Manual of Instructions

USE and CARE of the

Transit-Level

Prepared and edited by HERMAN J. SHEA

Former Associate Professor of Surveying
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

berger instruments
□ DIVISION OF HIGH VOLTAGE ENGINEERING CORP.

BOSTON. MASSACHUSETTS 02126 MADE IN U.S.A.

Price .35 cents

 The purpose of this manual is to furnisli a basic
understanding of your instrument and how it can be
used to solve many common building and construction
problems. Your instrument is precision made and
capable of numerous applications. Listed in the table
of contents are a few representative building, engi
neering and farming problems.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page
Setting Up the Instrument on the Tripod 3
Leveling the Four Screw Instrument 4
Leveling the Two Screw Instrument 5
Bubble Adjustments 6
Plate Bubble Adjustment 9
Preparing Telescope for Use 9
Leveling and Difference of Elevation 10
Leveling Rods 10
Inches and Decimal Portions of a Foot 11
To Measure a Difference in Elevation
from One Set-up 12
To Measure the Difference In Elevation
Requiring More Than One Set-up 13
Elevations or Grades 14
Measuring and Laying Out Horizontal Angles 14
Setting Up over a Point with Plumb Bob 14
Measuring Horizontal Angles 15
To Lay Out a Horizontal Angle 15
Reading the Vernier 16
The Vertical Vernier 18
Special Uses of Transit-Level Instruments 19
Setting Points In Line 19
Measuring Vertical Angles 19
Plumbing 20
Slopes and Rates of Grades 21
Practical Applications 21
Grade Line for a Sewer 21
Staking Out a Building 22
Batter Boards for a Sewer 24
Athletic Playing Field Layouts 25
Care of Instrument 27
SETTING UP THE INSTRUMENT ON THE TRIPOD

Your instrument is packed in a carrying case of modern

design which affords maximum protection against weather,
shock and vibration. Note how instrument is stored so it can
be replaced in the case in the same position.
Before removing the instrument from its carrying
case set up your tripod in a stable position with the
tripod wing nuts tightened securely.

1 1

jr//A 1

Fig. lA Fig. IB

Some instruments are fastened to the tripod by

threading the leveling screw foot plate on to the top
of the tripod head. The mounting should be done care
fully to avoid crossing threads and the footplate must
be firmly screwed onto the flange of the tripod head.
Be sure that the plumb bob chain and hook hang freely
through the tripod head. (Fig. lA).
Other types are attached to the tripod by a right-
hand thread fastening screw which is tightened from
the under side of the tripod head. The shoulder (top
flange) of this screw must be firmly seated against the
leveling head. IMPORTANT: This may require screw
ing in an adjacent pair of leveling screws. After fasten-
ing the center screw, extend the four leveling screws
until they all rest on the tripod head with about the
same amount of thread showing. To remove instru
ments of this type from the tripod, loosen an adjacent
pair of leveling screws and then—but only then—will
the center screw unscrew freely. It should never be
necessary to use a wrench or pliers to free this center
screw.(Fig. IB).
LEVELING THE FOUR SCREW INSTRUMENT
Set the tripod in such a position that tripod head is
about level. This will make leveling the instrument
easier.
Release horizontal clamp screw and turn instrument
until the telescope bubble is directly over a pair of
opposite leveling screws (Fig. 2). With transit levels be
sure leveling lock is engaged. Grasp one of these
leveling screws between the thumb and forefinger of
your left hand and the other similarly with the right

Fig. 2

hand. Turn both of the screws uniformly so that your

thumbs move either toward or away from each other.
One screw will then be loosened by the same amount
that the other is tightened. Always move your left
thumb in the direction you want the bubble to move.
Screws must bear firmly on the foot plate, but never
tightened so that they bind. You will soon find your
feel of the leveling, screws will tell you exactly how
much rotation to give each screw. A little practice will make
these operations easy. See Two Screw Instruments below.
After centering the level bubble in this first position,
rotate the instrument 90° until the bubble is over the
opposite pair of leveling screws. Repeat the leveling
process described above. When you return the instru
ment to the first position, the bubble may be slightly
out of the center. Repeat the leveling procedure de
scribed above and again center the bubble. Continue
alternating from one position to the other until the
bubble stays within one graduation either side of the
center of the bubble tube.
Finally, to check adjustment of the bubble, rotate
telescope end for end (180°). If bubble remains cen
tered, bubble is in good adjustment. If bubble does not
remain centered,follow the adjustment procedure de
scribed under **Bubble Adjustments."

