Fear not, for I am

with you;
Be not dismayed,
for I am your God.
I will strengthen
you, Yes, I will
help you, I will
uphold you with
My righteous right
hand.
-Isaiah 41:10
WEEK 8 & 9 LESSONS
1. Profile Leveling,
2. Reciprocal Leveling,
3. Trigonometric Leveling,
4. Barometric Leveling,
5. Cross-Section Leveling
6. Inverse Leveling
1. PROFILE LEVELING – Method used to determine
differences in elevation between points at
designated short measured intervals along an
established line to provide data from which a
vertical section of the ground surface can be
plotted. IFS IFS
A profile is necessary for the design and construction of roads,
railroads, canals, culverts, bridges, sewer lines, and other linear
projects.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
1. Profile - Is a curved line which graphically portrays the
intersection of a vertical plane with the surface of the earth. It
depicts ground elevations of selected critical points along a
surveyed line and the horizontal distances between these points.
2. Stationing (Sta) – A numerical designation given in terms of
horizontal distance any point along a profile line is away from the
starting point.
3. Intermediate Foresights (IFS) - These sights, which are also
known as ground rod readings, are taken along the centerline of
the proposed project to provide an accurate representation of the
ground surface. Intermediate foresights are observed at regular
intervals and at points where sudden changes in elevation occurs.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
4. Full Stations - Are points which are established along the profile
level route at uniformly measured distances. These points are
usually made in multiples of 100, 50, 30, 20, or 10 meters.
5. Plus Stations – Any other intermediate point established along a
profile level route which is not designated as a full stations. These
points are taken at breaks in the ground surface slope and at
critical points such as the intended location of culverts, bridges,
and other structures.
6. Vertical Exaggeration - Is a process of drawing the vertical scale
for a profile much larger than the horizontal scale in order to
emphasize the differences in elevation.
7. Profile Paper – A special heavy grade graphing paper used for
plotting profiles. The paper has horizontal and vertical lines drawn
which are spaced accordingly to represent certain distances to
the horizontal and vertical scales.
PROCEDURE OF PROFILE LEVELING
1. Establish a fix line joining the initial and terminal points.
2. The length of the level route is measured, and stakes are set at
each full station starting at the beginning of the line which is
designated as station 0 + 000 to define the path to be followed.
3. Set-up the instrument at a convenient location and backsight on
a reference benchmark near the initial point to determine the
height of the instrument.
4. Take a series of intermediate foresights along the centerline of
the established route to determine elevations of ground station
points.
5. Establish a turning point when it is no longer possible to
continue with the foresight readings on intermediate points
from the instrument position. Take a foresight reading on the
said turning point.
PROCEDURE OF PROFILE LEVELING
6. Transfer the instrument to anew location and repeat the same
process undertaken on the previous set-up, taking backsight to
the turning point, intermediate foresight to established ground
stations at regular intervals and establishing a new turning
point so that the instrument can be moved again to a new
location.
7. The process is repeated until the terminal point is finally
reached.
8. Benchmarks intended to be used as reference points for
determining differences in elevation should be established in a
secured location during the leveling activity. It is important
that their elevations are accurately determined and
subsequently verified.
STATIONING
Stationings are used to indicate the distance of any ground
stake from the beginning point of the level route. It is carried
continuously along the route. In the case of a highway or a
railroad, the stationing is also carried along the curves. A
station and a plus is adapted to mark each stake. For example,
full stations which are 100, 200, 400, and 1,300 meters from the
beginning point (Sta 0 + 00) of the profile route are designated
as stations 1+00, 2+00, 4+00, and 13+00, respectively. Other
intermediate points are designated as plus points. Thus, a
stake that is 1,650 meters from the point of beginning is
marked as 16+50, and one set 228.35 m. from the same starting
point is marked as 2+28.35.
STATIONING
If the distance from the point of beginning of any
full or plus station is known, its stationing can be
readily calculated. For example, a point that is
172.45 m. beyond station 5+50 is 550 + 172.45 =
722.45 m. from Sta 0+00, and the point is marked as
7+22.45 m. The horizontal distance between any
two stations may also be determined. If the given
stationing of two points are 18+15.65 and 24+04.73,
the distance between the two stations is 2,404.73 –
1,815.65 = 589.08 m.
Sample Problems:
1. A turning point along a profile level route measures 126.44
m. before station 8 + 24.50 m. Determine the stationing of
this point.
Solution:
824.50 – 126.44 = 698.06 m.
Stationing is at 6 + 98.06 m.

