Unit: Surveying

Lesson: Differential Leveling

Ag Structures
Mr. Dieckhoff

PowerPoint adopted from California State

Ag Mechanics Curriculum
 Differential Leveling

A. Importance of Leveling
1. The determination of elevations is called leveling
2. Measuring relative elevations changes is a comparatively
simply process
3. Precise and accurate control of relative elevations are critical
to most construction projects
 Differential Leveling

B. The Level
1. A level consist of a high-powered telescope
2. The level is attached to a spirit or bubble level that keeps
the line of sight of the telescope horizontal
 Differential Leveling

3. Level Instrument
 Differential Leveling

Level Instrument

4.60

4.55 4.54
4.53 4.52
4.51
4.50
 Differential Leveling

C. Definitions

BS = 6.32 ft HI = 106.32 ft FS = 3.10 ft

Point B

Point A
Elevation = 103.22 ft

Starting point
(elevation 100.00 ft)
 Differential Leveling

Definitions

1. Bench mark (BM) - relatively permanent

point of known elevation

BS = 6.32 ft HI = 106.32 ft FS = 3.10 ft

Point B

Point A
Elevation = 103.22 ft

Starting point
(elevation 100.00 ft)
 Differential Leveling

Definitions

2. Backsight (BS) - a sight taken to the level

rod held at a point of known elevation
(either a BM or TP)
BS = 6.32 ft HI = 106.32 ft FS = 3.10 ft
Point B

Point A
Elevation = 103.22 ft

Starting point
(elevation 100.00 ft)
 Differential Leveling

Definitions

3. Height of instrument (HI) - the elevation

of the line of sight of the telescope

BS = 6.32 ft HI = 106.32 ft FS = 3.10 ft

Point B

Point A
Elevation = 103.22 ft

Starting point
(elevation 100.00 ft)
 Differential Leveling

Definitions

4. Foresight (FS) - a sight taken on any point

to determine its elevation

BS = 6.32 ft HI = 106.32 ft FS = 3.10 ft

Point B

Point A
Elevation = 103.22 ft

Starting point
(elevation 100.00 ft)
 Differential Leveling

D. Computation of Elevations

BS
12.64

BM1
1. BS + Elevation = HI
Elevation 100.00

Point BS HI FS Elevation
BM1 12.64 112.64 100.00
 Differential Leveling

Computation of Elevations

BS FS
12.64 3.11

BM1
TP1 2. HI - FS = Elevation
Elevation 100.00

Point BS HI FS Elevation
BM1 12.64 112.64 100.00
TP1 3.11 109.53
 Differential Leveling

Computation of Elevations
BS
BS FS 10.88
12.64 3.11

BM1
TP1
Elevation 100.00

Point BS HI FS Elevation
BM1 12.64 112.64 100.00
TP1 10.88 120.41 3.11 109.53
 Differential Leveling

Computation of Elevations
BS FS
BS FS 10.88 2.56
12.64 3.11

BM1 TP2

TP1
Elevation 100.00

Point BS HI FS Elevation
BM1 12.64 112.64 100.00
TP1 10.88 120.41 3.11 109.53
TP2 2.56 117.85
 Differential Leveling

Computation of Elevations
BS
9.72
BS FS
BS FS 10.88 2.56
12.64 3.11

BM1 TP2

TP1
Elevation 100.00

Point BS HI FS Elevation
BM1 12.64 112.64 100.00
TP1 10.88 120.41 3.11 109.53
TP2 9.72 127.57 2.56 117.85
 Differential Leveling

Computation of Elevations
BS FS
9.72 3.10
BS FS
BS FS 10.88 2.56
12.64 3.11 BM2

BM1 TP2

TP1
Elevation 100.00

Point BS HI FS Elevation
BM1 12.64 112.64 100.00
TP1 10.88 120.41 3.11 109.53
TP2 9.72 127.57 2.56 117.85
BM2 3.10 124.47
 Differential Leveling

Computation of Elevations
BS FS
9.72 3.10
BS FS
BS FS 10.88 2.56
12.64 3.11 BM2

BM1 TP2

TP1
Elevation 100.00

Point BS HI FS Elevation
BM1 12.64 112.64 100.00
TP1 10.88 120.41 3.11 109.53
TP2 9.72 127.57 2.56 117.85
BM2 3.10 124.47
 Differential Leveling

Computation of Elevations

3. Change in elevation- summation of the backsight and

the foresight then subtract
Point BS HI FS Elevation
BM1 12.64 112.64 100.00
TP1 10.88 120.41 3.11 109.53
TP2 9.72 127.57 2.56 117.85
BM2 3.10 124.47
+33.24 -8.77

Change in elevation = 33.24 -8.77 =24.47

 Differential Leveling

4. The initial backsight (BS) is taken to a point of

known elevation

5. The backsight reading is added to the elevation of

the known point to compute the height of the
instrument (HI)

6. The level may be moved to a temporary point called a

turning point (TP)

7. The elevation of a point is the height of the

instrument (HI) minus the foresight (FS)
 Differential Leveling

Computation of Elevations - Group Problem

 Prepare a set of level notes for the survey illustrated

below. What are the elevations of points TP1 and TP2?

BS FS
1.27 4.91
BS FS
2.33 6.17
BM
Elevation 356.68

TP1
TP2
 Differential Leveling

Computation of Elevations - Group Problem

BS FS
1.27 4.91
BS FS
2.33 6.17
BM
Elevation 356.68

TP1
TP2
Point BS HI FS Elevation
BM1 1.27 357.95 356.68
TP1 2.33 355.37 4.91 353.04
TP2 6.17 349.20
+3.60 -11.08 -7.48
 Differential Leveling

E. Common Mistakes

1. Misreading the rod - reading

3.54 instead of 3.45

2. Moving the turning point - use a

well–defined TP
3. Field note mistakes - work within
your group to check you records

4. Mistakes with extended rod - make

sure the leveling rod is fully
extended
 Differential Leveling

Common Mistakes

5. Level rod not vertical

6. Settling of leveling rod

7. Leveling rod not fully extended or

incorrect length
8. Level instrument not level
9. Instrument out of adjustment
10. Environment - wind and heat
 Differential Leveling

F. Suggestions for Good Leveling

1. Anchor tripod legs firmly

2. Check the bubble level before and after each reading

3. Take as little time as possible between BS and FS

4. Try to keep the distance to the BS and the FS equal

5. Provide the rodperson with a level for the rod

Practice Set 1
 Differential Leveling Review
1. Why is differential leveling called
differential?

2. What does B.M. , B.S., H.I., and F.S. stand for

in surveying?

3. If you know the starting elevation and the

B.S., how do you calculate the H.I.?

4. How do you calculate the evaluation of a T.P.?

5. What common error of leveling do you think

will be made the most in this class and why?