NOTE: Bubble adjustments must be correct if proper results

are to be obtained using instrument.

LEVELING THE TWO SCREW INSTRUMENT

Instruments utilizing two leveling screws with op

posed spring loaded posts are mounted on the tripod
and leveled in the following manner:

1. Set up tripod with tripod head nearly level. Mount

the instrument to tripod using the fastening screw
attached to tripod.
2. Proceed to level your instrument by positioning the
eye end ofthe telescope over one leveling screw. Turn
leveling screw to bring vial bubble approximately to
center. Repeat over the other leveling screw. Move
telescope back to first leveling screw and turn this
leveling screw again to bring bubble exactly centered
in graduations of vial. Do the same over the second
leveling screw. Bubble should now remain centered
when placing eye end of telescope over each leveling
screw and each post (4 positions) successively and
complete 360 degree rotation. Repeat procedure if
necessary. If bubble does not remain centered, follow
adjustment procedure outlined under "Bubble Ad
justment."

NOTE; Bubble adjustments must be correct if proper results

are to be obtained using instrument.

BUBBLE ADJUSTMENTS
If the telescope bubble does not remain centered after
having levelled the instrument, and reversed the telescope
end for end (180°), as described under the chapters entitled
"Leveling the . . . Instrument," the need for adjustment is
indicated. U.se adjusting pin wrench furnished with instru
ment. Note from the illustrations the type used on your
model and proceed as described for that type.

\ .n, jr
B

Figure 3 Top Mounting

SPRING

Figure 4 Top Mounting

 Top Mounting
With adjusting screws"A"and "B"facing to right of
the bubble, and with telescope directly over two
opposite leveling screws, note to which side of center
the bubble is off. If to the left, loosen screw "A" very
slightly and tighten screw "B". Move these screws only
enough to remove ONE-HALF the error. Remove
other half of error with the two leveling screws in line
with the telescope. Making sure all screws are firmly
tightened, again reverse telescope end for end. If bub
ble is still not exactly centered, repeat the procedure.
If bubble is offto the right,reverse above procedure
loosening screw "B" and tightening screw "A". Other
wise, the procedure is identical. See Figure 3.
NOTE: If spring mounted, screw "B" is not furnished.
Use only screw"A"to adjust per above.See Figure 4.

!■ "■

G3 @
Figure 5 Underslung Mounting

— SPRING

TaI (gj
Figure 6 Underslung Mounting A

Underslung Mounting
Use same procedure as described under "Top
Mounting" except if bubble is off to the left loosen
screw "B" and tighten screw "A". If off to the right
loosen screw "A" and tighten screw "B". See Figure 5.
NOTE: If spring mounted use only screw "A" to adjust.
See Figure 6
7
 _Telescope Telescope.
Eye End Objective

