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12th October 2014 SURVEY PRACTICAL – 1

SURVEY PRACTICAL – 1

UNIVERSITY SYLLABUS

OBJECTIVE
At the end of the course the students will posses knowledge about survey field techniques
1) CHAIN SURVEYING
1. Study of Chains and its accessories
2. Aligning, Ranging and Chaining
3. Chain Traversing
2) COMPASS SURVEYING
1. Compass Traversing
3) PLANE TABLE SURVEYING
1. Plane table Surveying: Radiation
2. Plane table Surveying: Intersection
3. Plane table Surveying: Traversing
4. Plane table Surveying: Resection – Two point problem
4) LEVELLING
1. Study of levels and levelling staff
2. Fly leveling using Dumpy level
3. Fly leveling using Tilting level
4. Check leveling
5) LONGITUDINAL & CROSS SECTIONING
1. LS and CS
6) CONTOURING
1. Contouring
THEODOLITES
7) Study of Theodolites

Total
Hours: 60

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GENERAL INSTRUCTION

1. All the students are instructed to wear protective uniform, shoes and cap before entering into the laboratory.
2. Before starting the exercise, students should have a clear idea about the principles of that exercise.
3. All students are advised to come with completed record and corrected field book of previous experiments,
defaulters will not be allowed to do their experiment.
4. Don’t operate any instrument without getting concerned staff member’s prior permission.
5. All instruments are costly. Hence handle them carefully, to avoid fine for any breakage.
6. Utmost care must be taken to avert any possible injury while on laboratory work. Incase, anything occur
immediately report to the staff members.
7. One student from each batch should put his/her signature during receiving the instrument in instrument issue
register.
8. Don’t adjust the permanent adjustment screws of theodolite and leveling instrument to avoid the collection of
fine amount equivalent to the servicing charge of the particular instrument.

CONTENTS

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CONTENTS
Name of the Exercises
Ex. No Page No

CHAIN SURVEYING

Pacing
01 07

Ranging and chaining

02 08

Calculate the area of the boundary using chain

03 09

Determine the area of the boundary using chain

04 11

Running a closed traverse around an existing building

05 13

COMPASS SURVEYING

Study of bearings using Prismatic and Surveyor’s compass

06 17

Measuring the distance between two inaccessible points

07 18

Compass Traversing
08 20

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PLANE TABLE SURVEYING

Radiation method of plane table surveying

09 25

Intersection method of plane table surveying

10 26

Plane table traversing

11 27

Two point problem

12 28

Three point problem – Trail and error method

13 30

LEVELLING

Simple leveling
14 38

Fly leveling
15 39

Check leveling
16 41

LS&CS

Longitudinal sectioning
17 43

Cross sectioning
18 44

CONTOURING

Contouring
19 46

THEODOLITE

Study of Theodolite
20 47

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CHAIN SURVEYING
CHAIN SURVEYING

DESCRIPTION OF THE INSTRUMENTS

A) Chain: -

1.
The chain’s lengths of 20 meters / 30 meters.
2.
The brass tallies are fixed at every 5m length.
3.
Small brass rings are provided at every one meter length.
4.This is composed of 100 or 150 pieces of galvanized mild steel wire of 4mm in diameter called
links.
5. The ends of each links are bent into a loop and connected together by means of three oval rings
which gives flexibility to the chain.
6. The length of each links is 20cm (i,e) the distance between two consecutive middle rings.
7. The end of the chains is provided with brass handle for dragging the chain on the ground.
8. The length of the chain is measured from the outside of one handle to the other.
9. To hold the arrows in the position with the handle of the chain a groove is cut on the outside surface
of the handle.
B) Ranging rods: -

1. They are usually of 2m or 3m in length.

2. They are in circular cross section and having alternate block, white and red bands of 20 cm length
each to make them visible at a distance.
3. They are used for ranging the lines and for marking the positions of points on the ground.
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C) Arrows: -

1.
They are made of a wire of 4mm diameter for 40 cm. Length.
2.They are pointed at one end for inserting into the ground and bent at the other end for facility of
carrying.
3. They are used to mark the end of each chain during chain age.
D) Offset rods: -

1.
These are measuring for rough offsets.
2.
They are round rods with pointed end on one side and provided with notch or a hook at the other to
facilitate pulling the pushing the chain through obstructions.
E) Cross staff: -

1. This consists of a wooden block with two fine sow cuts at right angels to each other on the top
2. This is used to set a perpendicular at a given point on the chain line.
3. This head is fixed to a top an iron staff with pointed end to drive into the ground.
F) Optical square: -

1. This is also used to set a perpendicular with more accuracy.

2. This has two mirrors placed at an angle of 45° to each other.
3. By means of reflection we can see the ranging rods along the chain line and the offset point at right
angles to the chain line simultaneously.

