FACULTY OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT AND SURVEYING

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MALAYSIA

SBEC2662/01 - 2021/22

ENGINEERING SURVEY

TRAVERSING DATA

LECTURER: Sr. Gs. Dr. OTHMAN BIN ZAINON

PREPARED BY:

No Name Matric No
1 SYED MUHAMMAD ASYRAFF DANIEL BIN A20BE0296
SYED ROSDI
2 SITI SAFWAHIDA BINTI MOHAMMAD A20BE0288
ALIM
3 SITI SHAHIRA IRWANI BINTI ROSLI A20BE0289

4 SHARIFAH NISHA FARHANNA BINTI A20BE0271

SYED FAUZI
5 TEO YI XIAN A20BE0308
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT....................................................................................................................i
1.0 INTRODUCTION..........................................................................................................................1
1.2 Definition Of Term Used In Levelling.............................................................................................2
Vertical Line:..........................................................................................................................................2
Horizontal Line:.....................................................................................................................................2
Vertical Plane:........................................................................................................................................2
It is a plane containing a vertical line.....................................................................................................2
Horizontal Plane:....................................................................................................................................2
Datum:....................................................................................................................................................2
Bench-mark (B.M.):...............................................................................................................................3
Temporary Bench-mark (T.B.M.):.........................................................................................................3
Reduced Level (R.L.):............................................................................................................................3
The Line of Collimation (H.I.):..............................................................................................................3
It is the line that intersects with the cross hairs of the optical center of the object glass.......................3
Backsight (BS):......................................................................................................................................3
Intermediate Sight (IS):..........................................................................................................................3
Reading between the backsight and foresight........................................................................................3
Foresight (FS):........................................................................................................................................3
Change Point (C.P.):...............................................................................................................................3
2.0 OBJECTIVE OF THE LEVELLING..........................................................................................4
3.0 INSTRUMENT...............................................................................................................................5
3.1 Automatic Level...............................................................................................................................5
How to Use an Automatic Level............................................................................................................5
3.2 Tripod Stand.....................................................................................................................................7
3.3 Optical Plummet...............................................................................................................................7
3.4 Levelling Staff..................................................................................................................................9
3.5 Staff Bubbles....................................................................................................................................9
3.6 Spirit Bubble...................................................................................................................................10
3.7 Measuring Tapes............................................................................................................................10
4.0 LEVELLING METHOD.............................................................................................................12
4.1 Rise and Fall Method.....................................................................................................................12
4.2 Height of Collimation.....................................................................................................................12
4.3 Levelling Procedures......................................................................................................................13
5.0 FIELD DATA/RESULT..............................................................................................................15
Rise and Fall Method & Height of Collimation Method (HOC).........................................................15
Adjusted Data.......................................................................................................................................16
Data Correction....................................................................................................................................16
Two Peg Test Data...............................................................................................................................18
6.0 ANALYSIS....................................................................................................................................19
7.0 CONCLUSION.............................................................................................................................19
8.0 REFERENCES.............................................................................................................................20
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Bismillahirahmanirahim, thanks to the Almighty for supporting the whole process of this
report. Without His direction and determination, this report may not have existed.

First of all, a billions thanks to our parents, who have always been there for us while we
was conducting research and observations on a given assignment topic and also worked on this
report. It's been nights and days that it's been hard to juggle the abundance of tasks and exams
that gradually lead to a sense of hopelessness and dissatisfaction that certainly disrupted some
of the imagination that was required for all the copy writing that we had to do for this project.
Nevertheless, we were fortunate to receive constant support and comfort from our loving family
as they helped us to settle down during those days. I would also like our classmates to be
wonderfully accepting questions and give help when us need it. In addition, we would like to
express our heartfelt appreciation to our lecturer,Sr. Gs. Dr. Othman Bin Zainon , for all the
support and assistance he has provided us through this report.

With love, A big thank you from us to those who are directly and indirectly involved in this
report.
1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Definition Of Levelling

Levelling is the most common way of determining the elevations of ground locations in
relation to a reference datum, and it is normally performed independently of the procedures
used to fix planimetric position. The primary idea behind levelling is to assess vertical
distance in relation to a horizontal line of sight. As a result, a graduated staff and an
instrument with a horizontal line of sight are required for the vertical measurements.

