Tips to Look out For the Leveling Tool For Land Surveying

There are a few things to consider when choosing a leveling tool. You may not realize it, but pebbles and debris can throw off measurements, particularly on cross slopes. Another consideration is whether the level shows measurements in percentages, degrees, or ratios. Some electronic levels recommend showing percentage measurements to help you interpret the results. If you’re unsure, try reading the level’s manual.

Techniques used in land surveying

Among the more common techniques used by land surveyors is averaging horizontal positions relative to control points, which are physical locations that may indicate elevations relative to mean sea level. The National Geodetic Survey (NGS) has established four orders of control point accuracy, with a base error of 3mm to 5cm. The National Spatial Reference System is an extensive network of control points, including approximately 300,000 horizontal and 600,000 vertical ones.

Total stations are electronic instruments that measure distances, angles, and elevations. They have become indispensable tools for surveyors. Once mastered, they are highly accurate. Click here to get the best leveling tool for you! Boundary surveys include the use of physical markers and recorded deeds. Boundary surveys are essential for building homes and other commercial and industrial sites. 

Instruments used in land surveying

A total station is one of the instruments used in land surveying. It is an electronic/optical instrument that measures distances on a site and can measure the angle and slope distances. The total station can be moved around and collect data through an onboard computer and software. A total station is an essential piece of equipment for land surveying, as, without it, the surveyor’s work would be impossible.

A hand level is a simple hand instrument used for measuring terrain levels and contours. It is used in preliminary reconnaissance surveys as well as for taking cross-sections. It comprises a circular or square tube with a bubble mounted on top. One end has a pinhole, and the other has a cross-wire. The surveyor uses this instrument to take measurements and record the results. Its accuracy and precision make it an essential piece of land surveying equipment.

Prism poles and measuring wheels are the most common instruments used in land surveying. These instruments are ideal for measuring angles and distances and are also used for precise measurements of relative point positions on the ground. Prism poles are used for measuring the elevation of the existing ground and are attached to survey poles. They can be used in conjunction with a survey level to determine the elevation of a target. You may want to invest in some of these instruments if you are a surveyor.

Plat-chasing

Plat-chasing is one of the more fun aspects of land surveying. Plats are often included with a deed or may linger in county or city records. Sometimes they will be located on adjacent properties and may indicate the boundary. If you’re looking for a property boundary that is precisely the same, it’s possible to trace a plat by matching up the tangents on neighboring parcels.

Using a digital level

You should consider purchasing a digital level if you’re in the land surveying business. Often used in conjunction with leveling rods, a digital level can determine the height of a flat surface or the height difference between two points. 

The DL-500 series of digital levels are designed to maximize efficiency and minimize human error by incorporating advanced RAB coding and optimized digital processing algorithms. These devices can measure elevation and grade and work in dim lighting at extremely low illumination levels. This feature allows for accurate measurement under low lighting conditions, reducing the chance of error and increasing accuracy. Some models even feature a barcode scanner. The bar code is then sent to the detector diode panel, where the levels can be read.

Using a trough compass

A trough compass is a traditional leveling tool for land surveying. Its needle is a graduated ring attached to a pivot. Like a prismatic compass, the eye vane sits on a tripod. To use a trough compass, the surveyor puts the trough compass on the plane table, then rotates it until the needle points to the zero mark on the scale. After properly aligning the plane table, the bubble can be set central on the compass.

While theodolites are not very accurate, they are effective for measuring angles in the horizontal and vertical planes. They are best for smaller areas and can be improved using a tachometer and a trough compass. Theodolite measurements are comparable to the measurements made with theodolite and the transit.