Exercise No .1

PACING

Aim: -

To determine the Pace Value & the distance between two given points.

Instruments Required: -

Tape, ranging rods.

Procedure:-

A) To find Pace Value: -

1) Fix two ranging rods at a known distance.

2) Walk over the line from one end (A) to other end (b) and count the number of steps (paces) required.
3) Calculate the pace value using formula,
pace value = known distance/No of steps.

B) To find the distance between two given points: -

1) Fix two ranging rods at two given points.

2) Walk over the line between the two ranging rods from one end to other end and count the number of steps
(paces) required.
3) Required distance = No of steps ´ Your pace value.
Observation and calculations: -
1) No of steps required to walk over a known distance of =

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2) Pace Value = known distance / No of steps your pace value =

3) No of steps required to walk over the two given points =
4) Required Distance = No. of steps ´ Your pace value =

Result: -
1) Pace value =
2) Distance between the two given points =

Exercise No .2

RANGING AND CHAINING OF A LINE

Aim: -
To find the distance between the given two points by ranging and chaining a line.

Instruments Required: -
Chain (30m), Ranging rods& Arrows.

Procedure:-
A) For ranging a line: -
1. Fix the ranging rods vertically at the ends of the given line.
2. To find the intermediate ranging rod, instruct the other to stand with a ranging rod at any
intermediate point desired.
3. Stand at about 2m behind the first ranging rod and instruct the other person to adjust the ranging
rod in such a way that the intermediate ranging rod comes in a line with the end rods.
4. Erect the rod vertically at that point.
5. Repeat steps 2 to 5 to erect other intermediate ranging rods.
B) For chaining the line: -
1. Hold one handle of the chain at first ranging rod.
2. Instruct the other man to drag the chain along the given line.
3. Fix the arrows at the end of the chain length.
4. Do the same procedure for the full length of the end of the line.
5. Count any fractions of the chain length at the end of the last ranging rod by using tallies, rings and
links.
Observations: -
1) No of Chain A =
2) Fraction of chain length B =
Calculation
1) Length of the given line = AX 30 + B =
Results: -
Length of the given line =

Exercise No .3

DETERMINE AREA OF THE GIVEN BOUNDARY USING CHAIN SURVEY

Aim: -
To calculate the area of the given boundary line ABCD.

Instruments Required: -
Chain (30m), Ranging rods, Arrows, Pegs.
Formula
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Procedure: -
1. The survey stations are fixed.
2. To range a line AB, first ranging rods are fixed at the end of the line.
3. The surveyor’s stand just behind the ranging rod A. the assistant holds a ranging rod at point C,
approximately on the line AB.
4. Then surveyor directs the assistant to move the ranging rod left or right, till the three ranging rods
are exactly in a straight line.
5. Now, the leader stretches the chain by aligning it with the intermediate points established and
inserts the arrow into the ground at the end of the chain to indicate one chain length.
6. The leader again moves in the foreword direction with the chain.
7. The operation is repeated until the end station of the line is reached.
8. The end chain length may not be a full chain length. Hence the leader stretches the chain beyond
the end stations and the fractional chain length indicated by the chain with the end station.
9. Now, the follower counts the number of arrows that he has collected to get the number of full
chains.
10. The distance between two points is equal to number of chain plus the fractional chain length.
11. Checked the accuracy of the measurement, the line is measured in the reverse direction.
12. Other survey lines followed by above procedure.

Result: -
The area of the boundary ABCD=………………..m2

A,B,C,D are survey stations

AB, CD are Diagonal line or check line.

Exercise No .4

DETERMINE THE AREA OF THE BOUNDARY USING CHAIN SURVEY

(PERPENDICULAR OFFSET)

Aim: -
To determine the area of the boundary by perpendicular offset method.

Instruments Required: -
Chain (30m), Ranging rods, Arrows, Pegs, cross staff.

Formulae
Area of the triangle A = ½ bh unit2
Area of the trapezoidal A = ½ h (a+b) unit2

Procedure: -
1. The survey stations are fixed.
2. To range a line AB, first ranging rods are fixed at the end of the line.

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3. The surveyor’s stand just behind the ranging rod A, the assistant holds a ranging rod at point C,
approximately on the line AB.
4. Locating the perpendicular offset by Using cross staff.
5. Move the cross staff towards left or right.
6. Now base line (AB) is visible to perpendicular line also visible.
7. Perpendicular line measurements are taken.
8. The operation is repeated until the end station of the line is reached.
9. Checked the accuracy of the measurement, the line is measured in the reverse direction.
10. Other survey lines followed by above procedure.
11. The split the area, the triangles and trapezoidal.
12. Area calculation followed by triangle and trapezoidal area formulae.