The findings of levelling can be used to plan roadways, railroads, and sewers, among
other things. It may also be used to compute the volume of earthwork and create maps that
depict typical ground configurations. It may be used for new foundation site planning,
contouring drainage, and predicting pipe fall.

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 1.2 Definition Of Term Used In Levelling.

Level Surface:
It is any surface parallel to the mean spheroidal surface of the earth. Since the earth is
an oblate spheroid, a level surface may be regarded as a curved surface, every point on
which is equidistant from the center of the earth. It is also a surface that is everywhere at
right angles to the direction of gravity of the earth.

Vertical Line:
It is any line lying vertically on the level surface.

Horizontal Line:
It is any line lying in the horizontal plane. It is a straight line tangential to a level line

Vertical Plane:
It is a plane containing a vertical line.

Horizontal Plane:
It is a plane tangential to the level surface at a point. It is perpendicular to the direction
of gravity.

Datum:
It is any surface or line from which vertical distances are measured. There can be
two types of datum which is Ordnance Datum (O.D.) and Assume Datum (A.D.)

Bench-mark (B.M.):
It is a diced reference point of known elevation.

Temporary Bench-mark (T.B.M.):

A bench-mark which is set up by the surveyor for his own particular task temporarily.

Reduced Level (R.L.):

It is a vertical distance of a point above or below the datum. The elevation of a
point is either plus or minus according to the point above or below the datum.

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The Line of Collimation (H.I.):
It is the line that intersects with the cross hairs of the optical center of the object glass.

Backsight (BS):
The instrument is set up at the first point and gets the first reading.

Intermediate Sight (IS):

Reading between the backsight and foresight.

Foresight (FS):
The final reading of the instrument.

Change Point (C.P.):

It is a transfer point of the leveling. It is a new point in which the previous point
backsight and foresight are taken.

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 2.0 OBJECTIVE OF THE LEVELLING

In surveying, the primary goals of levelling are as follows:

 To determine the heights of a set of locations in relation to a particular datum.

 To establish points at specified or various elevations with respect to a given or imagined datum.

 Knowing whether certain objects of interest are at the same or different heights or elevations is
critical in our living and working environments.

 To provide students with hands-on experience in configuring and using the

instrumentation and data collection for relevant fieldwork

 To improve the student's understanding of the levelling technique

 To determine each station's lowered level

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3.0 INSTRUMENT

3.1 Automatic Level

Automatic level is a professional levelling tool used by contractors, builders, land

surveyors, and engineers who require precise levelling every time. It is a self-leveling
optical instrument for measuring horizontal planes and angles accurately over long or
short distances. Automatic Level is simple to set up and use. We must first set up the
Automatic Level and ensure that the spirit bubble is in the centre of the black circle.
Aside from that, the Automatic Level compensator takes over and levels itself precisely.

How to Use an Automatic Level

To use an automatic level, turn the level's levelling screws until the circular bubble vial is
centred. This brings the level into the internal compensator's range. The user can then look through
the telescope while a second person places a levelling staff, also known as a stadia rod, with its
base on a known elevation or reference point. The user then examines the location on the level rod
where the "crosshairs" (visible through the objective lens) fall and records the reading. Following
this, additional observations are made at project locations where elevation data is required. By
comparing the readings between the observations, the user can determine elevation differences
between the reference elevation and the unknown locations. The internal compensation mechanism
ensures accuracy by adjusting for mis-leveling errors.

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3.2 Tripod Stand

A tripod stand is a three-legged level support platform. The tripod stand's primary function is
to ensure a stable instrument setup for accurate measurements. The tripod's legs can be adjusted to
achieve the desired vertical height. Once the instrument has been moved, it must be re-set, which
entails loosening the screw, adjusting it, and tightening it again. It usually has a flat tip and a
mounting screw for attaching an instrument. It is also to ensure that the levelling tripod is
horizontally positioned.

