Control Survey

Er. Pritam Gurung

Geomatics Engineer
Course Contents
❑ Unit1: Levelling
▪ 1.1 Introduction
▪ 1.1.1 Introduction and Principle of levelling
▪ 1.1.2 Definition of terms
▪ 1.1.2 Levelling Instruments and accessories

▪ 1.2 Methods of Levelling

▪ 1.2.1 Direct Levelling
• Simple Levelling
• Differential Levelling
▪ 1.2.2 Indirect Levelling
Course Contents
❑ Unit1: Levelling
▪ 1.3 Field Procedure
▪ 1.3.1 Testing levels and checking collimation error
▪ 1.3.2 Field Procedure
▪ 1.1.2 Precautions to be taken in the field

▪ 1.4 Errors and adjustment in Levelling

▪ 1.4.1 Specification adopted by Survey Department of Nepal for establishment of
various order Bench marks
▪ 1.4.2 Types of error
▪ 1.4.3 Sources of error
▪ Adjustment
 Control Surveying
Surveying

Control Surveying Detail Surveying

Horizontal Control Vertical Control

Traversing Levelling

Triangulation

Trilateration

Intersection

Resection
Control Surveying
❑ Control Surveying is a high precision survey which is
required to establish a framework of reference points
which serves as foundation for all other subsequent
surveying and mapping activities.
❑ A critical aspect of this type of work is developing
horizontal and vertical positions of these control points
relative to a desired horizontal and/or vertical control
datum.
❑ Once the control points have been established,
all subsequent survey work adhering to the control survey
will be uniform and seamless for further use in
engineering, planning, and land development purposes.
Importance of Control Survey
❑ They provide the framework for mapping and construction
projects.
Importance of Control Survey
❑ They provide the framework for mapping and construction
projects.
❑ Control surveys provide a common reference, ensuring that
various surveys seamless integrate.
❑ They serve as checkpoints, allowing surveyors to validate their
measurements.
❑ For mega projects, they help manage the vastness of these
endeavors and keep everything in proportion.
❑ They contribute to the accuracy of spatial databases, which, in
turn, influence decisions in fields like urban planning and
environmental management.
Horizontal Distance

HAB

8
Slope Distance

A SAB

9
Vertical Distance

A
VAB

10
1.1.1 Introduction and principle
❑ Vertical distance measurement = “leveling”

A
VAB

• Includes procedures that determine distance in vertical

plane.

11
Principle of Levelling
Levelling in surveying is primarily used to determine the relative height of
various points on, above, and below the ground's surface. It is a method of
calculating the difference in elevations or levels between two points on the
earth's surface. Distance is always measured from a reference point with known
parameters (elevation, height above MSL, etc.). This aspect of vertical distance
measurement is referred to as levelling in surveying.

The principle of leveling is however to obtain horizontal line of sight with

respect to which vertical distances of the points above or below this line of sight
are found.

12
Principle of Levelling
ElevA + BS = HI HI – FS = ElevB

ElevB = ElevA + BS - FS

BS (+) FS (-)
1.037m 0.895m

elevA = 103.459m HI = 104.496m elevB = 103.601m

A: known B: unknown
elevation Datum: elev = 0.000m elevation 13
1.1.2. Definitions of terms
❑ Vertical line
❑ Level surface (line)
❑ Horizontal plane (line)
❑ Vertical datum
❑ Elevation

14
Vertical Line
❑ It is the basic line of reference in levelling. It is the line
indicated by a freely suspended plumb bob. It is the line
along the direction of gravity.

15
Level Surface
❑ The level surface is the surface that is perpendicular to the
direction of gravity at every point. Thus the level surface is
a curved surface. For example. The surface of still water in
a lake is a level surface.

16
Mean Sea Level
❑ The water level in a sea also represents a level surface if it
is not affected by tides. The mean sea level at a location is
obtained by averaging the height of the water surface of
the sea for all stages of the tides for a long period, usually
19 years. The mean sea level is commonly taken as the
reference level surface.