Result: -
The area of the Field = ……………………m2

Exercise No .5

RUNNING A CLOSED TRAVERSE AROUND AN EXISTING BUILDING

Aim: -
To plot a plan of an exiting building by running a closed traverse.

Instruments Required:

Instruments Required: -
Chain (30m), Cross staff, Optical square, Ranging rods, Arrows.

Procedure: -
1. Ranging and chain the lines around the building to form a rectangle in clockwise or anticlockwise direction.
2. Measure all offset points (perpendicular / oblique) from the chain.
3. Plot the building in a drawing sheet with suitable scale.

Result: -
The building plan was plotted.

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COMPASS SURVEYING
COMPASS SURVEYING
DESCRIPTION OF THE INSTRUMENTS

A. Prismatic Compass: -

1. The magnetic needle is attached to the circular ring made up of aluminum

2. The needle is on the pivot to orient N and S ends.
3. The line of sight is defined by object vane and eye slit both attached to the compass bar.
4. The Object consists of a vertical hair attached to a suitable frame while the eye slit consists of a vertical slit
above the prism unit.
5. When the object is sighted, the sight vanes will rotate with respect to the NS end of the ring through an
angle, which the line makes with the magnetic Meriden.
6. The reading increases in clockwise elevation from 0° at south and to 90° at west end 180° at north end and
270° at east end.
7. Break – pin is placed at the base of the object vane to clamp the oscillations of the needle during taking
reading.
8. To sight the objects, which are too high or too low, a hinged mirror is placed.
9. Dark glasses are used to sight bright objects.

Adjustment of prismatic compass: -

A) Centering: -
a. It’s the process of keeping the instruments exactly over the station.
b. It is done by dropping a pebble from the center of the bottom of the instrument.
B) Leveling: -
a. For which the tripod is provided with ball and socket arrangements
b. Adjust the box in such a way that the graduation disc is swinging freely and appears to be
level.
C) Focusing the prism: -
a. The prism attachment is sided up or down till the readings are seen to be sharp and clear.

Surveyor’s Compass: -
1. The object vane is similar to that of prismatic compass.
2. The eye vane consists of a simple metal vane with a fine slit without the prism.
3. Graduation ring is directly attached to the box and not with needle.
4. The object is to be sighted first with the object and eye vanes and reading is then taken against the north
end of the needle, by looking vertically through the top glass.
5. The card is graduated in quadrantal system having 0° at N and S ends & 90° at west and east ends.

Exercise No .6

STUDY OF BEARINGS USING PRISMATIC AND SURVEYORS COMPASS

Aim: -
To find the bearing of different objects and to convert WCB to RB.
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Instruments Required: -
Prismatic Compass, Surveyors Compass with stand, Ranging Rods.
Procedure: -
1. Setup the instrument at any convenient point and do the initial adjustments.
2. Turn the compass box until the ranging rod at the object vane is bisected by the hair when looked through
the slit above the prism.
3. Not down the reading at which the hairline produced appears to cut the image of the graduated ring.

Observation:
Inst. At Sight to WCB Reduced Bearing
In Degree In Minutes In Degree In Minutes

Rule for the conversion of WCB to RB

Case W.C.B Between Rule for RB Quadrant
I 0 and 90 = W.C.B N.E
II 90 and 180 = 180 – W.C.B S.E
III 180 and 270 = W.C.B – 180 S.W
IV 270 and 360 = 360 –W.C.B N.W

Results: -
1. Whole Circle Bearing = …………………
2. Reduced Bearing = …………………

Exercise No .7

MEASURING THE DISTANCE BETWEEN TWO INACCESSIBLE POINTS

Aim: -
To determine the distance between the given two inaccessible points.

Instruments Required: -
Prismatic Compass, Tape, Ranging rods

Procedure: -
1. Let PQ be the line jointing the given two points.
2. Select any two convenient points A and B such that AB is approximately parallel to PQ.
3. Center the compass over the station A and do initial adjustments.
4. Erect the ranging rod at B.
5. Turn the compass box until the ranging rods at the stations P, Q and B are bisected by the hair when
seeing through the slit above the prism.
6. Note the readings, which give the required bearings.
7. Now the instrument is shifted to B and ranging rod to A.
8. Again the readings are noted at B by bisecting A, P and Q.
9. The included angles can be determined from the bearings.
10. Using sine formula, and cosine formula the unknown distance PQ can be found out.

Observations
Int. At Sight to Bearing Included angle.
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P
A Q
B
A
B P
Q

Calculation.