Figure 7 Capstan-Type Mounting

Capstan-Type Mounting
With telescope placed directly over two opposite
leveling screws, note to which side ofcenter the bubble
is off. If bubble is off in the direction toward capstan
nuts "C" and "D"(those nearest objective end of tele
scope), loosen bottom capstan nut ("D") very slightly
and tighten top capstan nut("C"). See Figure 7. Adjust only
enough to remove ONE-HALF of the error. Remove balance
of the error with the leveling screws. Check adjust
ment by reversing the telescope end for end. If bubble
still has some error, repeat procedure above. Re
member to use capstan nuts on the same end as used
the first time (objective end).
If bubble is off in the direction opposite these cap
stan nuts(toward eye end),using thesame capstan nuts
(nearest objective end)loosen top capstan nut"C"and
tighten bottom capstan nut "D" again removing
ONE-HALF the error and the other half with the
leveling screws.
NOTE: In all the above cases, it is necessary to
reverse and adjust until the bubble remains centered.
And remember to level with the other two leveling
screws after each adjustment.
 PLATE BUBBLE ADJUSTMENT
After completing the above adjustment, if your
model also has a plate (bottom) bubble, check its ad
justment. If off to the left, adjust by loosening right
screw and tightening left screw removing ALL the
error in this case by bringing bubble to center. Ifoff to
right, reverse procedure. On models equipped with a
capstan type screw, use pin and raise or lower screw as
required, to center bubble.
NOTE: Bubble will always run to the high side.
Therefore, lower adjustment if bubble is toward ad
justing side,or raise adjustment if bubble is away from
adjusting side.

PREPARING TELESCOPE FOR USE

If your instrument is equipped with a removable
sunshade, remove the dust cap if so equipped, cover
ing the front end of the telescope and place the sun
shade in the same position. (When returning the
instrument to its case, reverse this procedure).
If your instrument has a fixed focus eyepiece, (see
instrument specifications) manual focusing of the cross
hairs is not necessary. If eyepiece is adjustable, rotate
the knurled end of eyepiece cap while looking through
eyepiece until cro.ss hairs are clear and sharp.
The telescopes on these instruments magnify the
image size many times so the field of view is neces
sarily restricted. Therefore, line up the telescope as
closely as possible by sighting along the telescope
barrel much the same as you would aim a rifle. Be
sure that any tightened clamps (1) horizontal at edge
of circle plate and (2) on transit levels also alongside
telescope are first loosened before you try to rotate
the instrument. All of these instruments will move
freely; it is vital that you find out which clamp is hold
ing the instrument and not force any part of the in
strument.
With the object in the field of view, gently tighten
any loosened clamps. If the distant object appears in
distinct just rotate the focusing knob located on the top
of the telescope until the object appears sharp.
If the telescope bubble is level, the horizontal cross
hair will indicate a horizontal or level line of sight.
Thus all objects in line with the horizontal crosshair
are at the same elevation as the telescope. With a tran
sit-level, if the telescope clamp {alongside the tele
scope) is loosened and the leveling latch opened,
pointing the telescope up and down will indicate a
vertical line. This action is used in "plumbing" flag
poles, columns, etc.
You will probably want to practice by repeating the
steps described so that you will know the location of
the various clamps and screws and be able to handle
your instrument automatically.

LEVELING AND DIFFERENCE OF ELEVATION

Much of your work will probably be concerned with
relative heights of objects—the top of a foundation to
be truly level, the furrow in a contour planting system
to be at the same elevation, or a sewer pipe to have a
uniform pitch.
Your instrument, properly levelled will enable you
to determine and maintain a level line.
You will need a graduated rod or rule which can be
held in a vertical position. A common six-foot folding
rule may sometimes be used but it is not recom
mended. A leveling rod which can be obtained inex
pensively, is much more satisfactory because of its
greater length and ease of reading.
Leveling Rods. Two types of leveling rods are
available; architects' (graduated in feet, inches and
eighths of inches); engineers'(graduated in feet, tenths
and hundredths of feet). Either type is available in 10
foot or 15 foot lengths with an oval vernier target.

