Running head: DIFFERENTIAL LEVELING

Differential Leveling with Total Station

Thomas A. Calhoun
University of South Alabama
CE205-102
Group Members:
Lennon Steadham, Dalton Thornburg, Aaron Weatherford
February 23, 2015

DIFFERENTIAL LEVELING

2
Differential Leveling with Total Station
Introduction

Scope and Objectives

Differential leveling is the process of measuring vertical distances from a known point of
elevation in order to determine elevations of unknown points. A thorough knowledge of leveling
principles and proper application of methods and equipment can prevent costly delays in a
project and generate the needed results and accuracy. This lab aims to advance our engineering
skillset through experience with surveying tools and processes.

Background
Theory
Regulation of relative elevations are critical to most construction projects; however, the
process of determining them can be fairly straight forward. To begin, a rod reading is taken by
looking back at a point of known elevation such as a benchmark (BM) or turning point (TP). The
initial back sight (BS) is added to the elevation of the known point. This gives us the height of
the instrument (HI). The height of the instrument is the elevation of the line of sight in the
telescope of the level. Next, a rod reading is taken ahead to looking a point where an elevation is
to be determined. This point may be referred to as an intermediate sight (IS) or a foresight (FS).
At an intermediate sight, the survey is conducted forward until a turning point (TP) is reached.
A turning point is a point between benchmarks upon which a back sight and a foresight are taken.
To obtain the elevation of a point, an intermediate sight or foresight is subtracted from the
height of the instrument. Once a turning point is reached, the equipment is moved and a back
sight is taken on the turning point. The back sight is then added to the elevation of the turning
point in order to establish a new height of the instrument. The survey is carried on in this fashion

DIFFERENTIAL LEVELING

until all necessary elevations are determined or the circuit is closed by returning to the first
benchmark station.

Figure 1: MicroStation drawing of a basic differential leveling survey. Notice, the elevation of point A is HI FS.

Relevance to Profession
Determining elevations is of significant importance to engineers and surveyors. Before,
during, and after a structure is built, elevations must be found to guide the progress of
construction. It is also an important tool in determining how well a project was conducted. Some
common needs for determining elevations in the engineering practice include assessing flood
risks, overpass construction, and general project management. When referencing a known
elevation, construction teams must be consistent in order to prevent structural elements from
getting laid out of level. An understanding of differential leveling principles will assist us in
opening lines of communication with surveying, design, and construction professionals; and also
helps to ensure that a project will be carried out with accuracy and precision.

Methodology
Equipment Used
Sokkia SET300 Total Station (MN: D21838, RN: C 78305)
Locking fiberglass legged tripod

DIFFERENTIAL LEVELING

Level Rod
Microsoft Word 2013
Bentley MicroStation V8i

Data Collection
Field data was collected on the afternoon of February 23, 2015 from 2:30 to 4:30. Data
collection was carried out by Lennon Steadham, Dalton Thornburg, and Aaron Weatherford.
Lennon Steadham handled the level rod, while Dalton and Aaron operated the Total Station. The
weather was mostly sunny with an approximate temperature of 68F.
Data was collected using the Total Station and level rod. When the rod is carried between
the foresight and back sight, it is important that the carrier attempt to keep the distance between
the sights as close to equal as possible. This practice is known as balancing of sights and it helps
to minimize the amount of error caused by the line of sight not being parallel with the axis of the
bubble on the level. Each time the Total Station was transferred to a new location, it was
carefully re-leveled. Once set up, a new reading was taken looking back to the turning point as a
back sight. To obtain the most accurate readings, care was taken to keep the level rod plumb.
Once the circuit was completed, an arithmetic check was performed to ensure that any potential
miscalculations were accounted for.

Equations Used in Calculations

The following equations were used in calculating elevations:

HI=BM + BS
Elevation=(HI I S )(HI F S)
Elevation(start) + BS FS=Elevation(end )

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Results
The error due to curvature and refraction was negligible for this study due to the small
distances between stations. After all of the elevations were recorded, an arithmetic check
confirmed that we had closure for our circuit. The calculated elevations for each station are
tabulated below with descriptions of the features that the elevations were measured to.
Station

B.S.

H.I.

B.M. #1
A
T.P. #1
B
B.M. #2
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
T.P. #2
B.M. #1

5.11

183.66

I.S.

F.S.

6.74
1.62

174.67

10.61
2.02
3
5.27
5.26
5.30
5.41
5.60
5.49
3.28
4.11

11.59

184.64

1.62
6.09
Appendix

Elevation

Description

178.55
176.92
173.05
172.65
171.67
169.40
169.41
169.37
169.26
169.07
169.18
171.39
170.56
173.05
178.55

x on curb
corner of storm drain
water valve
water valve
curb
curb
curb
curb
curb
curb
water valve
fire hydrant
doorway
water valve
x on curb

Figure 1: Differential leveling survey notes