2. Along a designated route, determine how many meters must

be measured beyond station 26 + 62.75 m. to establish
station 33 + 45.02?
Solution:
Distance = 3,345.02 – 2,662.75
Distance = 682.27 m.
Problems:
3. Complete the following set of profile level notes, show the
customary arithmetic check and plot the profile using an
appropriate scale.
Sta BS HI FS IFS Elevation
BM-A 1.24 234.51 m.
TP-1 1.11 3.40
1+00 4.60
1+25 2.80
1+50 3.60
1+75 2.40
TP-2 3.21 2.46
2+00 1.20
2+25 3.30
2+50 2.85
TP-3 3.06 2.84
BM-B 2.42
Solution:
Sta BS HI FS IFS Elevation
BM-A 1.24 235.75 234.51 m.
TP-1 1.11 233.46 3.40 232.35
1+00 4.60 228.86
1+25 2.80 230.66
1+50 3.60 229.86
1+75 2.40 231.06
TP-2 3.21 234.21 2.46 231.00
2+00 1.20 233.01
2+25 3.30 230.91
2+50 2.85 231.36
TP-3 3.06 234.43 2.84 231.37
BM-B 2.42 232.01

σ= 8.62 σ= 11.12
Cont’n. of Sample Problem 3:

Arithmetic Check:

Elev.BMB – Elev.BMA = σ 𝑩𝑺 - σ 𝑭𝑺

232.01 – 234.51 = 8.62 – 11.12

-2.50 m. = -2.50 m. OK.

Plotting:
2. RECIPROCAL LEVELING
Reciprocal Leveling is the process of accurately determining the
difference in elevation between two intervisible points located at a
considerable distance apart and between which points leveling
could not be performed in the usual manner.

Such condition usually exists when running a line of level across

wide rivers, lakes or in rugged terrain where deep canyons and
ravines are encountered. In this method of leveling, two sets of rod
readings are observed. One set is taken with the instrument set up
close to one point and another with the instrument set up close to
the other point. The procedure employed is similar with the two-
peg test where error due to earth’s curvature and atmospheric
refraction are significantly reduced if not totally eliminated.
If the value of TDE is negative, it only tells us that point A is higher than point B.
Correspondingly, point B is higher than point A if the value is positive.
Sample Problem:
1. In leveling across a deep and wide river, reciprocal level
readings were taken between two points A and B as follows:
a. With instrument set up near A, the rod reading on A is
1.406 meters, while on the distant point B, the rod
readings are 2.939, 2.940, 2.942, and 2.943 meters.

b. With the instrument set up near B, the rod readings on B

is 3.799 meters, while on the distant point A, the rod
readings are 2.266, 2.263, 2.269, and 2.267 meters.
Determine the true difference in elevation between the two
points, and the elevation of B if the known elevation of A is
388.073 meters above mean sea level.
Solution:
Determine Difference in elevation for each set-up
1st set-up (instrument near A):
a = 1.406 m.
𝟐.𝟗𝟑𝟗 + 𝟐.𝟗𝟒𝟎+𝟐.𝟗𝟒𝟐+𝟐.𝟗𝟒𝟑
b=
𝟒
b = 2.941 m.
DE1 = (a – b) = ( 1.406 – 2.941)
DE1 = - 1.535 m.
2nd set-up (instrument near B):
b' = 3.799 m.
𝟐.𝟐𝟔𝟔 + 𝟐.𝟐𝟔𝟑+𝟐.𝟐𝟔𝟗+𝟐.𝟐𝟔𝟕
a’ =
𝟒

a’ = 2.266 m.
Solution cont’d:
DE2 = (a’ – b’) = ( 2.266 – 3.799)

DE2 = - 1.533 m.
Solving for True Difference in Elevation and Elevation of B:
𝐃𝐄𝟏 +𝐃𝐄𝟐 −𝟏.𝟓𝟑𝟓 +(−𝟏.𝟓𝟑𝟑)
TDE = =
𝟐 𝟐

DE1 = - 1.535 m.
TDE = - 1.534 m. (True difference in elevation between A and B. The
negative value indicates that point B is lower than
point A).

