FIELD REPORT N0 02:

THEME:
DIRECT DIFFERENTIAL OR SPIRIT LEVELING
CASE STUDY: Canadore College

FIELD: Civil Engineering Technician

COURSE NAME: Basic Surveying and Measurement (CIV105)

Written by:
Name: Student ID No:
 ANGE JOH’S BRONDHOL FODJO KONTCHOU
A00153148
 RAMANTY
A00183963
 ABHISHEK A00175881
 SALMANKHAN RATHOD A00194138
 SHARANJIT KAUR A00175902
 DEEP VRAJESHBHAI PATEL A00201080

Under the Supervision of:

Mr. Mounir Naili

Lecturer at Canadore College

 THEME: DIRECT DIFFERENTIAL OR SPIRIT LEVELING

ACADEMIC YEAR 2024-

ABSTRACT
2025

The central purpose of this field course is to introduce the student practical knowledge in
surveying for land measurement and superficial observation. Like a lot of work at our
awesome university and across the state, it was all about measuring distances, angles and
elevations, how things are built or developed on land. Besides, some of the main arguments
raised in this report are that surveying instruments should be accurate; terrain will affect how
measurements turn out and data precision is vital for civil engineering projects. Moreover, the
methods included use of a dumpy level and leveling instruments to measure topographic
features on the land. Following these simple methods, we could measure the elevations as
well boundaries of a site to precision. Furthermore, the insight from this experiment is that
accuracy can make or break your project and mitigate the errors during construction phase.
The literal field practice exposed the validity as precision and accuracy can be achieved in
surveying knowledge that can directly applied to civil engineering tasks

WRITING BY ANGE, ROMANTY, ABHISHEK, SALMANKHAN, SHARANJIT, DEEP

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 THEME: DIRECT DIFFERENTIAL OR SPIRIT LEVELING

INTRODUCTION

A description of the field practice that is going to be done. Students will be involved in basic
surveying tasks as part of their learning activities in this field exercise section of the course as
it focuses on the fundamental measuring methods in civil engineering. Distance measurement,
angles, and vertical clearance are surveying equipment that the profession use simple
theodolites, total stations and level.

Nevertheless, to enhance clarity and precision of field situations the assignments will cover
address data collection methods, error analysis methods, and methods of documenting
observations. Also, the main concept of this field practice is the introduction of students to
practical applications of surveying instruments and techniques in civil engineering work,
construction, and developmental projects.

Moreover, the skills useful in realization of boundaries, Site layout plan, and elevation
profiling as recognized in civil engineering courses will be obtained by the students as they
learn to accurately quantify and analyze spatial information. The following should be
observed by students after completing the field practice. The basic concepts of calibration and
setting of instruments with a view of ensuring that accurate measurements are achieved.

Besides, The effects of measurement fluctuations caused by external conditions, stressing the
importance of error reduction. A basic understanding of geographic data analysis and data
keeping methodology. A connection between surveying theory as a design concept and its
application in the field environment is established.

WRITING BY ANGE, ROMANTY, ABHISHEK, SALMANKHAN, SHARANJIT, DEEP

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 THEME: DIRECT DIFFERENTIAL OR SPIRIT LEVELING

PROCEDURES (METHODS)
This section includes procedural and step by step working instruction of the measurements for
a surveying field practice. It outlines the activities conducted prior to the actual
measurements, positioning of the measuring instruments, ensuring that the measuring
instruments are not damaged, putting into practice the procedures on data taking, which
allows another individual to perform the measurements.

a. Measurement Conduct
Normal surveying equipment were used to make the observations and measurements, and the
method use here are leveling techniques, distance measurement, and angular measurements.
The data was gathered from simple surveying techniques with the aid of a total station, a
leveling instrument and measuring tapes. As a surveyor, it was the position of the smear to
observe, record and adjust all the measurements into the hope of getting closer to the true
results.

b. Details for Replication

i. Prior to the Data Collection Activity
Site Inspection:
The first activity in site layout is the reconnaissance survey with a view to identifying features
of the layout and restriction. This made it easier to determine where the right points where
these instruments would need to be sited.
Map and Plan Review:
Examined if available maps or plans were available with a view of establishing reference
points for the survey.
Weather Conditions:
Since extreme weather conditions impact the measurements directly it was traced and
controlled to reach a higher validity of the results, both present and future weather conditions
were monitored.
ii. Equipment Setup and Leveling
Total Station Setup:

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 THEME: DIRECT DIFFERENTIAL OR SPIRIT LEVELING

Step 1: Set the tripod back down in a stationary position with the hope that should provide
sufficient support or stability.
Step 2: Place the total station on the tripod and tighten the straps or screws to the limit in
which the straps can be turned.
Step 3: Using optical plummet level, the total station to the same height as that of a control
point or the benchmark.
Step 4: If you cannot see the bubble in the middle spin the foot screws to level the instrument
using bubble level.