17
Geoid
❑ The mean sea level at a particular location on earth if
extended in all directions over the entire earth would
form an undulating spheroid, called geoid.
❑ Every point on the geoid has the same gravity potential.
The earth’s gravity potential decreases above the mean
sea level. Obviously, the direction of is perpendicular to
the surface of the geoid at all points.

18
 Technical Terms in Levelling:

Vertical angle

Horizontal Line
Level Line

Horizontal Line

Level Line

Vertical plumb line Vertical plumb line Datum surface (M.S.L.)

19
Level Line
❑ It is line in a level surface. As the level surface is a curved
surface, the level line is also curved. Every element of the
level line is, therefore, perpendicular to the direction of
gravity. All points on a level line are at the same elevation.

20
Datum Surface or Datum
❑ It is a level surface which is taken as a reference surface
for the determination of elevation of various points.
❑ The most commonly used is the mean sea level (M.S.L.).

21
Elevation
❑ It is the vertical distance of the point above or below the
datum surface.
❑ Sometimes, the term height is also used for elevation.
❑ The vertical distance are measured along the direction of
gravity.

22
Altitude
❑ It is the vertical distance of the point above the given
surface. Therefore, if the datum surface is the mean sea
level, the elevation is the same as the altitude.

23
Difference of Elevation
❑ It is the vertical distance between the level surfaces
passing through the two points.

24
Reduced Level (R.L.)
❑ The reduced level of a point is its height relative to the
datum. It is the calculated (reduced) height of the point
above or below the datum.
❑ The reduced level is used synonymously with the term
elevation.

25
Horizontal Plane
❑ It is a plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity. It is
therefore tangential to the level surface at that point.
❑ The horizontal planes at different points of a level are
different.

26
Horizontal Line
❑ It is a line in a horizontal plane. The horizontal line is
therefore, perpendicular to the vertical line at that point.
❑ A horizontal line is always tangential to the level line at
that point.

27
Vertical Plane
❑ It is a plane which contains the vertical line at that point.
It may be noted that infinite number of vertical planes can
contain a vertical line.

28
Vertical Angle
❑ It is the angle measured in a vertical plane. The vertical
angle is usually measured with respect to a horizontal line
at that point.

29
Bench Mark (B.M.)
❑ The bench mark is fixed point of known elevation above
the datum. Any point whose elevation is definitely known
can be used as a bench mark.
❑ Depends upon permanency/precision the B.M. are
classified in 3 categories:
❑ Permanent
❑ Temporary
❑ Arbitary

30
Permanent B. M.
❑ It is permanent point established for a period of up to 50
years.
❑ It is monumented points.

31
Temporary B. M.
❑ These are the B. M. established temporarily whenever
required. These are generally the points at which a day’s
work is started.

32
Arbitrary B. M.
❑ These are the B. M. whose elevation are arbitrary
assumed for levelling of a small area. The elevations
assumed do not refer to any fixed datum such as M.S.L.

33
Terms Used in Levelling
❑ Station
The station is the point where the staff is held for taking
observation from a levelling instrument.

34
Height of Instrument
❑ It is the elevation of the line of sight (or a horizontal plane
containing the line of sight) with respect to the datum.
❑ Also called height of line of collimation

35
Back Sight (B.S.)
❑ The first staff reading taken after the instrument setup.
❑ B.S. is generally taken on the point of known reduced level
as on the bench mark or a change point.
❑ +ve sight.
❑ The back sight is used to determine the height of the
instrument (H.I.)
❑ Height of instrument = Known elevation + Back sight

36
Fore Sight (F.S.)
❑ The last staff reading before changing the instrument
position.
❑ -ve sight
❑ It is the staff reading taken on a point whose RL is to be
determined.
❑ Elevation = height of Instrument - Foresight

37
Turning Point
❑ The point on which both the foresight and backsight are
taken during operation of levelling is called change point
or turning point.

