topcon, Ashtech, NovAtel, Septentrio, Javad, etc.

•F o to ho izo tal a d e ti al a u a
• Ve e pe si e te s of thousa ds
• Ad a ed t ai i g
• Good he e D a u a is e ui ed
– Horizontal and vertical measurements for boundary analysis
– Positioning of the public land survey system
– Layout of construction sites
– Topography for structural and civil design.

Leica Viva Uno Trimble R3

54
Fig: Ashtech ProMark3 RTK TopCon Hiper-L1

55
5.2 Dual Frequency L1/L2 RTK

Trimble R8 GNSS

56
Leica Viva GNSS

57
 Sokkia GRX1

TopCon HiPer II

5.3 Triple Frequency L1/L2/L5

i. TRIMBLE NET R9

ii. JAVAD DELTA TRE G3TH

58
iii. SEPT POLARX4TR

iv. LEICA GR10/G25

59
60
GPS ( Leica GX1230 )

61
62
GPS ( Leica GX1230 )

63
64
65
66
67
ProXH GPS receiver

68
Bibliography

M. )eki COŞKUN: Structure of surveying instruments;

Department of Geomatics Engineering

69
 The Author

Surv. Araen, Shinge AsanaRimam hails from Costain Lissam, the

headquarters of Ussa Local Government Area of Taraba State. He holds a B.Tech
(Hons) Degree in Surveying (2002) from Federal University of Technology, Yola,
Adamawa State (Now Moddibo Adama University of Technology, Yola) and
earned a Masters Degree in Resource Development (2015) from Umaru Musa
Yar’Adua University, Katsina, Katsina State. He has authored books, and articles
who have been published in local and international journals.

He is a registered Surveyor with Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON)

and an Associate member of Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS). Currently, he
is a Principal Surveyor at the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation,
Katsina State, Nigeria. He is happily married to Mrs Rachel N. Asanarimam and
the marriage is blessed with three children; McDonald NdesiNdewu Asanarimam,
Stephanie AyiNyangti Asanarimam and Dominion RibomRimam Asanarimam.

70
The Author

71
 Surv. Araen, Shinge AsanaRimam hails from Costain Lissam, the
headquarters of Ussa Local Government Area of Taraba State. He holds a B.Tech
(Hons) Degree in Surveying (2002) from Federal University of Technology, Yola,
Adamawa State (Now Moddibo Adama University of Technology, Yola) and
earned a Masters Degree in Resource Development (2015) from Umaru Musa
Ya ’Adua U i e sit , Katsi a, Katsi a “tate. He has authored books, and articles
who have been published in local and international journals.

He is a registered Surveyor with Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON) and

an Associate member of Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS). Currently, he is a
Principal Surveyor at the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation, Katsina
State, Nigeria. He is happily married to Mrs Rachel N. Asanarimam and the
marriage is blessed with three children; McDonald NdesiNdewu Asanarimam,
Stephanie AyiNyangti Asanarimam and Dominion RibomRimam Asanarimam.

72