In D QAB

PQ = C d
----------------- = ------------------ ==
Sin( q3+ q4 ) Sin q2

C = d - Sin( q3+ q4 )
-----------------------------
Sin q2

AP = b AQ = c

So,

PQ2 = AP2 + AQ2 - 2(AP)(AQ) Cos q1 ==

Result: -
The distance between the given two points.
Exercise No .8

COMPASS TRAVERSE

Aim: -
To run a closed traverse along a given boundary, adjust the closing error by Bowditch rule and calculate the
local attraction.
Instruments Require: -
Prismatic compass, Chain, Arrows, Ranging rods.
Procedure: -
1. Let A, B, C, D and E be the given points along the closed traverse.
2. Set up the instruments at each point and note down fore bearing and back bearing (i.e.) A to B and B to A.
3. Measure the distances between the consecutive points.
Observation: -
Local

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Line Distance in m F.B B.B F.B ~ B.B Attraction.

AB
BC
CD
DE
EA

Calculation: -
Local Attraction = (F.B – B.B) = 180°
Bowditch’s Correction: -
1. Let A1, B1, C1, D1, E1, represent a traverse as plotted by bearings and distance in which the end point
A does not coincide exactly with the starting point A.
2. Then the line AA1, represent the closing error of the traverse.
3. Draw a horizontal line AA1, equal to the length of the perimeter of the traverse and set off along its
distances AB,BC,CD,DE,EA1 equal to the lengths of the slides to any convenient scale to adjust the
closing error.
4. Draw a line A1A at A parallel and equal to the closing error AA1.

5. Join A1A from B,C,D and E. Draw lines BB 1, CC1, DD1 and EE1 parallel to A1A intersecting the line AA
at B1, C1, D1 and E1 representing.
6. The intercepts B1B, D1D and E1E, which represent the corrections both in magnitude the stations B1,
C1, D1 and E1 are to be shifted.
7. Now ABCDEA represents the adjusted traverse.

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Result: -
The amount of closing error =………………….

PLANE TABLE SURVEYING

PLANE TABLE SURVEYING

Description of the instruments

a) Drawing Board: -

1. It is made of soft wood with a size from 40 cm ´ 30 cm to 75 cm ´ 60 cm

2. It is mounted on a tripod in such a way that it can be leveled and revolved about a vertical axis and clamped in
any position.
b) Alidade: -

1. It consists of a metal rule with two vanes at the ends.

2. One of the vanes is provided with a narrow slit while the other is open and carries a hair or the wire.
3. The alidade can be rotated about the points representing the instrument station on the sheet so that the line of
sight passes through the object to be sighted.
4. For accurate centering a telescopic alidade is used.
c) U – Frame: -
1. The fork consists of a hairpin shaped frame in which a plumb bob is suspended form the end of the lower arm.
2. This is used to transfer the ground point on to the sheet to make the two points in a vertical line.
d) Sprit level: -
1. The table is leveled by placing this level transversely and longitudinally on the board and bringing the bubble at
the center of the tube.
e) Trough compass: -
1. This is used for orienting the table to magnetic north.

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ADJUSTMENTS OF THE INSTRUMENT

a) Leveling: -
1. The table is leveled by placing the sprit level on the board in two positions at right angles and the bubble
central in both directions.

b) Centering: -
1. This is done in such a way that the point plotted on the sheet should be exactly over the station on the ground
by adjusting the table with the help of U – frame.

c) Orientation: -
1. It is the process of putting the plane table into same fixed direction so that the line representing a certain
direction on the sheet is parallel to that direction on the ground.
2. This is done when more than one instrument station is used.

METHOD OF ORIENTATION: -

a) By using trough compass: -

The compass is placed on the table with the needle floats centrally and a pencil line is ruled against the
long side of a bar.
When the table is to be oriented at any other station, the compass is placed against this line and the table is
rotated until the needle floats centrally, then clamp the table.
b) By using back sighting: -
1. This is done by keeping the alidade in the reverse elevation (ba) an the previously drawn lines ab when
the table is at B.
2. Then turn the table about its vertical axis until the point A is bisected, and clamp it.

Exercise No .9

RADIATION METHOD OF PLANE TABLE

Aim: -
To measure and plot the distances of various field objects by radial method.

Instruments required: -

Plane table with stand, tape, trough compass, U-frame.

General: -

This method is suitable for the survey of the small areas, which can be recommended from a single station.
Procedure: -
1) Select a point P so that all points to be located are visible from it.
2) Set up the table at P and after leveling it using bubble tube, clamp the board.
3) Select a point “p” on the sheet so that it is exactly over the station “P” on the ground by the use of U frame.
4) Centering the alidade on “p” sight the various points A, B, C, etc, and draw rays along the fiducial edge of
the alidade.

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5) Measure the distance PA, PB, PC etc, from P to the various points using chain or tape.
6) Plot these distance to a suitable scale along the corresponding rays on the paper.
7) Join the points a, b, c, etc to give the outline of the profile.
8) Mark the magnetic meridian at the right hand top corner of the paper using trough compass.
Caution: -Care must be taken to see that alidade is toughing the point “P” while the sights are being taken.
Result: -
The outline of the profile is plotted as shown.