38
Intermediate Sight (I.S.)
❑ All staff readings taken between backsight and foresight
are called Intermediate Sight.

39
Balancing of Sight
❑ To reduce the effect of instrumental and other errors, the
distance of the point where a back sight is taken and the
distance of the point where a fore sight is taken, as
measured from the instrument station, should be
approximately equal. This is known as balancing of sight.

40
1.2 Methods of Levelling
Methods of
Levelling

Direct Indirect
Levelling Levelling

Differential
Simple Trigonometric Barometric Hypsometric
Levelling
levelling Levelling Levelling Levelling

Check Precise Reciprocal Profile Cross Section

Fly Levelling Levelling Levelling
Levelling Levelling Levelling
1.2.1 Direct Levelling
❑ Direct levelling is a method of determining the differences
of elevation between points by using a level and a
levelling staff.
❑ In this method, a spirit level fixed to the telescope of a
levelling instrument is used to make the line of sight
horizontal.

42
Direct Levelling

Fig: Spirit Level

43
Simple Levelling
❑ This is the easiest type of direct levelling. In this method,
only one setting of the instrument is done.
❑ This method is used for determining the difference of
elevations of two points which are visible from a single
position of the instrument.

44
Differential Levelling
❑ It is a type of levelling which requires more than one
setting of the instrument.
❑ This method is used when:
▪ The distance between two points are far apart.
▪ The elevation difference is high.
▪ There is an obstacle(अबरोध) between the points.
❑ Differential levelling is also called compound levelling.

45
Fly Levelling
❑ It is a type of differential levelling in surveying done to
determine approximate (अनम ु ाननत) elevations of different
points.

❑ When rapidity, but low precision is required.

❑ Generally done for the reconnaissance of the area or for
approximate checking of the levels.
Check Levelling
❑ To check the elevations which have been already
obtained.
❑ Generally, check levelling is done at the end of each day’s
work from the last station to the starting station for
checking the day’s work.
Quick Test
❑ The shape of the earth is …………………
❑ The height of the line of collimation above datum or MSL is
called ………………….
❑ The main principle of levelling is to make the line of sight truly
…………….
❑ +ve sight is ………… and –ve sight is …………….
❑ Direct levelling is a method of determining the differences of
elevation between points by using a ………and a ………..
❑ Permanent benchmark is established for period up to ………..
Reciprocal Levelling
❑ Reciprocal levelling is adopted to accurately determine the
level difference between two points which are separated
by obstacles like a rive, ponds, lakes, etc.
❑ When it is not possible to set up the instrument midway
b/w the points.
❑ Important points
▪ Reciprocal levelling eliminates the error due to collimation and
error due to curvature completely, but not refraction as the
refraction depends upon the atmosphere which may change.
Profile Levelling
❑ To determine the elevations of the ground surface along a
fixed line.
❑ It is also known as longitudinal section or L-section.
❑ Uses
▪ For fixing the gradients
▪ Determining the earthwork quantities
Cross-sectional Levelling
❑ To determine the elevations along the line perpendicular
to the centerline of the proposed road.
Precise Levelling
❑ Precise or geodetic levelling is used to establish a basic
network of vertical control points.
❑ Most accurate
1.2.2 Indirect Levelling
❑ Instead of directly measuring the vertical distance
between the points, indirect leveling involves measuring
other quantities such as vertical angles and horizontal
distances from one or more intermediate locations.
❑ These measurements are then used in calculations to
determine the height difference between the original
points.
Trigonometric Levelling
❑ This is the method of levelling in which the difference in
elevations is determined indirectly from the horizontal
distance and the vertical angle.
❑ It uses trigonometric relations so called trigonometric
levelling.
❑ Trigonometric levelling is employed when the direct
method on the ground becomes cumbersome (झन्झटिलो).
For example, when we have to find the elevation of a
mountain peak, top of towers, etc.
Trigonometric Levelling
Suppose the angle of elevation is
“𝞡” and the horizontal distance
is “D”, then the height “h” can be
given as :