3.3 Optical Plummet

An optical plummet is a device used to centre an instrument over a ground station. It is used
instead of a plumb bob to centre transits and theodolites over a given point, and it is preferred for
its stability in strong winds. Because it has a lock below the optical plummet to lock the devices
used in fieldwork, the procedure speeds up the setup process while also protecting the instrument
from accidental damage. The optical plummet can occasionally be used to perform angular or
distance measurements from the survey point.

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3.4 Levelling Staff

A levelling staff is a tool used in fieldwork to measure elevation measurements. There are
numerous types of Leveling Staff. The most common is Grade Staff. The staff is available in wood,
metal, and fibreglass. The rod has the ability to be extended up to 5 metres. It enables us to
measure significant elevation vertical distances. It is also used to calculate the relative heights of
various points in the survey area.

3.5 Staff Bubbles

These are typically a small circular bubble on an angle plate that is held against one corner of
the staff to keep the staff vertical. The reading will be too large and may be significantly off if the
staff is not held vertically. At all times, a staff bubble must be used.

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 3.6 Spirit Bubble

The spirit bubble is used for maintaining both level rods and sighting poles in a
vertical position. An out of adjustment of spirit bubble level will cause accumulative
error in level lines. It can be used in traversing and leveling measurements in fieldworks.
In order to get an accurate measurement for both, the spirit bubble level must be inside
the middle of the black circle. It is located on the optical plummet and leveling rod.

3.7 Measuring Tapes

Survey measuring tapes should be checked at the start of any fieldwork and on a regular
basis throughout the survey. Place all of the survey measuring tapes on a flat area of ground
and compare the distances they measure at 15m and 30m distances under normal tension. Any
difference greater than the survey's required accuracy indicates a problem, and the tape should
be discarded. The upper tape measure in the figure (right) is significantly different from the
other tape measures and will not be used. Because steel cored tapes do not stretch, they should
be used to compare the fibreglass tapes to.

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3.8 Field Book

All levelling shall be booked in either level books or levelling sheets which shall be
retained as permanent records. Level books shall be numbered so that they can be
referenced on station history and inspection forms. They should be stored in fire-proof
storage as for the original record. They should also include an index. Levelling sheets shall
be filed in time-sequential order in site files, and also need to be in fire-proof storage as
for level books.

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4.0 LEVELLING METHOD

4.1 Rise and Fall Method

The difference between consecutive points is computed using this approach by comparing each
point following the first with the one immediately before it. The difference in their staff readings
shows a rise or decrease depending on whether each staff reading is lower or higher than the
previous one. The reduced level (RL) of each point is then calculated by adding rise to or removing
fall from the previous point's RL. This is generally used for earth work calculations and other
precise levelling operations.

4.2 Height of Collimation

This approach entails determining the height of the collimation plane (H.I.) for each instrument
setup and calculating the lowered level of point with respect to the respective plane of collimation.
It's commonly used for profile levelling and laying out levels for building projects. The reduced
levels of intermediate stations are not checked. The difference between the total of rear sights and
fore sights should be equal to the difference between the first and last R.Ls. There are two tests for
arithmetical accuracy.

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4.3 Levelling Procedures

1. Place the tripod at the desired location. Set up a single location and secure it by digging your
legs into the earth. Adjust the tripod's legs to bring the top of the tripod to a rough level.
2. Install the Auto or Dumpy Level on the tripod and use the foot screws to level it out. Avoid any
shocks being passed into the Auto Level's compensator mechanism by mounting it on the tripod
thereafter. The Auto Level's accuracy will be improved as a result of this.
3. Carefully read the 1st reading from the staff, which will be (2.596m) Back Sight, with
Chainman holding the E-Grad Staff and a spirit level bubble to keep the staff plumb.
4. The chainman will then go to point B, where it will aim and focus on the E-Grad staff and take
the second reading, holding the staff correctly as described previously. This would be a Sight
reading for Intermediates.