Exercise No .10

INTERSECTION METHOD OF PLANE TABLE

Aim: -
To plot different field objects by using inter – section method.
Instrument Required: -
Plane table with accessories, tape and ranging rods.

General: -

This method is suitable when it is difficult or impossible to measure distance as in the case of the survey of
a mountainous country.

Procedure: -

1. Select two points P and Q such that from these two stations all the points to be plotted are visible.
2. Set the table at P and transfer P to p on the paper using U frame.
3. Pivot the alidade at P and sight the station Q (at which a ranging rod have to be erected) and other objects A, B
etc and draw rays along the fiducially edge of the alidade towards Q, A, B, etc.
4. Measure the distance PQ using tape.
5. Unloaded the table at P and set it on Q such that the plotted “q” on the paper be directly placed over Q then
level the table.
6. Place the alidade along “qp” and after orienting the table by back sighting “P” clamp it.
7. Pivot the alidade at “q” and sight the same objects A, B etc and draw rays with the corresponding rays drawn
from p determine the positions of the objects A, B, etc, on the sheet.
8. Mark the magnetic meridian at right hand corner of the sheet.
Result: -
The outline of the profile is plotted.

Exercise No .11

PLANE TABLE TRAVERSING

Aim: -
To run survey lines between various field objects by traversing.

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Instruments Required: -
Plane table with accessories, tape and ranging rods.

General: -
This method is similar to that of compass or transit traversing. It is suitable for the survey of roads, rivers,
etc.

Procedure: -
1. Select the traverse stations A, B, C, etc.
2. Set up the table at A. Select a point “a” Suitably on the sheet. Center and level the table. Mark the magnetic
meridian – at right hand top corner.
3. Mark the direction of magnetic meridian.
4. Centering the alidade on “A” sight the ranging rod at B And draw a ray along the fiducially edge of the
alidade.
5. Measure the distance between the stations A and B using tape and fix a point “b” on the sheet by choosing
a suitable scale.
6. Shift the instrument and set it up at B. Orient the table by back sighting on A with the alidade along ba, then
clamp the board.
7. Pivot the alidade at “b” sight the station C and draw a ray along the fiducially edge of the alidade.
8. Measure BC and plot it on the sheet to fix the position of C on the sheet as “c”.
9. Continue the process until all the remaining stations are plotted.
Note: -
If the traverse is a closed one, the closing error is adjusted graphically as in compass Traversing. For the
open traverse, any well-predefined objects are sighted at every station.

Result: -
The traverse is a closed one and is plotted.

Exercise No .12

TWO POINT PROBLEM

Aim:-
To determine the instrument station by two point problem.

Instruments Required: -
Plane table with Accessories, Tape and Ranging Rods.

General: -
The two-point consists in locating the position on the station occupied by the plane table by means of
observations to two well-defined points which are visible from the instrument station and whose points have been
already plotted on the plan. Let A & B be two well-known points with known distance C be the station to be plotted.

Procedure: -
1. Draw ab to suitable scale corresponding to AB.
2. Choose an auxiliary station D.
3. Set up the table at D and level it. Orient the table by judging AB to be parallel to a b and climb it.
4. Mark the magnetic meridian at the right hand top corner.
5. Pivot the alidade on “a” and sight A and draw back ray.
6. Similarly, pivot the alidade on “b” and sights B and draw back ray.
7. Denote the back ray intersection point as “d1”.
8. Pivot the alidade on “d1” and sight C and draw a ray, note it as c1 d1.
9. Remove the table from D and set it up at C and level it.
10. Orient the table by back sighting on D along c1d1.

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11. Pivot the alidade on “a” sight A and draw back ray, which bisects the ray c1d1 at c1.
12. Pivot the alidade on C1, sight B and draw a ray (if the table is correctly oriented then this ray pass through b
otherwise not).
13. If the ray doesn’t pass through b, join d1b and extend it the joining of d1b line and the ray drawn is denoted
as b1.
14. Place the alidade along ab1 and fix a ranging rod P at a great distance from B.

Result: -
The instrument station “C” is plotted on the sheet of paper as “c” using two point problem.

Model Fig

Two Point Problem

Exercise No .13

THREE POINT PROBLEM (TRIAL AND ERROR METHOD)

Aim: -
To determine the instrument station by three point problem using trial and error method.

Instruments Required: -
Plane Table With Accessories, Tape And Ranging Rods.

General: -
The great triangle formed by joining the ground points A, B, C or their locations a, b, c on the sheet.

