LESSON 5c: METHODS FOR DETERMINING DIFFERENCE IN ELEVATION

1. Measuring Vertical Distances by Taping or Electronic Methods

Application of a tape to a vertical line between two points is sometimes possible. This method is
used to measure depths of mine shafts, to determine floor elevations in condominium surveys,
and in the layout of multistory buildings, pipelines, etc. In certain situations, especially on
construction project, electronic distance measurement devices are replacing the tape for
measuring vertical distances on construction sites.

2. Differential Leveling
This is the most common method of determining difference in elevation, in this method a
telescope with suitable magnification is used to read graduated rods held on fixed points. A
horizontal line of sight within the telescope is established by means of a level vial or automatic
compensator.

BS FS

The basic procedure is illustrated in the figure shown. An instrument is set up approximately
halfway between BM Rock and point X. Assume the elvation of BM Rock is known to be 820.00
ft. After leveling the instrument, a plus sight taken on a rod held on the BM gives a reading of
8.42 ft. A plus sight (+S), also termed as backsight (BS), is the reading on a rod held on a point of
known or assumed elevation. This reading is used to compute the height of the instrument (HI),
defined as the vertical distance from the datum to the instrument line of sight. Direction of the
sight – whether forward, backward, or sideways – is not important. Adding the backsight 8.42 ft
to the elevation of BM Rock, 820.00 gives an HI of 828.42 ft.
If the telescope is then turned to bring into view a rod held on point X, a minus sight
(-S), also called foresight (FS), is obtained. In this example, it is 1.20 ft. A foresight is defined as
the rod reading on a point whose elevation is desired. Subtracting the minus sight, 1.20 ft, from
the HI,828.42 gives the elevation of point X as 827.22 ft.
 Differential leveling theory and applications can thus be expressed by two equations, which are
repeated over and over,

HI = elevBM + BS
and
elevX = HI - FS

In differential leveling, horizontal lengths for the plus and minus sights should be made about
equal. This can be done by pacing, by stadia measurements, by counting rail lengths or
pavement joints if working along a track or roadway, or by any other convenient method. Stadia
readings are the most precise of these methods and will be discussed in detail.

**Note: See the next hand out for the discussion of Stadia Measurement.

Differential Leveling

The figure below illustrates the procedure followed in differential leveling. In the figure, the elevation of
new BM Oak is to be determined by originating a leveling circuit at established BM Mil. In running this
circuit, the first reading, a backsight, is taken on the established benchmark. From it, the HI can be
computed by: HI = elevBM - BS. Then a foresight is taken on the first intermediate point, this is called
turning point (TP1). And by the equation: elevx = HI – FS, the elevation is obtained. The process of
taking a backsight, followed by a foresight, is repeated over and over until the circuit is completed.

As shown in the figure, four instrument setups were required to complete half of th circuit (the run from
BM Mil to BM Oak). Field notes for this exampleare shown on the next figure. As illustrated in this
figure, tabular form of fieldnotes is used fordifferential leveling, and the addition and subtraction to
compute HIs and elevations is done directly in the notes. These notes also show the data for the return
run from BM Oak back to BM Mil to complete the circuit. It is important in differential leveling to run
closed circuits so that the accuracy of the work can be checked.

As noted, the intermediate points upon which the rod is held in running a differential leveling circuit are
called turning points (TPs). Two rod readings are taken on each, a foresight followed by a back sight.
Turning points should be solid objects with a definite high point. Steel turning pins and railroad spikes
driven into firm ground make excellent turning points when permanent objects are no conveniently
available.

In differential leveling, horizontal lengths for back sight and fore sights should be made about equal. This
can be done by pacing, taping or stadia measurements.

Turning points are also numbered consecutively but not described in detail, since they are merely a
means to an end and usually will not have to be relocated. However, if possible, it is advisable to select
turning points that can be relocated, so if reruns on long lines are necessary because of blunders,
fieldwork can be reduced. Before a party leaves the field, all possible note checks must be made to
detect any mistakes in arithmetic and verify achievement of an acceptable closure. The algebraic sum of
the back sights and foresights applied to the first elevation should give the last elevation. This
computation checks the addition and subtraction for all HIs and turning points unless compensating
mistakes have been made. In the notes above, note that the page check is secured by adding the sum of
back sights, 40.24, to starting elevation 2053.18, and then subtracting the sum of foresights, 40.21, to
obtain 2053.21, which checks the last elevation.
As previously noted, leveling should always be checked by running closed circuits or loops. This can be
done either by retuning to the starting benchmark, as demonstrated in the field notes above, or by
ending the circuit at another benchmark of equal or higher reliability. The final elevation should agree
with the starting elevation if returning to the initial benchmark. The amount by which they differ is the
loop misclosure. Note that n the field notes, a loop misclosure of 0.03 ft was obtained.

