Fieldwork No.

02

DIFFERENTIAL LEVELING USING AN ENGINEER’S LEVEL

Name : Weather :
Group No. : Place :
Designation : Time, Start :
Instructor : End :
Class Schedule :

I. Objectives

a. To know how to set-up and manipulate the engineer’s level.

b. To identify and describe the different parts and functions of an engineer’s level.
c. To learn the different technical terms associated in leveling works.
d. To determine the difference in elevation between two points on the ground

II. Instruments

1 unit - Engineer’s Level 1 pc - Tripod

1 pc - leveling rod 5 pcs - marking pins
1 pc – 50-meter tape

III. Procedure

A. Instrument Demonstration

a. Identification of the different parts and functions of an engineer’s level.

b. Setting up and leveling the engineer’s level.
c. Leveling rod reading.

B. Measuring the difference in elevation between two points on the ground and to compute
the elevation of points on the ground based on other points whose elevation is known.

a. Designate an arbitrary point in the field as a reference point of the level route as
BM1. Assume a certain elevation for BM1.
b. Set up and level the instrument at a convenient location between BM 1 and the points
whose elevations are desired. Take and record the rod reading on BM1 (Backsight).
c. The rodman then moves forward and position the rod on top of the points whose
elevations are desired. Take and record the rod readings (Foresights) on those
points.
d. Compute the corresponding elevation of the points.
C. Differential Leveling

a. Designate the initial or reference point of the level route as BM 1 and the final or
terminal point as BM2.
b. Set up and level the instrument at a convenient location along the level route. Take
and record a backsight on BM1.
c. The rodman then moves forward along the level route to some well-defined point
TP1 (Turning Point – 1).
d. Set up and level the instrument in a new position beyond TP 1, then take and record
a backsight on TP1.
e. The rodman again, moves further ahead and establishes TP 2. Take and record a
foresight on TP2.
f. The process is continued until a foresight is taken on the final point BM 2. Perform
the necessary computations and show the customary arithmetic check.

Remarks:

1. To reduce instrumental and natural errors, keep the backsight distance approximately
equal to the corresponding foresight distance.
2. The telescope bubble must be centered at the instant of sighting and the rod must be held
vertical and steady.
3. Turning points should be well defined such as the top of a firm rock, the top of a fire
hydrant, or a peg driven on the ground.
4. The tripod legs should be driven firmly into the ground and care should be taken not to
disturb the instrument after it is leveled.
5. When using an instrument equipped with stadia hairs, care must be exercised to read the
middle cross-hair.
6. The level is a delicate instrument so care must be taken to protect it from shock or
sudden jolt and moisture.
IV. Findings

1. List down and describe the different parts and functions of an engineer’s level.

2. Differentiate a level surface from a horizontal surface.

3. Define the following:

a. Datum line

b. Elevation of a point
 c. Backsight and Foresight

d. Turning Point

e. Bench Mark (BM)

f. Height of Instrument (H.I.)

4. Tabulate your data and computations.

Table 1. Level Notes

Station BS HI FS Elev Remarks

(m) (m) (m) (m)
Sample Computations:

5. It is recommended to keep the backsight and foresight distance approximately equal to

reduce instrumental and natural errors. Identify the type error involved in this case and
explain why and illustrate.

6. The telescope bubble must be centered at the instant of sighting and the rod must be held
vertical and steady. Explain the error involved in this case and illustrate.
V. Conclusion

Define and explain the purpose of leveling.

What is the purpose and importance of leveling in surveying?

VI. Sketch

1. Sketch and label the different parts of an engineer’s level including its accessories.
(Show the elevation and plan view)

2. Sketch what you did during the differential leveling operation.