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5. Then chainman will next go to point C, where it will aim and focus on the E-Grad staff and take
the third reading, while holding the staff correctly as described previously. This is an
Intermediate Sight reading once more.
6. After that, chainman would go to point D. The E-Grad staff should be held on a solid point or a
levelling change plate because this is a change point (changing the Auto Level after this
reading). You'd aim for the E-Grad staff once more, with your chainman holding the staff
appropriately as described above. This will be Fore Sight, and this is the most recent reading
with the Auto Level in its current setting.
7. Pack up the Auto Level and go to the next acceptable setup position, keeping chainman at point
D.
8. Set up in the second place by following the same steps as in points 1 and 2. Take first reading
from this setup by aiming and focusing on the E-Grad staff (still on point D) with the chainman
holding it appropriately.
9. Chainman next proceed to point E. The E-Grad staff should be held on a solid point or a
levelling change plate because this is another change point (changing the Auto Level after this
reading).
10. Pack up the Auto Level and go to the next potential setup area, keeping chainman at point E.

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5.0 FIELD DATA/RESULT

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Rise and Fall Method & Height of Collimation Method (HOC)

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N REDUC
O BS IS FS COLLIMATIO E REMARK
N/ RISE/FALL LEVEL

0 1.444 BM(M0338)
=3.307
1 0.15 1.290 4.597 Tree 1
4
2 1.10 -0.946 3.651 Tree 2
0
3 1.224 1.851 -0.751 2.90 CP1
4 1.216 1.692 -0.468 2.432 CP2
5 1.364 1.682 -0.466 1.966 CP3
6 1.483 1.403 -0.039 1.927 CP4
7 1.56 -0.079 1.848 Tree 3
2
8 1.53 0.032 1.880 Tree 4
0
9 1.341 1.372 0.158 2.038 CP5
10 1.422 1.313 0.028 2.066 CP6
11 1.451 1.452 -0.030 2.036 TBM=2.042
12 2.12 -0.672 1.364 Drain 1
3
13 1.322 1.421 0.702 2.066 CP7
14 1.367 1.342 -0.020 2.046 CP8
15 1.383 1.481 -0.114 1.932 CP9
16 1.02 0.359 2.291 Lamp Post 1
4
17 1.675 1.344 -0.320 1.971 CP10
18 1.700 1.214 0.461 2.432 CP11
19 0.12 1.575 4.007 Lamp Post 2
5
20 2.15 -2.026 1.981 Drain 2
1
21 1.870 1.233 0.918 2.899 CP12
22 1.472 0.398 3.297 BM(M0338)=3.3
07
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Σ 20.26 20.27 -0.01
2 2
Arithmetical Check:
Σ BS – Σ FS = Σ Rise – Σ Fall = Last Reduced Level Reading – First Reduced Level
Reading

Adjusted Data
Data Correction

N COLLIMATION/ FINAL
O BS IS FS RISE/FALL REDUCE CORRECTION REDUCE REMARK
LEVEL LEVEL

0 1.444 BM(M0338)
=3.307
1 0.154 1.290 4.597 0.0007 4.598 Tree 1
2 1.100 -0.946 3.651 0.0007 3.652 Tree 2
3 1.224 1.851 -0.751 2.90 0.0014 2.901 CP1
4 1.216 1.692 -0.468 2.432 0.0021 2.434 CP2
5 1.364 1.682 -0.466 1.966 0.0028 1.969 CP3
6 1.483 1.403 -0.039 1.927 0.0035 1.931 CP4
7 1.562 -0.079 1.848 0.0035 1.852 Tree 3
8 1.530 0.032 1.880 0.0035 1.884 Tree 4
9 1.341 1.372 0.158 2.038 0.0042 2.042 CP5
10 1.422 1.313 0.028 2.066 0.0049 2.071 CP6
11 1.451 1.452 -0.030 2.036 0.0056 2.042 TBM=2.042
12 2.123 -0.672 1.364 0.0056 1.370 Drain 1
13 1.322 1.421 0.702 2.066 0.0063 2.072 CP7

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 14 1.367 1.342 -0.020 2.046 0.0070 2.053 CP8
15 1.383 1.481 -0.114 1.932 0.0077 1.940 CP9
16 1.024 0.359 2.291 0.0077 2.299 Lamp Post 1
17 1.675 1.344 -0.320 1.971 0.0084 1.979 CP10
18 1.700 1.214 0.461 2.432 0.0091 2.441 CP11
19 0.125 1.575 4.007 0.0091 4.016 Lamp Post 2
20 2.151 -2.026 1.981 0.0091 1.990 Drain 2
21 1.870 1.233 0.918 2.899 0.0098 2.909 CP12
22 1.472 0.398 3.297 0.0105 3.308 BM(M0338)=
.307