h = D tan𝞡
Barometric levelling
❑ In this method, elevations are determined from the
changes in atmospheric pressure.
❑ Atmospheric pressure decreases with increase in
elevation.
❑ Generally, an aneroid barometer is employed for the
purpose of calculating changes in atmospheric pressure.
Hypsometric levelling
❑ The elevation in this method is calculated from the
changes in boiling point.
❑ The boiling point tends to decrease as the altitude
increases.
1.3 Field Procedure
❑ 1.3.1 Testing levels and checking collimation error
▪ Collimation error
Collimation error occurs when the line of collimation is not
truly horizontal when the instrument is level.
1.3 Field Procedure
❑ 1.3.1 Testing levels and checking collimation error
❑ Two peg test
❑ A two peg test is done to find out if the line of sight is truly horizontal or not.
❑ It is used to check the accuracy of a level instrument.
1.3 Field Procedure
❑ 1.3.1 Testing levels and checking collimation error
❑ Two peg test
Step 1
Measure out a 60-metre line on a relatively flat piece of ground.
Mark the ends of the line with a timber stake and securely hammer them into
the ground, so they are nice and solid.
1.3 Field Procedure
❑ 1.3.1 Testing levels and checking collimation error
❑ Two peg test
Step 2
Set up your level instrument halfway between each of the pegs (30 metres
along the line).
Once you have done this, ensure your level is levelled using the precision
levelling thumb screws.
1.3 Field Procedure
❑ 1.3.1 Testing levels and checking collimation error
❑ Two peg test
Step 3
Once levelled, using another person, place your staff on point A, and record
the height of the peg as accurately as possible. Write this figure down,
labelling it as “a1”.
1.3 Field Procedure
❑ 1.3.1 Testing levels and checking collimation error
❑ Two peg test
Step 4
Next, do the same at point B and record the height as “b1”.
1.3 Field Procedure
❑ 1.3.1 Testing levels and checking collimation error
❑ Two peg test
Step 5
Now, move your level to approximately 3 m away from point A, set up and
level the instrument.
1.3 Field Procedure
❑ 1.3.1 Testing levels and checking collimation error
❑ Two peg test
❑ Step 6
Record the height of point A and Point B again and write these figures down.
Call them “a2” and “b2”.
1.3 Field Procedure
❑ 1.3.1 Testing levels and checking collimation error
❑ Calculation
❑ Calculating Two Peg Test Results
❑ a1= 1.540 m
b1= 1.789 m
❑ a2= 1.682 m
b2= 1.955 m
❑ First off, start by subtracting b1 from a1
❑ 1.789 – 1.540 = 0.249
❑ Then do the same thing for a2 and b2
❑ 1.955 – 1.682 = 0.273
❑ In this example, you can see the differences in heights between the 2 positions were 0.249 m and 0.273 m. The difference
between these 2 numbers is:
❑ 0.273 – 0.249 = 0.024 m (24 mm)
Past Questions
Past Questions
Methods of reduction of Level
❑ A level field book or a level book is used for booking and
reducing the levels of various points. There are two
methods for reducing the levels:
❑ Height of instrument method
❑ Rise and fall method

69
Height of instrument method
Station B.S. I.S. F.S. H.I. R.L. Remarks

Sum

70
Height of instrument method
❑ ∑ B.S. - ∑ F.S. = Last R.L. – First R.L.

71
Rise and fall method

Station B.S. I.S. F.S. Rise Fall R.L. Remarks

Sum

72
Rise and fall method

❑ ∑ B.S. - ∑ F.S. = ∑ Rise - ∑ Fall = Last R.L. – First R.L.