Lehman’s Rule: -
1. If the instrument position P lies inside (or outside) the great triangle ABC, the triangle of error will also
fall inside or outside the great triangle and the point “p” should always chosen inside or outside the
triangle of error.
2. The point “p” should be chosen such that its distances from rays Aa, Bb, and Cc are proportional to the
distances of “P” from A, B and C respectively.
3. In case the triangle of error falls outside the great triangle point “p” should be so chosen that it is on the
same side of ways Aa. Bb, Cc.
4. When the point “p” lies outside the great circle, the point “p” is chosen on the same side of ray drawn to
the most distant point as the intersection of the other two rays.
5. When the point “P” lies outside the great triangle ABC but inside the great circle (ie) within one of the
three segments of circle formed by the sides of the great triangle the ray drawn towards the middle point
lies between the point “p” and the intersection of the other two ways.
Procedure: -
1. Mark the points a, b, c on the sheet corresponding to the stations A, B and C (Whose positions are known)
2. Set up the table at “P” the instruments station and orient the table approximately such the lines ab, bc
becomes parallel to AB and BC respectively and clamped.
3. Pivot the alidade about a, b and c sight ground stations A, B and C sight ground stations A, B and C and
draw rays that will form a small triangle of error.

4. Fix the point “p” by using Lehman’s rule.

5. Align the alidade along “pa” and rotates the table until A is sighted and clamp the table.

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6. Pivot the alidade about a, b, c and draw rays Aa, Bb, Cc by using bisecting A, B and C.
7. Repeat the procedure until all the three rays intersect at a point and that point is the required instrument
station “P”.

Result: -
The instrument station “P” is plotted on the sheet as “p” using trail and error method.

Rule – 1

Rule - 4

Rule - 5

LEVELLING
LEVELLING
DESCRIPTION OF THE INSTRUMENTS: -

a) The level: -
The instrument, which is used, for measuring related elevations is known as a level and consists of the following
parts.
1. A telescope to provide a line of sight.
2. A level tube to make the line sight horizontal.
3. A leveling head to bring the bubble of the level tube at the center of its run.
4. A tripod head to support the above three parts of the level.

Types of level: -
The dumpy level: -
1. This consists of a telescope rigidly fixed to its support.
2. It can neither be rotated about it longitudinal axis nor it can be removed from its support.
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The wye level: -

1. The telescope is supported in Y supports and is not rigidly fixed to the supports.
2. The telescope can be removed from the supports reversed end to end and can be revolved about its
longitudinal axis.
The reversible level: -
1. The telescope can be rotated about its longitudinal axis in the sockets and also can be withdrawn from its
sockets and replaced end for end.
The tilting level: -
1. The telescope can be tiled within few degree in vertical plane by a tilting screw.
2. This designed for precise work.

B) Telescope levelling staff: -

1. It consists of three pieces.
2. Top piece is 1.25 m long where as central 1.25 m and lower piece 1.5 m are hollow.
3. When fully extended total length of the staff.
4. Each fully extended total length of the staff is 4m being 5m.
5. Spaces indicating the decimeter readings are marked in red while all other spaces are marked in black
against a white background.
6. The decimeter markings are continuous throughout the staff.
7. The graduations are inverted so that through telescope they appear erect.

Temporary adjustments of the dumpy level: -

a) Setting up the level: -
1. This includes fixing the instrument on the tripod and levelling the instrument approximately by leg
adjustment.
2. To do this release the clamp hold the instrument in the right hand and fix it on a tripod by turning rounded
the levelling head with left hand.
3. The tripod legs are adjusted so that the telescope is at a convenient height and is leveled approximately.

b) Levelling up: -
1. This is done with the help of three-foot screws and by using plate levels.
2. The object of levelling is to make its vertical axis truly vertical.
3. First loosen the clamp screw and turn the instrument until the longitudinal axis of the bobble tube is parallel
to a joining any two levelling screws (say A and B).
4. Holding these two foot screws with the thumb and first finger of each hand turn them uniformly so that the
thumbs move either towards each other on away from each other until the bubble comes to the center of the
tube.
5. Rotate the upper plate through 90° until the axis of the plate level coincides a line joining the third foot
screw C and the mid point of the first two screws A and B.
6. Hold the third with the thumb and find finger of the right hand and turn it until the plate bubble is central.
7. Rotate the upper plate through 90° to its original position and repeat step 4 till the bubble is central.
8. Rotate again through 90 and repeat step 6.
9. Repeat steps 4 and 6 till bubble remains central in both the position.
10. Rotate the instrument through 180° and in this position the bubble should remain central if the instrument is
in adjustment.

Elimination of parallax: -
1. Parallax is a condition arising when the image formed by the objective is not in the plane of the cross hairs.
2. To get accurate sighting those should be eliminated and this is done.
3. By focusing the eyepiece for distinct vision of the cross hairs and
4. By focusing the objective to bring the image of the object in the plane of cross hairs.