10
 This target* is raised or lowered by the rod holder
according to the directions of the instrument operator
until the horizontal line of the target appears in line
with the horizontal crosshair of the telescope. The
reading of the rod is done by the rod holder. However,
both types of rods may be read directly by the instru
ment man. These are called "self-reading rods". This
method is somewhat faster than having the rod read
ing made by the person holding the rod.

a ®
Leveling Rods
K

Fig, 8a shows a rod graduated in feet, inches and

eighths of inches with a target; Fig. 8b shows a rod
graduated in feet, tenths and hundredths of a foot.
Inches and Decimal Portions of a Foot
Leveling and measurements of distances are often
carried out in decimal portions of a foot (hundredths),
whereas building plans are usually given to carpenters
and masons in feet, inches and fractions of an inch. To
convert dimensions, remember that 8 hundredths of a
foot (0.08 ft.) is equal, very nearly, to one inch. Also,
M inch is very nearly equal to one hundredth of a

'When purchasing a rod, look for one with the new snap on
target for easy sliding and adjustment.

11
foot (0.01 ft.). The table below "Inches and Eighths to
Decimals of a Foot", converts one system to the other.
INCHES AND EIGHTHS TO DECIMALS OF A FOOT

In. 0 V4 % % % Vs

0 .00 .01 .02 .03 .04 .05 .06 .07

1 .08 .09 .10 .11 .12 .14 .15 .16
2 .17 .18 .19 .20 .21 .22 .23 .24
3 .25 .26 .27 .28 .29 .30 .31 .32
4 .33 .34 .35 .36 .38 .39 .40 .41
5 .42 .43 .44 .45 .46 .47 .48 .49'
6 .50 .51 .52 .53 .54 .55 .56 .57
7 .58 .59 .60 .61 .62 .64 .65 .66
8 .67 .68 .69 .70 .71 .72 .73 .74
9 .75 .76 .77 .78 .79 .80 .81 .82
10 .83 .84 .85 .86 .88 .89 .90 .91
11 .92 .93 .94 .95 .96 .97 .98 .99

Examples: From Table, 2 feet TVs inches = 2.59 feet.

From Table, 8.38 feet = 8 feet 4% inches.

To Measure a Difference in Elevation from One

Set-Up. To find the difference of elevation between
two points which can be observed from one position,
set up and level your instrument about mid-way be
tween these points. Be sure that a leveling rod held on
both opposite points can be read when your telescope
is level. Each point should not be greater than 150 to
200 feet away from the instrument or you may have-

Fig. 9

(a)
9—
-K(b)
a 29* highfr than A 0 l2'-9*7/a highar than C

12
difficulty reading tlie rod. The height of the line of
sight (horizontal cross hair) above or below each of the
points is found by reading the rod.
Fig. 9a shows a line of sight 69 inches above A and
40 inches above B. Therefore, B is higher than A by
29 inches.
Suppose one of your points is below the line of sight
and the other above, for example, in Fig. 9b,C is 4 feet
6I2 inches below the line of sight, and point D, the un
derside of a floor beam is 7 feet 9^8 inches above the
line of sight,(the latter reading having been obtained
by holding the rod upside down with the foot of the
rod against the beam). D is then higher than C by an
amount equal to 4 feet 6/2 inches plus 7 feet 9% inches,
or a total of 12 feet 3% inches.
To Measure the Difference in Elevation Requiring
More Than One Set-up. If two points are either too
far apart or at too great a difference of elevation to be
observed from one set-up, the procedure shown in
Fig. 10 is recommended. This example assumes that
you want to find the difference in elevation between
points A and D. To make the finding of this difference
simple, use the convenient terms plus (-f) sight and
minus(—)sight and carry the readings at each set-up
as shown.

j-fk . Fig. 10

■fSIOHT -SIGHT
1 2'7"l/8 e'4"i/2
Difference of elevation of 0 with
2 l'9l'V4 9lir5/8 respect to A ■ l2'3"l/8-l9'6IV8
•-7'3-l/2. Minus sign indicotes
D is below A.
Note> -I- Sight is rod reoding from point to Una of sight.
- Sight Is rod reoding from line of sight to point.

