Surveying & Geomatics

Project Report:
Profile Levelling & Cross-Sectioning.
Sushant S. Mohod
SY B.Tech Civil - C2220010

Introduction

The Land Survey Project for S.Y. B.Tech (Civil Engg.) was carried out
from 11th to 13th April 2023 at Vishwaniketan’s Institute of
Management Entrepreneurship and Engineering Technology
(ViMEET), Kumbhivali, Tal. Khalapur, Maharashtra - 410202. The
Profile Levelling and Cross-Sectioning Project work was performed on
Day-1 i.e 11th April 2023.

Objective

Profile Levelling

The objective of Profile Levelling survey was to determine the elevations of ground points along a
specific line / track which is utilized in linear engineering works such as roads, railways, or pipelines.

Cross - Sectioning

The objective of Cross-Sectioning survey was to determine the elevations of ground points along a
line perpendicular to the center-line of track for linear engineering works such as roads, railways,
canals, or pipeline.
Project Location

The location of profile levelling and cross-sectioning was in the ViMEET Campus as depicted in the
above image. The green line represents the track of the project. Also, starting and ending points are
pinned down in the image.

Coordinates of Start Point -

2
Location Sketch

3
Procedures

Profile Levelling

General procedure for carrying out a Profile Levelling survey on the field for a given road length :-

1. Prepare the equipment and materials: Before starting the survey, ensure that you have all the
necessary equipment and materials, such as a measuring tape, a surveyor's level, leveling staff,
surveying pins, and a notebook for recording measurements.
2. Establish the reference points: Identify two or more reference points at each end of the line to be
surveyed. These points should be permanent features such as a building, a tree,or a survey marker.
Mark each point with a survey pin.
3. Set up the surveying level: Set up the surveyor's level at one of the reference points.Make sure
the level is calibrated correctly and the tripod is stable.
4. Take a backsight reading: Look through the level and take a reading on the staff held at the first
reference point. Record this reading in your notebook.
5. Take a foresight reading: Move the level to the second reference point and take a reading on the
staff held there. Record this reading in your notebook.
6. Calculate the height difference: Calculate the height difference between the backsight and
foresight readings. This is the difference in elevation between the two reference points.
7. Establish intermediate points: Along the line to be surveyed, establish intermediate points at
regular intervals, such as every 5 or 10 meters. Mark each point with a survey pin.
8. Take readings at intermediate points: At each intermediate point, take a reading on the staff and
record the reading in your notebook.
9. Calculate the elevations: Calculate the elevation of each intermediate point by adding the height
difference between the reference points to the backsight reading and subtracting the reading on
the staff at the intermediate point.
10. Plot the profile: Plot the elevations of the intermediate points on a graph with distance along the
line on the x-axis and elevation on the y-axis. This will give you a profile of the line surveyed.
11. Check the accuracy: Check the accuracy of the survey by re-measuring selected points.Once
satisfied with the accuracy, finalize the survey by preparing a report and submitting it to the
appropriate authorities.

4
Cross - Sectioning

General procedure for carrying out a cross-sectioning survey for a given road width and road length :-

1. Prepare the equipment and materials: Before starting the survey, ensure that you have all the
necessary equipment and materials, such as a measuring tape, a surveyor's level, leveling staff,
surveying pins, and a notebook for recording measurements.
2. Establish the reference points: Identify two or more reference points at each end of the road.
These points should be permanent features such as a building, a tree, or a survey marker. Mark
each point with a survey pin.
3. Set up the surveying level: Set up the surveyor's level at one of the reference points.Make sure
the level is calibrated correctly and the tripod is stable.
4. Take a backsight reading: Look through the level and take a reading on the staff held at the first
reference point. Record this reading in your notebook.
5. Take a foresight reading: Move the level to the other end of the road and take a reading on the
staff held there. Record this reading in your notebook.
6. Calculate the height difference: Calculate the height difference between the backsight and
foresight readings. This is the difference in elevation between the two reference points.
7. Establish cross-section points: Along the road, establish cross-section points at regular intervals,
such as every 20 meters. These points should be perpendicular to the centerline of the road and
spaced 3 meters apart. Mark each point with a survey pin.
8. Take readings at cross-section points: At each cross-section point, take a reading on the staff and
record the reading in your notebook.
9. Calculate the elevations: Calculate the elevation of each cross-section point by adding the height
difference between the reference points to the backsight reading and subtracting the reading on
the staff at the cross-section point.
10. Plot the cross-section: Plot the elevations of the cross-section points on a graph with distance
along the road on the x-axis and elevation on the y-axis. Draw a line connecting the points to
show the profile of the road.
11. Check the accuracy: Check the accuracy of the survey by re-measuring selected points.Once
satisfied with the accuracy, finalize the survey by preparing a report and submitting it to the
appropriate authorities

5
Inferences

Profile Levelling

From the project of profile leveling, it is understood that profile leveling is done in order to determine
the undulations of the ground surface. And the ground profiles are used for the study of the
relationship between the existing ground levels and the levels for the proposed route. And from the
data of profile leveling the cutting-filling can be determined for the ground where a linear engineering
project/work is to be laid.

Details :

The total length of the track surveyed was 230m( as shown in project location image ), and a total of 4
alignments were taken to complete the route.
The first change of alignment was at B (60m from start i.e. A) , second at C (120m from A), third at D (
180m from A).
Alignment AB is completely under cutting and maximum cut is at 7m i.e 0 m, alignment BC is under
maximum filling of 2m and also a cut of 0.2.183m, alignment
CD is under-cutting and maximum cutting is of 2.713m and sections DE is completely under cutting.
In order to minimize the cutting and filling in the surveyed track, formation level is set via 1 slope of
gradient 1 in 80.
The difference in elevation (RL) between starting point A and end point E is 10.605m.

Cross - Sectioning

From the project of cross-sectioning, it is understood that the purpose of cross-sections in leveling is
to understand the undulations of the ground surface transverse to the center line or profile line of the
main track. The cross-sections are taken perpendicular to the center line of the alignment at some
regular intervals. And the length of the cross-sections depends on the type of work. And from the data
of cross-sectioning the cutting-filling transverse to the main track can be determined for the ground
where the linear engineering project/work is to be laid. Also, Cambers on roads / highways are
determined to use it.

Details :

6
The cross-sections were taken at points where alignments changed in the track with width of each
cross section as 6m i.e 3m on either side. In order to provide appropriate camber in the track a slope
of 1 in 25 is provided at each cross section.
At A (00m); maximum filling is 7.755m.
At B (60m); maximum filling is 2.513m.
At C (120m); maximum cutting is 2.692m.
At D (180m) ; maximum cutting is 1.248m.
At E (220m); maximum cutting is 0.3778m.

Soft Skills

From the project, team / group work, leadership qualities, interactions with group mates during work,
management of time at work and applying the surveying and leveling knowledge on the field is (are)
understood.

Some of the soft skills which we learn are as follows :

● Time management
● Teamwork
● Leadership
● Communication skills
● Project management
● Decision making
● Analysis