Focusing the eyepiece: -

1. Direct the telescope either towards the sky or hold a sheet of white paper in front of the objective.
2. Move the eyepiece in or out till the cross hairs appear distinct.
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Focusing the objective: -

1. Direct the telescope towards the leveling staff.
2. Turn the focusing screw till the image appears clear and sharp.
3. The image formed must be in the plane of cross hairs.

DEFINATIONS
IMPORTANT TERMS: -
The following are the important terms used during levelling.

1. Level surface: -
A level surface is any surface parallel to the mean spheroidal surface of the earth.
2. A level line: -
It is a line lying in a level surface and normal to the plumb line at all points.
3. A horizontal plane: -
A horizontal plane through a point is a plane tangential to the surface at that point.
4. A horizontal line: -
It is a line lying in the horizontal plane.
5. Vertical line: -
Vertical line any point is a line normal to the level surface through that point.
6. Vertical plane: -
A plane is a plane containing a vertical line.
7. Datum surface: -
It is any arbitrary assumed level surface form which vertical distances are measured.
8. Elevation: -
Elevation of a point is its vertical distance above or below the datum also known as reduced level (R.L)
9. Bench mark: -
It's fixed reference point of known elevation.
10. Line of collimation: -
It is the line joining the intersection of the cross hairs to the optical center of the object glass and its
continuation also known as line of sight.
11. Axis of telescope: -
It is the line joining optical center of the object glass to the center of the eyepiece.
12. Vertical axis: -
It is the center line of the axis of rotation.
13. Back sight (B.S): -
It is a staff reading taken on a point of known elevation (i.e.) on Bench Mark or change point, and is the first
reading taken after the level is set up and leveled.

14. Fore sight (F.S): -

It is a last staff reading on a point whose elevation is to be determined as on a change point.
15. Intermediate sight: -
It is any other intermediate staff reading taken on a point of unknown elevation from the same set of the
level.
16. Change point: -
It is a point denoting the shifting of the instrument. It is a point on which the back and foresights are taken.
17. Station: -
It is a point whose elevation is to be determined or a point which is to be established at a given elevation.

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18. Height of instrument: -

It is the elevation of the plane of collimation when the instrument is correctly levelled.

Exercise No .14

SIMPLE LEVELLING
Aim: -
To determine the level difference between the given points.
Instruments required: -
Level, Staff.
Procedure: -
1. Set up the instrument at "P" to cover all the given points.
2. Do all the initial adjustments.
3. Direct the telescope towards each staff points and note down the readings at every time.
4. Check the center of the bubble whether it is at the center of the bubble tube to get the accurate readings
during each and every observation.
Observation: -
Staff Station B.S I.S F.S H.I R.L Remarks.
A
B
C
D
E
F

Calculation: -
I. Let staff reading at A = X
II. Staff reading at B = Y
III. Staff reading at C = Z
IV. Staff treading at D = W
V. Level difference between A and B = X-Y
VI. Level difference B&C = Y-Z
VII. Level difference between C and D = Z-W
Result: -
Level difference between the consecutive points =

Exercise No .15

FLY LEVELLING
Aim: -
To determine the R.L for the given points and to find the level difference between them.

Instruments required: -
Level, Staff.

Procedure: -
1. Set up the instrument at p to cover the maximum points.
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2. Do all the initial adjustments.

3. Direct the telescope towards the first point and enter the reading as B.S.
4. Enter the reading of the last visible point from the instrument stations as F.S and of all other points as I.S.
5. Shift the instrument to q, set up and level it correctly.
6. Don't change the position of the staff until the back staff reading is taken on the staff held at the last required
point.

Observation: -
Height of collimation method: -
Reduced Level of the first point = ...................
Staff Station B.S I.S F.S H.I R.L Remarks.

Calculation: -
R.L of B.M + B.S = H.I
H.I - F.S or I.S = R.L of that particular point.

Arithmetic check: -
åB.S. - åF.S. = Last RL - First RL

Rise and Fall method: -

Staff Station B.S I.S F.S H.I R.L Remarks.
A

Calculation: -
I. Find the level difference between the successive readings and enter this as Rise (+sign), Fall (-sign)
II. Then find the R.L by adding the rise and subtracting the fall with the R.L of the previous point.
Arithmetic check: -
åB.S. - åF.S. = åRice -åFall = Last RL - First RL
Note:
I. If the given point is in higher level then the line of collimation, them that reading is called as Inverted
reading.
II. At that particular point hold the staff in inverted position and enter the reading with negative sign.