Correction Height:

0.010 m
= +
14(Total number of instrument position)
= 0.0007m
* If the levelling error is negative, the correction should be positive
No. of Calculation Correction
instrument
position
1 +0.0007m = +0.0007m ≈ + 0.001m
2 (+0.0007m) x2 = +0.0014m ≈ + 0.001m
3 (+0.0007m) x3 = +0.0021m ≈ + 0.002m
4 (+0.0007m) x4 = +0.0028m ≈ + 0.003m
5 (+0.0007m) x5 = +0.0035m ≈ + 0.004m
6 (+0.0007m) x6 = +0.0042m ≈ + 0.004m
7 (+0.0007m) x7 = +0.0049m ≈ + 0.005m
8 (+0.0007m) x8 = +0.0056m ≈ + 0.006m
9 (+0.0007m) x9 = +0.0063m ≈ + 0.006m
10 (+0.0007m) x10 = +0.0070m ≈ + 0.007m
11 (+0.0007m) x 11 = +0.0077m ≈ + 0.008m
12 (+0.0007m) x12 = +0.0084m ≈ + 0.008m
13 (+0.0007m) x13 = +0.0091m ≈ + 0.009m
14 (+0.0007m) x14 = +0.0098m ≈ + 0.010m

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Two Peg Test

Errors can occur on any instrument. As a result, it is critical to verify the instrument (level). The most
common mistake is when the line of sight is not parallel to the horizontal collimation line. Your levels
will be incorrect in this situation. The two peg test is a method of determining the level. This test
detects the amount of mistake and alerts the technician if an error occurs (the level must be serviced).

( b −a ) − ( b2 −a2 )
Collimation Error (e) =
L1 + L 2

Two Peg Test Data

Back Sight Staff A Fore Sight Staff B Back Sight Staff B Fore Sight Staff A
1.561 1.389 1.392 1.570

( 1.389− 1.561 ) − (1.570 −1.392 )

Collimation Error (e) =
2 O+ 20
= -0.009m

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 6.0 ANALYSIS

Based on this project, Bench Mark (BM) is fixed at the Reduced Level (RL) of 3.307. The total
number of Changing Point (CP) of this project started from CP1 up to CP12. The reading of all
backsight (BS), foresight (FS) and intermediate sight (IS) need to be recorded.

The reduced level of this project for each station is calculated through two different methods
required. The methods told to use are Height of Collimation Method and Rise and Fall Method. Both of
these methods are important in order to produce the final reduced level of levelling work.

Based on this report recorded, the Final Level is small slightly less than the initial Reduced Level
which is 3.307. There is also mis-closure error detected in this levelling process. From our calculation,
the error of mis-closure is -0.01 which is acceptable also for the arrow within 0.019m. The error is only
acceptable after calculating based on the 5mm ± √K where K is the total number of instruments
positions.

The error can cause due to some commonly happened problems while conducting the process such
as bright sun which effecting the staff to record the reading properly. Not only that, the error can also
happen due to the mistake of staff position such as when it is not held properly vertically.

7.0 CONCLUSION

To conclude this project assignment, we have conducted the data calculation and analysis for the
levelling concept. The method that consists in levelling process is Rise and Fall Method and Height of
Collimation Method. Both of the methods have its own advantages.

First of all, after gaining the reduce level from the data of backsight, foresight and intermediate
sight, we then calculate the correction for each of the instrument positions. Then, we calculate the
reduce level and correction in order to get the final reduce level.

Overall, this project assignment does help us to better understanding of the levelling concept as we
are only doing this assignment based on the data given instead of conducting the physically fieldwork
that how it supposed to be done.

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 8.0 REFERENCES

Jamal, H. (2017, January 23). Levelling in Engineering Survey. Retrieved November 30, 2021, from
https://www.aboutcivil.org/levelling-in-engineering-surveying.html 

Sadanandam Anupoju. (2016, December 11). Types of leveling methods in surveying. The Constructor.
Retrieved January 2, 2022, from https://theconstructor.org/surveying/types-of-leveling-methods/14679/   

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