73
Question no.1.
❑ The following consecutive readings were observed
successively with level: 0.875, 1.235, 2.310, 1.385, 2.930,
3.125, 4.125, 0.120, 1.875, 2.030, 3.765. The level was
shifted after 2nd, 4th and 8th readings the reduced level at
first point was 132.135. Rule out a page of your answer
book as a level field book and fill all the columns use
collimation system and apply the usual arithmetic check.
Indicate the highest and lowest points.
 Height of Instrument numerical
Station B.S. I.S. F.S. H.I. R.L. Remarks
1 0.875 133.01 132.135
2 2.310 1.235 134.085 131.775 C.P.
3 2.930 1.385 135.63 132.7 C.P.
4 3.125 132.505
5 4.125 131.505
6 1.875 0.120 137.385 135.51 C.P.
7 2.030 135.355
8 3.765 133.62
Sum BS = 7.99 FS =
75
6.505
Arithmetic Check
❑ BS – FS = 7.99m – 6.505m = 1.485m
❑ Elevlast – Elevfirst = 133.62 – 132.135 = 1.485m
Question no.2.
❑ The following consecutive readings were observed
successively with level: 6.21, 4.92, 6.12, 8.42, 9.81, 6.63,
7.91, 8.26, 9.71, 10.21. The level was shifted after 4th , 6th
and 8th readings. The reduced level at first point was
100ft. Rule out a page of your answer book as a level field
book and fill all the columns use collimation system and
apply the usual arithmetic check. Indicate the highest and
lowest points.
Solution:
Station B.S. I.S. F.S. H.I. R.L. Remarks
1 6.21 106.21 100
2 4.92 101.29
3 6.12 100.09
4 9.81 8.42 107.6 97.79
5 7.91 6.63 108.88 100.97
6 9.71 8.26 110.33 100.62
7 10.21 100.12
Sum BS =33.64 FS=33.52
Rise and Fall Numerical
Q.no. 1
❑ The following consecutive readings were observed
successively with a level and 5m levelling staff on
continuously slopping ground at a common interval of 20
meters: 0.385, 1.030, 1.925, 2.825, 3.730, 4.685, 0.625,
2.005, 3.110, 4.485.
The reduced level of first point was 208.125 meters, rule out
a page of level field book and enter the above reading.
Calculate the reduced levels of the points by rise and fall
method also the gradient of the line joining the first and last
point.
Solution:
chainage Station B.S. I.S. F.S. Rise Fall R.L. Remarks

0+000 1 0.385 208.125 B.M.

0+020 2 1.030 0.645 207.48
0+040 3 1.925 0.895 206.585
0+060 4 2.825 0.9 205.685
0+080 5 3.730 0.905 204.78
0+100 6 0.625 4.685 0.955 203.825 C.P.
0+120 7 2.005 1.38 202.445
0+140 8 3.110 1.105 201.34
0+160 9 4.485 1.375 199.965
Sum BS = FS= Rise= Fall=
1.01 9.17 0 8.16
80
Arithmetic Check
❑ ∑ B.S. - ∑ F.S. = 1.01-9.17=-8.16
❑ ∑ Rise - ∑ Fall = 0-8.16=-8.16
❑ Last R.L. – First R.L.=199.965-208.125=-8.16
∆𝐡 −𝟖.𝟏𝟔
❑ 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕 = = ∗ 𝟏𝟎𝟎%
𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝟏𝟔𝟎
❑ ∴ 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕 = 𝟓. 𝟏%(𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈)
Rise and Fall Numerical
Q.no. 2 Assignment
❑ The following consecutive readings were observed
successively with a level and levelling staff:
2.150, 1.385, 1.835, 1.365, 2.105, 1.950, 0.985, 1.305, 1.185,
1.305, 2.105, 1.385, 1.005
❑ The first reading was taken on BM of RL 1312.454 and the
level instrument was shifted after 4th, 6th and 8th readings.
Calculate RL of all staff station using rise and fall method
and apply checks. Also0 show the turning points.
Q.no.3
Station B.S. I.S. F.S. Rise Fall R.L. Remarks