Elev. Of B = Elev. of A + TDE

= 388.073 + (-1.534)
Elev. of B = 386.539 m.
3. TRIGONOMETRIC LEVELING
Trigonometric Leveling or indirect leveling is
defined as the determination of differences in
elevation from observed vertical angles and either
horizontal or inclined distances. Vertical
measurements determined by trigonometric
methods are only approximate unless the observed
vertical angles and the required distances are
precisely measured. This method of levelling is
used extensively when undertaking topographic
surveys over rugged or rolling terrain since it
provides a rapid means of determining vertical
distances and elevation of points.
3. TRIGONOMETRIC LEVELING

VD

From the figure above, α is the observed vertical angle, while d and s are the
horizontal and inclined distances respectively. HI is the height of instrument above
point A, while RR is the rod reading at the distant point B.
3. TRIGONOMETRIC LEVELING
VD is the vertical distance and can be computed in two ways
as follows:
VD = d tan α or

VD = s sin α VD

Correspondingly, the
difference in elevation
between A and B may be de
determined by any of
the following equations:

DEAB = d tan α ± HI ± RR or

DEAB = s sin α ± HI ± RR
If the elevation of A is known, the elevation of B is equal to
Elev. of B = Elev. of A + DEAB
3. TRIGONOMETRIC LEVELING
When distances are much longer,
the combined effect of earth’s
curvature and atmospheric
refraction must be considered
and applied in the calculation of
vertical distances. The correction
for the combined effect of earth’s
curvature and refraction is added
when the vertical angle is positive
(upward sight), and is subtracted
when the vertical angle is negative
(downward sight).
For positive vertical angle:
𝒅
DEAB = d tan α + HI – RR + 0.0675 ( )2 or
𝟏,𝟎𝟎𝟎
𝒅
DEAB = s sin α + HI – RR + 0.0675 ( )2
𝟏,𝟎𝟎𝟎

For negative vertical angle:

𝒅
DEAB = d tan α - HI + RR - 0.0675 ( )2 or
𝟏,𝟎𝟎𝟎
𝒅
DEAB = s sin α - HI + RR - 0.0675 ( )2
𝟏,𝟎𝟎𝟎
Example Problem:
1. In the figure below, a vertical angle of 15⁰ 42’ is read to a target
1.75 m. above point B. The measured inclined distance s is 926.78
m. and the elevation of point A is 123.65 m. above datum, if the
height of instrument at A is 1.39 m., determine the difference in
elevation between A and B and the elevation of B, considering the
effects of earth’s curvature and atmospheric refraction.

1.75 m.

VD

15⁰ 42’

1.39 m.

123.65 m.
Solution:
VD = 926.78 (sin 15⁰ 42’)
VD = 250.787 m.
d = 926.78 (cos 15⁰ 42’)
d = 892.203 m.
hCR = 0.0675 d2
892.203 2
hCR = 0.0675 ( )
1,000
hCR = 0.0537 m. (Combined effect of earth’s curvature and refraction)

DEAB = HI + VD – RR + hCR
DEAB = 1.39 + 250.787 – 1.75 + 0.0537
DEAB = 250.481 m. (Difference in elevation between A and B considering combined effect of earth’s
curvature and refraction)

ElevationB = ElevA + DEAB

ElevationB = 123.65 + 250.481
ElevationB = 374.131 m. (Required elevation of B)
Example Problem:
2. Point Y with elevation 685.38 m. (AMSL) is located between points X and Z.
From the instrument set 1.33m. above Y, vertical angles and rod readings are
observed at X and Z being -12⁰ 35’ and -16⁰ 29’ then 2.74 m. and 3.65 m.,
respectively. If X is 755.81 m. from Y, and Z is 995.04 m. from Y, determine
the elevation of X and Z and their differences in elevation, considering the
effects of earth’s curvature and atmospheric refraction.

12⁰ 35’ 1.33 m. 16⁰ 29’

VDX Y
VDZ

2.74 m.
X
3.65 m.
DEXZ Z

685.38 m.
Elevation of X
Elevation of Z
755.81 m. 995.04 m.