Result: -
Level difference between the consecutive points =
RL for the given points =

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Exercise No .16

CHECK LEVELLING

Aim: -
To run the check level to find the difference of the given points an also to find the amount of closing error.
Instruments required: -
Level, Staff.
Procedure: -
1. Setup the instrument at P to cover the maximum points.
2. Do all the initial adjustments.
3. Direct the telescope towards the first point and enter the reading as B.S.
4. Enter the reading of the last visible point from the instrument stations as F.S. and of all other points as I.S.
5. Shift the instrument to Q, set up and level it correctly.
6. Don't change the position until the fore staff reading is taken on the staff held at the last required point.
7. Do the same procedure in the reverse direction and close with the first point.

Observation: -
Reduced level of the first point = ............................
Staff Station B.S I.S F.S H.I R.L Remarks.

Result: -

Closing error =
R.L for the given points =

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LONGITUDINAL & CROSS

SECTIONING
Exercise No .17

LONGITUDINAL SECTIONING

Aim: -
To find the RL of the given Longitudinal-sectioning points and plotting the section.
Instruments required: -
Dumpy Level, Tripod, Leveling Staff, Prismatic Compass, Chain or Tape, Ranging Rods, Arrows, Pegs etc.,
Procedure: -
1. Establish Benchmark near the starting points.
2. Fix the profile line AB and BC on the ground by fixing ranging rods at A,B,C, etc..
3. Measure the magnetic bearings of h the lines AB and BC using a compass.
4. Align the line and mark number of points at equal intervals on the proposed intervals. (Points are 20m or
30m intervals).
5. Set up the leveling instrument on the side of the alignment on firm ground at some suitable place P, so as to
cover a large number of points in the lines.
6. Take back sight on benchmark, to determine the height of instrument.
7. Hold the leveling staff at successive station A, 1,2,3,4,etc..
8. Other procedure followed by differential leveling.
9. Finally close the work by taking a Fore sight on the Benchmark-2 from the last instrument setup.
10. Enter the staff readings in the field book, reduced the levels and check in each page as usual.

Levels Tabulations: -
Reduced level of the first point =.............................
Staff Station B.S I.S F.S H.I R.L Remarks.

Directions Tabulations: -
Int. At Sight to Bearing Remarks
A B
B C

Result: -
Plotted the Longitudinal Profile =

Exercise No .18

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CROSS SECTIONING
Aim: -
To find the RL of the given cross-sectioning points and plotting the section.
Instruments required: -
Dumpy Level, Tripod, Leveling Staff, Prismatic Compass, Chain or Tape, Ranging Rods, Arrows, Pegs etc.,
Procedure: -
1. Mark the cross section points on the proposed centerline alignment.
2. Set out perpendicular at three points on both sides on the center line using a chain or tape or cross staff or
optical square.
3. Mark the cross representative points along the erected perpendicular lines depending upon the nature of
the ground, fix the arrows on these points. (Usually at interval of 2m, 3m, or 5m).
4. Left side marking L1, L2, L3, etc.. To the right side markings R1, R2, R3 etc to the center line.
5. Take staff readings on each cross-section on marked points from the instrument station.
6. Enter the staff reading at records.
7. Write full description of each cross section regarding the chain ages, number of the cross section, distance
of points on the cross section from the center line.
8. Calculate the reduced levels and with usual check.

Tabulations: -
Reduced level of the first point = ..............................
Staff Station B.S I.S F.S H.I R.L Remarks.

Result: -
The cross section levels are calculated and plotted.

CONTOURING
Exercise No .19

CONTOURING
Aim: -

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To determine the RL of the given points and plotting contouring lines.

Instruments required: -
Dumpy Level, Tripod, Leveling Staff, Plane table sets, Chain or Tape, Ranging Rods, Arrows, Pegs etc.,

Procedure: -
I - Vertical Control: -
1. Shift the levels from permanent benchmark.
2. Establish a benchmark near the worksite.
3. Set up the leveling instrument at B1, to all temporary adjustments and by running fly leveling.
4. Enter the all staff readings and station points.
5. Calculate the reduced levels.

II - Horizontal Control: -
1. Set up the plane table in a position at levels the table.
2. Plot a station on the paper and then transfer it to the ground.
3. Providing the alidade against a sight the peg driven point and draw the rays.
4. Measure the distances of each point from A and plot their position on the respective rays.
5. Above procedure followed by all points.
6. Plot the position of all points.
7. Draw contours by running corresponding points as each contour by smooth curves.

Observations & Tabulations: -

Reduced level of the first point =...........................
Staff Station B.S I.S F.S H.I R.L Remarks.

Result: -

Plotted the contouring lines.

Posted 12th October 2014 by Arunprasad.V

2 View comments

Atico Export 15 May 2015 at 02:19

nice blog !! i was looking for blogs related of Civil Engineering Instruments . then i found this blog, this is really
nice and interested to read. thanks to author for sharing this type of information.
Reply

Unknown 7 October 2018 at 08:12

Nice
Bro.
I learnt about compass survey ..
Using 👆 this information.
Thank Q all.
For this help.
Reply

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