13
 The difference of elevation between D and A is
found by taking the differehce between the sum of the
plus sights and the sum of the minus sights. If the sum
of the plus sights is larger, the final point is higher
than the starting point. If, the sum of the minus sights
is larger, the final point is lower than the starting
point.
Elevation or Grades. Many constructions, such as
building and roadways, are required to be built at
specified elevations or grades. To establish these
grades, a point of known elevation is necessary, often
called a benchmark. Your benchmark should be a firm
and definite point such as a bolt on a water hydrant, a
spike in the root of a tree, a corner of a stone monu
ment, or a chisel square on a ledge, and should be lo
cated outside the construction area. For a large job,
several benchmarks in convenient locations are help
ful. The grades may then be carried directly to the job
by using the "difference in elevation" method de
scribed above (See Figs. 9 & 10).Keep a careful record
of your observations in a notebook so that your values
may be checked or used in later work.
MEASURING AND LAYING OUT
HORIZONTAL ANGLES
Setting Up Over a Point with Plumb Bob. To meas
ure or lay out an angle, set the instrument over a point
and level it up. Use the plumb bob with about six feet
of string. Attach the plumb bob string to the hook un
der the instrument by means of a large loop fastened
by a slipknot and adjust the plumb bob until it is clear
of the ground point. By shifting the entire instrument,
set the tripod (keeping tripod head as level as possible
by estimation) so that the plumb bob appears to be
over the ground point. Next, press the legs of the tri
pod into the ground and lower the plumb bob until its
point is about orie-quarter inch above the point on the
ground. The final centering of the instrument can be
made by loosening (about one-half turn) any two
adjacent (not opposite) leveling screws and slowly

14
shifting the instrument until the plumb bob is directly
over the point on the ground. Then retighten the same
two leveling screws you loosened and re-level the
instrument.
Measuring Horizontal Angles. To measure hori
zontal angles such as EFG, Fig. 11,center and level
your instrument over point F in accordance with pre
vious instructions. Loosen horizontal clamp screw,(at
tached to circle plate); rotate the instrument until
point E is nearly in line with the vertical cross hair.
Tighten clamp screw. Turn tangent screw until ver
tical cross hair is on point E. By hand set the horizon
tal circle to read zero. (On some instruments,
H IP
Figure 11 ' A® Figure 12

J 1 Q
G
rotate the circle. On other instruments, set to zero
with movable index.) Now,loosen horizontal clamp
(do not touch circle or Index) and swing the telescope
toward point G until the vertical cross hair is
near point G. Tighten clamp screw. Turn tangent
screw until vertical cross hair is exactly on point G.
The horizontal index pointer will have rotated about
the horizontal circle by an amount equal to the angle
EFG. The horizontal index and horizontal circle are
shown in Fig.13 after measuring a clockwise horizontal
angle of 62°. If your instrument is furnished with a
vernier instead of an index pointer, you will be able
to read the angle closer than a single degree. The
use of a vernier is explained later in this manual.
To Lay Out A Horizontal Angle. In layout work, it is
frequently necessary to set off an angle; usually 90°.
In Fig. 12,assume that the 90° angle HIJ is to be laid
off and points H and I are known. Therefore, J is the
point you are to set.

15
 HORIZONTAL CIRCLE

INDEX READING

Figure 13

As described in the chapter "Measuring Horizontal

Angles", center and level your instrument over point I.
Sight the telescope on point H and set the horizontal
circle to read 0°, Loosen the horizontal clamp and
rotate the telescope until the index pointer is very
close to 90°. Tighten the horizontal clamp and turn
the horizontal tangent screw until the index reads
exactly 90°. The line of sight (vertical cross hair) will
indicate point J and all you have to do is to set J along
the line of sight by taping the required distance from I.
READING THE VERNIER
The Horizontal Vernier. (If instrument is so equip
ped) Reading a vernier is a simple process as you
will see from the following:
Your vernier is actually a double vernier, that is,

16
two verniers in one. This makes it possible to read
any angle turned by the telescope, whether to the
right or to the left. For example, consider that you
have turned an angle to the left (counter-clockwise)
after first having set the circle to read 0" (Fig. 14).
Fig. 14