Reference Datum
Solution:
VDX = 755.81 (tan 12⁰ 35’)
VDX = 168.713 m.
VDZ = 995.04 (tan 16⁰ 29’)
VDZ = 294.429 m.
hCRX = 0.0675 dX2
755.81 2
hCRX = 0.0675 ( )
1,000
hCRX = 0.0386 m.
hCRZ = 0.0675 dZ2
995.04 2
hCRZ = 0.0675 ( )
1,000
hCRY = 0.0668 m.
DEXY = VDX + RR – HI – hCR
DEXY = 168.713 + 2.74 – 1.33 - 0.0386
DEXY = 170.084 m.
ElevationX = ElevY – DEXY = 685.38 – 170.084
ElevationX = 515.296 m. (Required elevation of X)
Solution:

DEYZ = VDY + RR – HI – hCR

DEYZ = 294.429 + 3.65 – 1.33 - 0.0668
DEYZ = 296.682 m.
ElevationZ = ElevY – DEYZ
ElevationZ = 685.38 – 296.682
ElevationZ = 388.698 m. (Required elevation of Z)

DEXZ = Elev X – Elev Z

DEXZ = 515.296 – 388.698
DEXZ = 126.598 m. (Required difference in elevation between X and Z considering combined effect of
earth’s curvature and refraction)
Seatwork:
1. Complete the following profile levelling notes. Perform the
customary arithmetic check and draw the profile plan using an
appropriate scale. (10 points)
Sta BS HI IFS FS Elevation
BM-10 1.85 480.15 m.
TP-1 3.26 1.16
0 + 00 0.50
0 + 30 4.16
0 + 60 0.75
0 + 76 3.42
TP-2 3.82 0.77
0 + 90 1.98
1 + 20 4.51
1 + 50 3.09
1 + 80 1.15
BM-11 2.74
2. Reciprocal levelling between points A and B, located on
opposite banks of a wide river gives the following readings in
meters. From the first setup near A: on A, 0.993 m.; on B,
2.076, 2.077, and 2.078 m. For the setup near B the readings
are; on B, 2.549 m.; on A, 1.463, 1.462, and 1.463 m. If the
elevation of A is 925.28 m., determine the true difference in
elevation between the two points and the elevation of B.
3. A vertical angle of + 13°45’ is read from A to a target 1.23 m.
Above point B. The measured inclined distance s, is 832.29
m. and the elevation of point A is 923.65 m. above datum. If
the height of instrument at A is 1.35 m., determine the
difference in elevation between A and B and the elevation of
point B.
4. Two points, A and B, are 3,134.50 m. apart. From the third
point, C, on the line between A and B, and 1,992.25 m. from
A, the measured vertical angle to A is +35°28’ and that to B
is -15°14’. Determine the difference in elevation between A
and B considering combined effect of earth’s curvature
and refraction. If elevation of A is 5,282.18 m.(AMSL), what
is the elevation of B and C.
4. BAROMETRIC LEVELING
Barometric Leveling Is the method of determining
differences in elevation of points by observations of the
prevailing atmospheric pressure. It is based on the basic
principle that the pressure caused by the weight of the
column of air above the observer decreases as the
observer goes higher and similarly increases as the
observer goes lower.
The instrument for measuring variations in atmospheric
pressure is a barometer. Precise aneroid barometers which
are designed specifically for surveying applications are
called altimeters. Altimeters are usually employed in
exploratory and reconnaissance surveys, in establishing
vertical control for photogrammetric surveys and in
topographic surveys for the production of small scale
maps.
Two principal methods of altimeter surveys
1. Single-Base Method – Two altimeters and two thermometers
are employed in this method. One altimeter remains at a
reference base whose elevation is known while the other
altimeter, which is referred to as roving altimeter, is taken to
other points or field stations whose elevations are to be
determined.
2. Two-Base Method – In this method, a suitable low point within
the area being surveyed is established while a second base is
positioned at a much higher elevation. These are used as
instrument stations and called the lower base and the upper
(or higher) base, respectively. One altimeter is employed at
each base and simultaneous readings are taken and recorded
at predefined time intervals. A third altimeter, the roving
altimeter, is carried and read also at predefined intervals at
various field stations over the area.
4. BAROMETRIC LEVELING
4. BAROMETRIC LEVELING
By Ratio and proportion:

𝑫𝑬𝑯𝑺 𝑫𝑬𝑺𝑳 𝑫𝑬𝑯𝑳

= =
𝑫𝒊𝒇𝒇𝑯𝑺 𝑫𝒊𝒇𝒇𝑺𝑳 𝑫𝒊𝒇𝒇𝑯𝑳
Where:
H = Higher Base
L = Lower Base
S = Field Station
DEHL = Difference in elevation between the Higher Base and the
Lower Base
DEHS = Difference in elevation between the Higher Base and
the Field Station
DESL = Difference in elevation between the Field Station and the Lower Base
DiffHL = Difference in Altimeter Reading between the Higher Base and Lower Base
DiffHS = Difference in Altimeter Reading between the Higher Base and the Field Station
DiffSL = Difference in Altimeter Reading between the Field Station and Lower Base

The elevation of the field station S is equal to

Elev. of S = Elev. of H – DEHS
or Elev. of S = Elev of L + DESL
Example Problem:
1. Given the following data gathered from an altimeter
survey: Elevation of the high base, 920 m;
elevation of the low base 397m.; altimeter reading
at the high base 5,875; and altimeter reading at the
low base 4,050. If the altimeter reading at the field
station is 4,812 determine its corresponding
elevation.
Solution:
Elev. 920 m.
𝐷𝐸𝐻𝑆 𝐷𝐸𝑆𝐿 𝐷𝐸𝐻𝐿
= =
𝐷𝑖𝑓𝑓𝐻𝑆 𝐷𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑆𝐿 𝐷𝑖𝑓𝑓𝐻𝐿

𝐷𝐸𝐻𝑆 𝐷𝐸𝑆𝐿 523 Elev. 397 m.

= =
1,063 762 1,825

𝐷𝐸𝐻𝑆 = 304.63 m.
𝐷𝐸𝑆𝐿 = 218.37 m. Alt Rdg 5,875

𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑆 = 920 – 304.63

𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑆 = 615.37 m. Alt Rdg 4,812

Alt Rdg 4,050

𝑂𝑟 𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑆 = 397 + 218.37

𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑆 = 615.37 m.
5. CROSS-SECTION LEVELING
Cross-sections are short profiles taken
perpendicular to the centerline of linear
projects such as a highway, railroad,
irrigation canal, or sewer line. They may also
be taken for borrow-pits and excavations
required for buildings, structures and
quarries. Cross-sections provide the
necessary data needed for estimating
quantities of earthwork and for other related
purposes.
Roadway Cross-Section
Roadway Cross-Section Notes
Roadway Cross-Sections
This type of cross-section is required for most route
projects such as road and railroads. The sections are
taken at regular intervals, usually at full and some plus
stations, and where there are abrupt changes in the
profile of a centerline. To portray correctly the ground
surface within the project area, it is important that the
cross-section extend a sufficient distance on each side
of the centerline. Normally cross-sections should be
prolonged to the allowed limits for right-of-way, or up
to a point where possible earthworks will be
undertaken. The required elevations are determined
with a regular leveling instrument, with a hand level, or
a combination of both.
6. INVERSE LEVELING
The process of determining the elevation of a
point located higher than the telescope of the
instrument. In such a situation, the rod is held
upside down and its base is placed at the desired
point. The rod is then read and the distance to the
line of sight is recorded in the normal way.
Recording of data is the same with except that a
backsight is prefixed by a negative sign and the
foresight with the positive sign. An explanatory
note is written on the right hand page of the field
notebook to clarify the reversal of sign.
Example:
1. A tall concrete wall is an obstruction along a level route
between points A and B. To proceed with the leveling work,
an inverse method of leveling is executed at the vicinity of
the obstruction where rod readings were taken with the rod
held upside down. From the observed data given in the
figure below, determine the elevation of point B.
Solution:

a. HI1 = Elev.A + BS = 528.25 + 2.05

HI1 = 530.30 m.(Height of instrument at 1st setup)
Elev.W = HI – FS = 530.30 – ( - 2.60)
Elev. W = 532.90 m. (Elevation of top of concrete wall)

HI2 = Elev.W + BS = 532.90 + ( - 3.92)

HI2 = 528.98 m. (Height of instrument at 2nd setup)

Elev.B = HI2 – FS = 528.98 - 2.68

Elev.B = 526.30 m. (Elevation of B)