Chap 7 – Differential Leveling

 Definitions
 Process
 Curvature and Refraction
 Verniers
 Errors and Mistakes
 Operational Procedures
Definitions
 Benchmark
 Relatively permanent point of known elevation
 Backsight
 Shot taken on a point of known elevation
 Height of Instrument
 Elevation of level plane of sight
 Foresight
 Shot taken at the point of unknown elevation
 Turning Point
 Temporary, identifiable point of fixed elevation
Direct Differential Leveling
 Progresses from Known to Unknown
 ElevKnown + BS = HI
 HI – FS = ElevUnknown
 Level moves ahead
 Previous Point is now known
 Direct Differential Leveling

Field Notes
Math Check
Closure
Curvature and Refraction
 Difference between horizontal and level surfaces
 Light bends down as it travels through air
 C = 0.574 M2, M in Miles
 C = 0.0657k2, k in kilometers
 C = 0.574(100/5280)2 = 0.000206’
 C = .000206’ at 100’
 C = .00185’ at 200’
 C = .0206’ at 1000’
 Shots less than 300’ – C is negligible
Verniers
 Device to read measurements to smaller units
 Scale marked to set units
 Divide (n-1) scale units into n parts
 Least Count – smallest scale unit/No. of vernier parts
 Scale to 1/10th, Vernier has 10 marks
 LC = 0.1/10 = 0.01
Verniers
 Determine Least Count
 Read Scale at the “0” on the vernier
 Read the vernier where the lines coincide
 LC = 0.01
 Scale = 3.0
 Vernier coincides at 8
 Record 3.08
Rod Verniers
 Scale = Rod markings, read to 0.01’
 Vernier has 10 divisions
 LC = 0.01’/10 = 0.001’
 Example = page 102
 Read scale at 0 –> 2.94’
 Verniers coincide at 8
 Record 2.948’
 Reading Rod Vernier
 Direct
 Indirect
Mistakes and Errors
 Mistakes
 Misreading rod
 Poor rod extension
 Mud/snow under the rod
 Reading wrong crosshair
 Errors
 Rod not vertical – wave rod  Parallax
 Personal Errors
 Settling of rod
 Heat waves
 BS and FS not equal  Too long a shot
 Instrument not level
Leveling Procedures
 Anchor legs firmly
 Sloping terrain – two legs on downhill side
 BS and FS the same distance
 Wave the Rod
 Hand/Voice Signals
 Raise for Red
 High Rod
 OK, Not OK (Can’t See)
 Turning Point
 Raise/Lower target
 Plumb Rod
 Pick it Up! (We’re done!)