Note that in running a level circuit between benchmarks, a new instrument setup has to be made before
starting the return run to get a complete check.

Precision:

Precision in leveling is increased by repeating observations, making frequent ties to established

benchmarks, using high quality equipment, keeping it in good adjustment, and performing the
measurement process carefully. However, no matter how carefully the work is executed, errors will exist
and will be evident in the form of misclosures. To determine whether or not work is acceptable,
misclosures are computed with permissible values on the basis of either number of setups or distance
covered. Various organization set precision standards based on their project requirements. For example,
on a simple construction survey, an allowable misclosure of C = 0.02ft √n might be used, where n is the
number of setups.

The Federal Geodetic Control Subcommittee (FGCS) recommends the following formula to compute
allowable misclosures:

C = m √K

C is the allowable loop or section misclosure, in millimeters

m is a constant, it can be 4, 5, 6, 8, and 12mm depending on the classes of

level or on the use of a level

K the total length leveled, in kilometers, for loops, it is the total perimeter
distance (circuits that begin and end on the same benchmark)
Sample Problem 1:

From the given data of a differential leveling as shown in the tabulation:

Station Back Sight Foresight Elevation

(BS), (FS) (m)
1 5.87 m 392.25
2 7.03 m 6.29 m
3 3.48 m 6.25 m
4 7.25 m 7.08 m
5 10.19 m 5.57 m
6 9.29 m 4.45 m
7 4.94 m

a. Find the difference in elevation of station 7 and station 5.

b. Find the difference in elevation of station 7 and station 4.
c. Find the Elevation of station 3.
Sample Problem 2:

In the plan below shows a differential leveling from benchmark to another benchmark, along each line
represents a sight in the actual rod reading. The direction of the field works is indicated by the number
of turning points.

a. Compute the corrected elevation of TP2.

b. Compute the corrected elevation of
BM2.
c. Compute the corrected elevation of TP3.

Use K = 16 km, m = 8 mm
3. Trigonometric Leveling
The difference in elevation between two points can be determined by measuring (1) the inclined
or horizontal distance between them and (2) the zenith angle or the altitude angle to one point
from the other. Thus in the figure shown below, if the slope distance S and the zenith angle (z)
or altitude angle α between C and D are observed, then V, the elevation difference between C
and D, is:
V = s*cos z
V = s*sinα

Trigonometric Leveling for short lines

Alternatively, if horizontal distance H between C and D is measured, then V is

V = Hcotz
Or
V = Htanα

The difference in elevation (∆elev) between points A and B in the figure shown is given by

∆elev = hi + V - r

Where hi is the height of the instrument above point A and r the reading on the rod held
at B when zenith angle z or altitude angle α is read. If r is made equal to hi, then these two
values cancel in the above equation and simplify the computations.
Note the distinction between HI and hi. Although both are called height of the
instrument, the term HI is the elevation of the instrument above datum, while hi is the height of
the instrument above an occupied point.

For a longer line, earth’s curvature and refraction must be considered. The figure below
illustrates the situation. Here an instrument is set up at C over point A. Sight D is made on a rod
held at point B, and zenith angle zm, or altitude angle αm, is observed. The true difference in
elevation (∆elev) between A and B is vertical distance HB between level lines through A and B,
which is equal to HG + GF + V – ED – r. Since HG is the instrument height hi, GF is the earth
curvature, and ED is refraction R, the elevation difference can be written as

∆elev = hi + V + hcr - r

Trigonometric Leveling for long lines

Example:

• In the figure shown, a vertical angle of +13°45’ is read to a target 1.23m above point B. The
measured inclined distance, s is 823.29m and the elevation of point A is 123.65m above the
datum. If the height of the instrument at A is 1.35m, determine the difference in elevation
between A and B and the elevation of B.
Sample:

• A vertical angle of -12°25’ is measured to the top of a water tank from an instrument set up on a
hill 585.00 m away from it. The telescope of the instrument is 1.45m above the ground whose
elevation is 462.73m. Determine the elevation of the base of the water tank if the tank is 32m
high.
Reciprocal Leveling

Sometimes in leveling across topographic features such as rivers, it is difficult or impossible to keep back
sights and fore sights short and equal. Reciprocal Leveling may be utilized at such locations.