HeriMrtQl Qrdt

Rttding 0* 0*

Initial Setting of Horixontai Circle and Vernier

Vemo
Fig. 15 . *0^ Sf \

rrri. ,
4b I ^ HwitoiMOrca
Reading 44" 20'(Angle to Lef^
Refer to Fig. 15.This is what your vernier looks like
after having turned the angle. Now, let's read the
angle. Remember, we have turned to the left, so we
are going to use the side of the vernier between the
vernier index "V" and the letter "L". Note: Do not be
confused that the positions of "L" and "R" are re
versed. Observe in this case that the vernier index has
passed the 44 degree line on the circle but has not
gone as far as the 45 degree line. Right away, we know
that the angle we have turned is greater than 44 de
grees but less than 45 degrees. Now we need to deter
mine exactly how much greater it is than 44 degrees.
On some instruments, the vernier is divided into
lines representing 5 minutes each (1/12 of a degree).
In the example we have chosen, we must add to 44
degrees, the reading obtained from one of the vernier
lines. Which vernier line? Referring again to Fig. 15,
you will see that the fourth line from the vernier index
is lined up with one of the lines on the circle. This is
the secret of the vernier. Only one line at a time can be
lined up. Since in this case it is the fourth line from the
index, we will add 20 minutes to the 44 degree reading
(4 times 5 minutes equals 20 minutes). Therefore, our
exact reading is 44 degrees 20 minutes (44° 20^).
17
 Other instruments have a vernier reading to 15
minutes (li degree) and will look like the illustration
below;

Vernier

50
Horizontal Circle
Reading 44" 45' (Angle To Left)
Whether reading this vernier or the one shown on
page 17, the principle is the same. The only diflFerence
is that each line on the vernier represents 15 minutes
degree) instead of 5 minutes.
Notice in the above illustration that the index has
passed the 44 degree line but has not gone as far as
the 45 degree line. In this case the third vernier line
from the index is lined up with one of the lines on
the circle. Since each vernier line represents 15
minutes, add 45 minutes to the 44 degree reading
(3 times 15 minutes equals 45 minutes). Therefore
our exact reading is 44 degrees, 45 minutes (44°45').
The Vertical Vernier. In reading the vertical
vernier (if instrument is so equipped), the principle
is exactly the same as the horizontal vernier. Note
however, that the vernier is below (or outside) the
circle portion rather than inside as in the case of the
horizontal. One other minor difference is that you will
read angles up or down rather than left or right.
Here again we have a double vernier. The right
hand side reads angles of elevation (up) and the left
hand side reads angles of declination (down). These
are the only differences between the horizontal and
vertical verniers.

18
 SPECIAL USES OF
TRANSIT-LEVEL INSTRUMENTS
In the following three sections, three special oper
ations are illustrated which can be performed with
instruments of the transit-level type but cannot be
performed with a dumpy level. When leveling lock is
engaged, it converts the transit-level to a level, so all
other functions described in this manual can be
performed.
Setting Points In Line. In Fig. 16, points A and B
are two points which are on a line such as a property
boundary. When erecting a fence, additional points
between A and B and also on the other side of B from
A may be needed. Center and level your instrument
over point A; sight on point B. Bring vertical hair
exactly on point B by means of the horizontal clamp
and tangent screw. A pencil held vertically at B is
useful to show this point. Keeping horizontal clamp
tightened depress the telescope to set points between
A and B on line.

Fig. 16

To continue line beyond C, set Transit-Level over B,

sight C, and continue process.

