DEPARTMENT OF

GEODETIC ENGINEERING
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GEng 111g
General Surveying I

DIFFERENTIAL LEVELING
Exercise No. 9

Name: Iligan, Wendelo Date Performed: November 11,2024

Tabayag, Jessa Mae
Quilantang, Nicole
Wabina, Jose Carlo
Ycoy, Xavea Deaine
Laboratory Schedule: MTh 1:00-4:00 Date Submitted: November 15,2024

I. Introduction

Differential leveling is a very basic and useful survey method that enables us
to calculate the difference in the elevation of two or more spots on the Earth. As
such, this technique entails the vertical distance about the vertical distance which
is measured from a point of known elevation, and the benchmark to other points
which are measured using telescopes and leveling staff. The main reason why
people use differential leveling is to determine a specific vertical level which is
necessary in several activities including construction works, land surveying, and
the development of other infrastructural works. Differential leveling employs the
basic principles of geometry. It is crucial to set up the level at a predetermined
reference point and ensure all subsequent readings are taken accurately along
the survey line to limit errors caused by the rotation of the instrument or
unevenness of the surface. Most projects of this nature require construction and
engineering involving extensive elevation data such as floodplain mapping,
drainage planning, and road building.

II. Learning Outcomes:

1. To conduct differential leveling; and

2. To determine the elevation of points through differential leveling.
III. Instruments and Accessories:

Automatic level, leveling rods, hubs or pegs/markers and chalk.

IV. Procedure:

1. Two points will be designated by the professor/instructor as the initial or reference

point of the level route as BM-1 and the final or the terminal point as BM-2.
2. Set-up and level the instrument at a convenient location along the general
designated route between the two points.
3. Take and record a backsight on BM-1.
4. Direct the rodman to move forward along the level route (not necessarily in a
straight line between BM-1 and the next point) and establish TP-1.
5. Take and record a foresight in TP-1.
6. Transfer and set-up the level at another suitable location beyond TP-1 and take
and record a backsight on TP-1.
7. Direct the rodman to move a convenient distance ahead of the instrument and
establish TP-2.
8. Take and record a foresight on TP-2.
9. Repeat the procedure until a foresight is finally taken on BM-2.
 Figure 1. Differential leveling

10. Refer to the accompanying sample tabulation for the recording of observed field
data.

Table 1. Differential level notes

Station BS HI FS Elevation Remarks
BM1 2.485 52.485 50
TP1 2.66 54.635 0.15 51.975
TP2 2.73 55.72 1.645 52.99
BM2
TP3 1.97 56.82 0.87 54.85
TP4 1.96 58.13 0.65 56.17
TP5 2.18 59.73 0.58 57.55
TP6 1.81 61.03 0.51 59.22
 TP7 1.73 62.27 0.49 60.54
TP8 2.11 63.63 0.75 61.52
TP9 0.22 63.41

Computations:

1. Computing Height of Instrument (HI) and Elevation.

In differential leveling, the following two equations are repeatedly used

a) HI = Elev + BS b) Elev = HI − FS

Where:
HI = height of instrument above a reference datum
BS = backsight reading on the rod (or plus sight)
FS = a foresight reading on the rod (or minus sight)
Elev = elevation above a reference datum of a point sighted

2. Arithmetic Check.

To check the accuracy of the arithmetical computations, add all backsights as

well as all the foresights. The difference between these two sums must be equal
to the difference in elevation between the initial and final points of the level line.

∑Backsights − ∑Foresights = ElevBM1 − ElevBM2

Guide Questions:
1. What is a turning point (TP) and what is its role in the leveling process?
- A turning point is an intervening point between two benchmarks upon
which point fore-sight and backsight rod readings are taken to enable a
leveling operation to continue from a new instrument position. Turning
points in differential leveling are crucial for maintaining the continuity and
accuracy of elevation measurements as the surveyor moves the
instrument across the terrain. They ensure intermediate elevations are
correctly captured and help reduce errors over long distances.

2. What is a reference datum and what is commonly used as a reference datum

in leveling operations?
- A reference datum in leveling is a fixed point, surface, or line used as a
basis for measuring elevations. The most commonly used reference
datum in leveling operations is mean sea level (MSL), providing a
consistent base for elevation measurements.
3. What is the difference in elevation between BM-1 and BM-2?
- The difference in elevation of BM-1 and BM-2 is used to determine the
vertical distance between the two benchmarks. To determine the
difference in elevation between BM-1 and BM-2, you need to subtract the
elevation of BM-1 from the elevation of BM-2.
 V. Results and Discussion:

With the use of an automatic level and stadia rod, the students started the differential
leveling by assuming the elevation of benchmark 1 as 50 meters above mean sea level.
With the guidance of the instructor, the student performed the leveling and gathered the
data needed. After getting the backsight and foresight of each station, the students then
complete the differential leveling notes by computing the height of the instrument and
elevation of each station by applying the formulas presented above. Then students now
identify the elevation of the last station as 63.14 meters.

STATION BS HI ELEVATION
BMI 2.485 50
TP1 2.66 0.15 51.975
TP2 2.73 1.645 52.99
BM2
TP3 1.97 56.82 54.85
TP4 1.96 58.13 56.17
TP5 2.18 59.73 57.55
TP6 1.81 61.03 59.22
TP7 1.73 62.27 60.54
TP8 2.11 63.63 61.52
TP9 63.41

Arithmetic Check
∑BS-∑FS=ElevBm2-ElevBm1
19.635-6.225=53.41-50
13.41=13.41

VI.Conclusion and Recommendations:

Differential leveling is the process of determining the difference in elevation

between two or more points some distance apart. It requires a series of set-ups
of the instrument along a general route, and for each set-up, a rod reading back
to the point of known elevation and forward to a point of unknown elevation is
taken. With the use of an automatic level, we then obtained the elevation where
Malakas and Maganda stand. For accuracy and precision of the data, students
must hold the stadia rod properly and read the measurements correctly. And also,
do not forget to level the instrument together with the tripod for accurate
measurements.

VI. References:

La Putt, J.P. (1985). Elementary Surveying Lab Manual. Baguio Research and
Publishing Center. Baguio City, Philippines.

La Putt, J.P. (1987). Elementary Surveying. 3 rd Edition. National Book Store.

Philippines