Leveling Instrument Setup:

Step 1: Position the tripod to the desired place as may be on the roof or at the set height on a
wall as would be preferred.
Step 2: To use it, switch on the hand and place the automatic level on the tripod stand by
switching it on.
Step 3: Leveling screws are to be placed at an angle where the circular level arms point to the
bubble.
Step 4: Expert rapidly achieves crosshair targets, confirmed.
Tapes and Other Equipment:
Make sure that you adjust the measuring tapes without the influence on the ability to give the
right measurements.

iii. Safety Issues

 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
One of the requirements that all the employees should have protective clothing like cap, shoe
WHILES / Reflective vest respectively.
 Equipment Handling:
One should avoid putting more equipment on the surface since this will hinder one from
preventing causalities.
When carrying the instruments make sure they are placed in some protective containers if
they fall on the floor which is abrasive.
 Field Hazards:
Be careful especially on the irregular surfaces as this will cause the tripping experience.
It was observed that surveying near roads requires good control points and may require traffic
signs for security.

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 THEME: DIRECT DIFFERENTIAL OR SPIRIT LEVELING

iv. Data collecting process in fact overall

Survey Points Identification:
First, try to discover control points, which are also existing points on the site of the future
facility.
Taking Measurements:
Distance Measurements: Also, total station or tape should be used in measurement of
distances between two points. The total station takes the reading in digital from while
measurements on the tape should be taken on a flat surface to get the correct reading.
Angular Measurements: Though total station is to be used, the horizontal and the vertical
angles must be taken. Set the initial arm of the instrument to zero and then use the same arm
to take readings to other points.
Elevation Measurements: Use plummet to determine the distances of changes in elevation
from vertical staff points made at different points with the leveling instrument.

Recording Data:
When observing a site, it is best to use a field book or another digital tool to record
measurements directly on-site where they took place involved noting the point number and
description of each measurement as well as the time at which the measuring was done.
Every critical measurement should be checked and verified by personnel to ensure that no
mistakes are made.
As explained earlier, the surveyor must return to perform check measurements on a few
critical points, to confirm the validity of results recorded by comparing the values of distances
or angles recorded in the original measurement with new values Assuming that the above
equipment calibration is checked for accuracy after the data collection process to eliminate
any variance at the survey. Possess equipment calibration checks after data aggregation to
avoid equipment variation during the survey.

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 THEME: DIRECT DIFFERENTIAL OR SPIRIT LEVELING

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

A. LINEAR MEASUREMENTS
All linear measurements distances were different (which were 10 m, 15 m, 20 m, 30 m, 15.6
m for the sides AB, BC, CD, DE and EA, respectively) using the steel tape.

B. LEVELLING
By levelling, we obtained the following data,

STATION BACKSIGHT FORESIGHT

Benchmark 105 m
T.P.1 (upper) 1.305 m 1.280 m
(center) 1.29 m 1.255 m
(lower) 1.265 m 1.230 m
Average 1.286 m 1.255 m

T.P.2 (upper) 1.181 m 1.341 m

(center) 1.145 m 1.304 m
(lower) 1.105 m 1.265 m
Average 1.144 m 1.303 m

T.P.3 (upper) 0.884 m 1.538 m

(center) 0.835 m 1.488 m
(lower) 0.785 m 1.437 m
Average 0.835 m 1.49 m

T.P.4 (upper) 1.460 m 1.423 m

(center) 1.399 m 1.361 m
(lower) 1.337 m 1.301 m
Average 1.398667 m 1.37 m

T.P.5 (upper) 1.729 m 1.004 m

(center) 1.689 m 0.965 m
(lower) 1.650 m 0.928 m
Average 1.69 m 0.9656 m

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 THEME: DIRECT DIFFERENTIAL OR SPIRIT LEVELING

C. DATA ANALYSIS
STATION BACKSIG HEIGHT FORESI ELEVA
HT OF GHT TION
INSTRUM
ENT
T.P.1 (Upper) 1.305 m 106.286 m 1.280 m 105.031
m
(center) 1.29 m 1.255 m
(lower) 1.265 m 1.230 m
Average 1.286 m 1.255 m