If the top of a stake cannot be seen, when you come

to set point C, sight with the aid of a plumb bob;
first, to find where to drive the stake and secondly,
to note the point on the top of the stake.
If it is necessary to continue this line beyond point
C, center and level your instrument over point B, sight
point C and continue this procedure.
Measuring Vertical Angles. The vertical arc at
tached to the telescope measures vertical angles above

19
or below the horizontal. By use of the telescope clamp
and tangent screw set the horizontal cross hair on the
object to which the vertical angle is being measured.
Vertical angles are read by means of the index pointer
(and vernier, if instrument has one) similar to the read
ing of horizontal angles.
Plumbing. Instruments of the transit-level type can
be used to advantage in plumbing such objects as
building walls, columns and flagpoles. Set and level
your instrument at a point which is about as far away
from the object as the object is tall. Select a point at
the base of the object which is to be plumbed; sight
your telescope on this point and set the intersection of
the cross wires directly on it. By raising your telescope,
you will find, through use of the line of sight and the
crosshairs whether or not the object is plumb. If it is
plumb, the object will appear not to move away from
the crosshair intersection. To completely check the
plumb of the object, set the instrument at a position
which is at an angle of 90° from the first position of the
instrument and repeat the procedure. Fig. 17 shows
how a corner post of a wood-frame building may be
plumbed.

PROCEDURE:
At A, sight outside edge of corner-post at
the base. Raise line of sight to top of post.
Bring outside edge to line of sight. Nail
brace facing instrument. Repeat process
with instrument at B.

To Plumb a Vertical Column

20
 SLOPES AND RATES OF GRADES

Fig. 18 — Deflnitions of Grades and Slopes

Fig. 18 shows several methods of defining slopes.
1. Horizontal distance to rise (or fall) in vertical;
thus the grade shown in Fig. 18 is 4 to 1, or, more
completely, 4 horizontal to 1 vertical.
2. Rise or fall for each 100 feet horizontal. In Fig.
18, the slope, if extended for 100 feet horizontal
would rise 25 feet. This is referred to as a 25%
slope.
3. Rise or fall for each one foot horizontal. Again,
in Fig. 18, this would be designated as 0.25 foot
per foot, or three inches per foot.
4. Angle of slope is 14 degrees, 2 minutes (14°02').
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
Grade Line for a Sewer. Fig. 19 shows how to find
the slope necessary for a household sewer connection.
Notice that the invert or flow-line of the pipe is used
in each instance. The invert is the bottom of the pipe
and this line is the reference from which grades are
commonly given.
Fig. 19

Cntpool Htt 69'-22'- 47* b«lav dwtkng ewtW

HecueMol dalonei*7ar.4 47** 3*92

[ Grotfi o( ua(r*X)0>4^<30%

21
 Staking out a Building. The outline of a simple
building is shown in Fig. 20. Also shown are batter
boards which will serve to hold the building lines
during construction. Each letter N indicates a nail
driven into the top of the batter boards and the various
lines connecting opposite N's represent strings. These
strings are normally placed to designate the outside of
the foundation at some convenient height above the
top, say two feet.

Figure 20

Assuming that the front of the building is AB; that

the location of A is known; that the direction of B is
known; and that all the angles are equal to 90°, center
and level your instrument over A and then sight on B,
using the same principles described in the section "To
Layout a Horizontal Angle". Using a tape, measure the
frontage of the building from A and set point B. With
the instrument still at A, turn a right angle and set
point C at the proper distance from A. The instrument
is next set over point B and a sight taken on A. By
setting off an angle of 90° to the left, the direction to
D may be determined and D may be set at its required

22
distance from B by taping. Check length of CD with
a string or tape to insure that its length is the same as
AB. It is excellent practice to measure both diagonals
(AD and BC). If you have laid out the building cor
rectly they will be the same length.
When excavation for the building starts, points
ABCD will be lost. To preserve their location and to
establish the elevation of the building foundation, it is
common practice to set batter boards. Fig. 21 shows
batter boards in place at corner C of the building. The
whole arrangement should be set firmly and about 4
feet outside the building line. The exact distance will
depend on conditions at the building site.
When the posts have been set at all the corners as
shown in Fig. 21, set the instrument at a convenient

2X4

Figure 21

location, preferably near the center of the building.