As shown in the figure, a level is set up on one side of a river at X, near A, and rod readings are taken on
points A and B. Since XB is very long, several readings are taken for averaging. Reading, turning the
leveling screws to throw the instrument out of level, releveling, and reading again, does this. The
process is repeated two, three, four or more times. Then the instrument is moved close to Y and the
same procedure is followed.
Sample Problem 3:

A Reciprocal leveling is observed across a wide river and the reciprocal level readings were taken
between points A and B as follows. With instrument set up near A, the rod readings on A are 2.283 m
and 2.285 m. The reciprocal level readings on the opposite side of the river at point B are 3.618, 3.619,
3.621 and 3.622 m. With the instrument set up near B the rod readings on B are 4.478m and 4.476 m,
and the rod readings on the on the opposite side of the river at point A, the rod readings are 3.143,
3.140, 3.146 and 3.144.

a. Compute the difference in elevation between A and B with the instrument set up near A.
b. What is the true difference in elevation between A and B?
c. If the elevation A is 300 m, what is the elevation of B?
INSTRUMENTS USE IN LEVELING (DIFFERENTIAL LEVELING)

Categories of Levels

Instruments used for differential leveling can be classified into four categories:

1. Dumpy Levels
2. Tilting Levels
3. Automatic Levels
4. Digital Levels

Although each differs in design, all have two common components:

a. a telescope to create a line of sight and enable a reading to be taken on a graduated rod
b. a system to orient their line of sight

Dumpy Level

Dumpy Level is the most widely used direct leveling instrument. It consists of a telescope which fixes the
direction of the line of sight and which can be rotated through 360⁰ in the horizontal, a bubble tube
attached to the telescope, a leveling head which supports the telescope and permits the bubble in the
tube to be centered, and a supporting tripod.
Tilting Levels

Tilting levels are use for the most precise work. With these instruments, quick approximate leveling is
achieved using a circular vial and the leveling screws. Precise level in preparation for readings is then
obtained by carefully centering a telescope bubble. This is done for each sight, after aiming at the rod,
by tilting or rotating the telescope slightly in a vertical plane about a fulcrum at the vertical axis of the
instrument. A micrometer screw under the eyepiece controls this movement.

The tilting feature saves time and increases accuracy, since only one screw need be manipulated to keep
the line of sight horizontal as the telescope is turned about a vertical axis. The telescope bubble is
viewed through a system of prisms from the observer’s normal position behind the eyepiece. A prism
arrangement splits the bubble image into two parts. Centering the bubble is accomplished by making
the image of the two ends coincides.

Automatic Levels

Automatic levels of the incorporate a self leveling feature. Most of these instruments have a three screw
leveling head, which is used to quickly center a bull’s-eye bubble, although some models have a ball-
and-socket arrangement for this purpose. After the bull’s-eye bubble is centered manually, an automatic
compensator takes over, levels the line of sight, and keeps it level. Automatic levels have become
popular for general use because of the ease and rapidity of their operation.
Digital Levels

Digital levels are classified in the automatic category because it uses a pendulum compensator to level
itself, after an operator accomplishes rough leveling with a circular bubble. With its telescope and
crosshairs, the instrument could be used to obtain readings manually, just like any of the automatic
levels. However, this instrument is designed to operate by employing electronic digital image
processing. After leveling the instrument, its telescope is turned toward a special bar-coded rod and
focused. At the press of a button, the image of bar codes in the telescope’s field of view is captured and
processed. This processing consists of an onboard computer comparing the captured image to the rod’s
entire pattern, which is stored in memory. When match is found, which takes about 4 seconds, the rod
readings is displayed digitally. It can be recorded manually or automatically stored in the instrument’s
data collector.

The instrument’s maximum range is approximately 100-m, and its accuracy in rod readings is ±0.5mm.
The bar-coded rods can be obtained with English or metric graduations on the side opposite the bar
code.
Tripods

Leveling instruments, whether tilting, automatic, or digital, are all mounted on tripods. A sturdy tripod in
good condition is essential to obtain accurate results. Several types are available. The legs are made of
wood or metal, may be fixed or adjustable in length, and solid or split. An adjustable leg tripod is
advantageous for setups in rough terrain or in a shop, but the type with fixed-length leg may be slightly
more rigid.

Level Rods

A variety of rods are available, some of which are shown below. They are made of wood, fiberglass, or
metal and have graduations in feet and decimals, or meters and decimals.