T.P.2 (upper) 1.181 m 106.17 m 1.341 m 104.87 m

(center) 1.145 m 1.304 m
(lower) 1.105 m 1.265 m
Average 1.144 m 1.303 m

T.P.3 (Upper) 0.884 m 105.70 m 1.538 m 104.21 m

(center) 0.835 m 1.488 m
(lower) 0.785 m 1.437 m
Average 0.835 m 1.49 m

T.P.4(upper) 1.460 m 105.6146 m 1.423 m 104.25m

(center) 1.399 m 1.361 m
(lower) 1.337 m 1.301 m
Average 1.398667 m 1.37 m

T.P.5(Upper) 1.729 m 105.9345 m 1.004 m 105 m

(center) 1.689 m 0.965 m
(lower) 1.650 m 0.928 m
Average 1.69 m 0.9656 m

SUM(BS) = SUM(FS
6.35367 m )=
6.3836 m
CHECK= 105+6.3537
-
6.3836=105
m

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 THEME: DIRECT DIFFERENTIAL OR SPIRIT LEVELING

D. Statistical analysis, error corrections and recommendations

(a) Elimination of parallax

Parallax is the apparent movement of the image produced by movement of the observer's eye
at the eyepiece. To eliminate this problem, we focus the telescope on infinity and then
adjusting the eyepiece until the crosshairs appear in sharp focus. The setting will remain
constant for a particular observer's eye.

(b) Staff bubbles

These are generally a small circular bubble on an angle plate which is held against one corner
of the staff to ensure that the staff is held in a vertical position. If the staff is not held vertical,
the reading will be too large and may be significantly in error.

A staff bubble shall be always used. If one is not available, the "chainman" (staff operator)
shall rock the staff slowly back and forth about the vertical in a line towards the instrument.
The observer notes the smallest reading which will occur when the staff is vertical.

(c) Field Note Mistakes

To prevent the recording of incorrect values, the instrument man should call out the readings
as

points are read and recorded. This is particularly effective if the rodman is checking the
readings

with a pencil or with a target.

(d) Leveling rod not vertical

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 THEME: DIRECT DIFFERENTIAL OR SPIRIT LEVELING

The instrument man is unable to see easily which way the rod tilts-from him or toward him.
He monitors the sighting for laterally leaning positions by the vertical cross hair of the
instrument. A common procedure is to ask the rodman to hold the rod upright, traveling back
and forth as he records the lowest reading, to ensure error-free. Some surveyors level the rod
with a nose-to-belt method, but this is less favorable. Bubble levels on precise leveling rods
could help sink the rod into a pure vertical position without waving. It is better to wave at a
rounded point, because waving on the edge can induce small errors.

(e) Making Notes.

Transposing figures, entering values in the incorrect column, and arithmetical errors are
examples of recording errors that can be reduced by asking the note keeper to repeat the value
that an observer calls out and by doing the routine field-book checks on rod sums and
increases. Digital levels that gather rod readings automatically and save the values and
calculate the level notes to get rid of these errors.

(f) Touching Tripod or Instrument during the Reading Process.

Novices will turn to touch the dumping level while reading the leveling staff which in turn
deviate the centered bubble from its position. Therefore, the leveling tripod and instrument
should not be touched when reading.

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 THEME: DIRECT DIFFERENTIAL OR SPIRIT LEVELING

CONCLUSIONS

Concludingly, we met the expected findings which was having our last elevation equal to our
benchmark using a dumpy level and steel tape where we gained some practical knowledge on enclosed
leveling even though there were small errors in measurements, parallax errors and improper leveling
techniques that had an impact in the results.

WRITING BY ANGE, ROMANTY, ABHISHEK, SALMANKHAN, SHARANJIT, DEEP

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 THEME: DIRECT DIFFERENTIAL OR SPIRIT LEVELING

APPENDIX

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 THEME: DIRECT DIFFERENTIAL OR SPIRIT LEVELING

Appendix 01: Field note for the enclosed leveling

WRITING BY ANGE, ROMANTY, ABHISHEK, SALMANKHAN, SHARANJIT, DEEP

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