1 2.150 450.000 B.M.1

2 1.645 ? 0.500
3 2.34 ?
5
4 ? 1.965 ?
5 2.050 1.825 0.400
6 ? ? 451.730
7 - 1.690 ? 0.120
8 ? 2.100 ?
9 1.001 ? 459.100 B.M.2
Sum
83
Old question solution:
Chainage Station B.S. I.S. F.S. H.I. R.L. Remarks
0+000 1 1.215 119.843
0+030 2 1.245 119.813
0+060 3 1.265 119.793
0+090 4 1.205 119.853
0+120 5 2.204 118.854
0+150 6 0.412 2.319 121.058 118.739 C.P.
0+180 7 0.787 118.364
0+210 8 1.008 118.143
0+240 9 1.072 2.009 119.151 117.142 C.P.
0+270 10 1.214 118.214 117 B.M
Sum 2.699 5.542
84
Field Procedure of Levelling
❑ Planning
❑ Reconnaissance
❑ Monumentation
❑ Observation
❑ Computations
Planning
❑ Before starting the levelling operation, a planning should
be made.
❑ This phase includes following steps:
▪ Collection of existing topographical maps
▪ Drawing levelling route in map.
▪ Marking tentative location for BMs.
Reconnaissance
❑ The position of fundamental bench marks are determined
to control the location of level line.
❑ The route to be followed is then studied in detail so as to
decide the positions of temporary bench marks.
❑ There after, the position of the staff stations is decided.
Monumentation
❑ Necessary Bench Marks are driven in the level line located
in reconnaissance phase.
❑ Description card (D-Card) are also prepared for each bench
marks.
❑ Necessary temporary bench marks are also established
between permanent bench marks.
Observation
❑ Before taking observations the surveyor should check the
adjustments of the instrument and should ensure that it is
in good order.
❑ The observations are taken on the levelling staff
corresponding to the horizontal hair.
❑ If the diaphragm is also provided with stadia hairs, the
reading corresponding to the stadia hairs may be taken.
❑ The mean of the two stadia hair readings should be same
as that of the horizontal cross-hair reading. This is check.
Computation
❑ As soon as after observing a staff reading should be
entered in a level field book, in the respective column.
❑ A level field book or level book is used for booking and
reducing the levels of various points. There are two
methods of booking and reducing the levels of point from
the observed staff readings.
▪ Height of Instrument or Collimation method
▪ Rise and fall method
Precautions to be taken in field
❑ The staff should be kept vertically for accurate reading.
There is also an alternative method, i.e., to wave the staff
and take the lowest reading. Both methods are equally
effective.
❑ The bubble in the dumpy level should be central to obtain
an accurate line of sight.
❑ The foot screws in the dumpy level should be used
carefully
❑ Equalize foresight distance and backsight distance
Precautions to be taken in field
❑ Tripod should be carefully placed in the required point and
should not be disturbed at any cost.
❑ Use a firm and fixed point for turning point/changing
point
❑ Eliminate all the minor and major errors especially
parallax before readings are taken
❑ Avoid mistakes in reading (make sure that the metre and
decimeter are correctly noted).
❑ Avoid work in very hot climate because it may harm the
instrument. So the instrument should be protected
Parts of level machine
1.4.1 Specification of Survey Department
HP/1st order 2nd order 3rd order

Level Instrument Wild N3 or equivalent Wild N3 or NA2 with parallel Wild N2 or NA2 with parallel
plate micrometer or plate micrometer or
equivalent equivalent

Staff 3m invar staff with double 3m invar staff with double Invar staff or equivalent
graduation graduation
Length of sight 25m 30m 35m
(Max)
Double levelling Yes Yes Yes

Observation time Morning and Afternoon (Sun Morning and Afternoon (Sun Whole day
rise to 10am and 2pm to rise to 10am and 2pm to
sunset) sunset)