The top edge of the horizontal batter boards are all
set at the same elevation, preferably an even number
of feet above the top of the foundation. By the leveling
processes previously discussed, the appropriate rod
reading for the top of the foundation may be figured.
23
If this rod reading is decreased by the amount that the
strings are to be above the foundation (say 2 feet), the
rod may be held at each of the posts, raised or lowered
until the calculated rod reading is reached at which
time a pencil line is made on the post at the foot of the
rod. These pencil lines will serve as guides in nailing
the batter boards horizontals. The top edges of all the
horizontal batter boards are now at the same elevation.
To set the nails in the tops of the batter boards, set
your instrument at each of the four corners and sight
the two adjacent corners (for example, B and C from
A). The nails are set on the lines so determined.
As a final step, check your work by stretching strings
from nail to nail. These strings should lie entirely in
one plane and should cross one another over points
ABCD.
Batter Boards for a Sewer. Sewers are normally
placed at some depth below the surface of the ground,
so batter boards are placed somewhat higher above
the invert grade. Fig. 22 shows a typical layout for
sewer batter boards. The vertical strip nailed to the"
horizontal board is set with one edge along the line of
the sewer. A nail is placed in this vertical strip at an
even number of feet above the invert. By stretching a
taut line between these nails, the sewer line is easily
referenced. A board notched say 8 feet from its bottom
is used to set the pipe.

Fig. 22

24
 Athletic Playing Field Layouts. Instruments of both
the transit-level and dumpy level type can be used in
the layout of athletic fields. Fig. 23 shows the layout
of baseball and Softball diamonds; Fig. 24 a football
field; and Fig. 25 that of a tennis court.

FHONT OF ptrcHC/fs PL Are to

P£AP POINT or HOKie PLATE 60'8"
BASE5ALL FIELD

Figure 23

SOFTBALL DtAUONO 60'X 60' AND

DISTANCE PirCNEPS PLATE TO NOME
PLATE 4S'

-Hjo' 300'

_L

COAL POSTS ID'S" APART

CROSS BAR 10' ABOVE GROUND

F DOTSALL FIELD

Figure 24

25
 78'

%>h
i
%
1
^ Id'-
§
ENETLIN 39'
TENNIS COURTS
Figure 25

CUT 2

Detoil
stoke

Drleeway
V

FILL 3'

Dcloil Of groda
sloka of B

Offset Grade Stakes for a 12-Foot Driveway

Figure 26

26
 CARE OF INSTRUMENT
It will pay dividends to treat your instrument well.

1. Avoid possibility of accident. When near moving

equipment, never leave instrument unattended.
Always spread tripod legs to insure a stable set
up. If the instrument is set up on pavement or
flooring protect the tripod legs from slipping by
making small holes or depressions for the tripod
points to set into. Another method is to insert
screw eyes at the lower inside of the tripod legs
and run cord, wire or light chain between the
three screw eyes.
2. When going through buildings or any close quar
ters, hold the tripod under your arm with the
instrument in front of you.
3. Store your instrument in its case when not in use.
4. Avoid jolting your instrument. When transporting
the instrument by automobile or truck, see that
the instrument is in its case and properly pro
tected. If you have to carry the instrument in a
vehicle without the case, take the instrument oflF
the tripod and carry it in your lap.
5. When working in dusty locations, some dirt will
collect on the lenses. Never scrub the dirt off but
rather dust it off with a clean soft rag.
6. Dust and dirt will collect on the leveling and tan
gent screws eventually causing their operation to
become sticky. Brush the screw threads with a
child's toothbrush dipped in solvent (preferably
non-inflammable) and work it into the threads.
7. Never over-tighten leveling screws, adjusting
screws or clamp screws. No instrument will with
stand mistreatment.
8. If your instmment bubble(s) require(s) adjustment. See
"Bubble Adjustment" section before proceeding.
NOTE; Bubble adjustments must be correct if proper
results are to be obtained using instmment.
9. Have your instrument checked periodically by a
qualified service station or by the factory.
27