Tolerance for back and fore ±1.1 𝑘 𝑚𝑚 ±2.0 𝑘 𝑚𝑚 ±5.0 𝑘 𝑚𝑚

levelling (distance k in km)
Number of set ups between Even Even Even
BMs
Types of error
❑ Gross Error/Mistake/Blunder
▪ Gross errors or mistakes are errors which arise from inattention,
inexperience, carelessness and poor judgments or confusion in
the mind of observer
▪ These errors are discoverable by repeating the measurements or
by check computations. Each computations are to be carried out
by tow different persons.
▪ Some major gross errors during levelling works:
▪ Mistakes while taking observations
▪ Mistakes in recording
▪ Mistakes in calculations
Types of error
❑ Systematic/Cumulative Error
▪ A systematic error is an error that under the same conditions will
always be of same size and size.
▪ It always follows some definite mathematical or physical law, and
corrections can be determined and applied.
▪ This is also called as cumulative error because errors in each step
are accumulated to the final result.
▪ Zero Error(error if the zero point of the graduation of a staff is not exactly
at the base of the staff).
▪ Earth Curvature and Refraction effect
▪ Instrument not correctly adjusted(Collimation error)
Types of error
❑ Random/Compensating/Accidental Error
▪ Random errors are those errors which remains after mistake and
systematic error have been eliminated and are caused by a
combination of reasons beyond the ability of the observer to control.
▪ Some example of random errors during levelling are:
▪ Estimation error during staff reading
▪ Non verticality of staff(levelling rod)
▪ Error due to temperature variation
▪ In a large number of observations, there will be the same number of
errors with a positive sign as there are errors with a negative sign and
compensate each other. Hence, these are also called compensating
errors or accidental errors.
Sources of errors
❑ Error in any measured quantity may be defined as the
difference between the measured and the true values of
that quantity.
▪ Error = Measured value – True value

❑ Even when carefully following established surveying

procedures, observations may still contain errors.
Sources(श्रोत) of errors
❑ Personal errors
▪ Error caused due to personnel carelessness or personal cause is called
personal error
▪ Some of the major personal errors are mentioned as below:
❖ Mistake in setting up the level, focusing the eyepiece and objective
❖ Mistake in holding staff (non verticality of staff)
❖ Error in sighting
❖ Error due to mistakes in recording and computation
❖ Miscommunication between observer and recorder
❖ Fatigue
Sources(श्रोत) of errors
❑ Personal errors
▪ Personal errors can be minimized by:
❖Better Coordination
❖Improving Personal skills
❖Independent check or repeated checking
Sources(श्रोत) of errors
❑ Instrumental errors
▪ Errors caused due to the instrument (like level and staff) and its
adjustment is called instrumental error
▪ Some of the major instrumental errors are mentioned as below:
❖Error due to imperfect adjustment (Collimation error)
❖Error due to sluggish bubble
❖Error due to staff not of standard length (Zero error, Graduation
error)
❖Error due to defective joints of staff
Sources(श्रोत) of errors
❑ Instrumental errors
▪ Correction methods:
❖Calibration of instruments
❖Systematic error so can be mathematically corrected
❖Balancing of sight
Sources(श्रोत) of errors
❑ Natural errors
▪ Errors caused due to natural elements such as wind, temperature
and atmospheric conditions.
▪ Some of the major natural errors are mentioned as below:
❖Error due to earth’s curvature
❖Error due to atmospheric refractions
❖Error due to variations in temperature
❖Error due to settlement of tripod or turning points in loose,
muddy or swampy grounds
❖Error due to wind vibration ( staff not vertical)
Sources(श्रोत) of errors
❑ Natural errors
▪ Correction methods
❖Mathematical corrections
❖Appropriate Planning
Permissible error in different order of
levelling
❑ Permissible error means the limit of error in measurement
under which the errors are allowed.
❑ Maximum permissible error means the extreme value of
measurement error, with respect to a known reference
quantity value, permitted by specification or regulations
for a given measurement, measuring instrument or
measuring system.
❑ Depends on distance and order of leveling work.
Permissible error
Order Tolerance

High Precision/ First 1.1 𝒌 𝒎𝒎

Second 2.0 𝒌 𝒎𝒎

Third 5.0 𝒌 𝒎𝒎
Thank you
ई. प्रितम गरु
ु ङ
जियोमेटिक्स िशिक्षक
सटिद यज्ञश्वर स्मनृ त बिुिाप्रवधधक शिक्षालय