COURSE SITE SURVEYING AND LEVELLING
CLASS CERTIFICATE IN ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGY Tutor:
TECHICIAN CERTIFICATE IN CONSTRUCTION Mr. T. JOOF
Equipment
Dumpy: Function, Features, and Field Applications
Definition
A dumpy level is a traditional optical surveying tool, mounted on a tripod, that uses a t
elescope and bubble level to establish a perfectly horizontal line of sight for precise el
evation measurements, while the staff (leveling staff) is a large, graduated rod (like a r
uler) held vertically on points to be measured.
Functions:
To determining elevation points,
verifying height differences,
facilitating topographical measurements,
Accuracy
This instrument guarantees precision where margin of error is minimal.
Setting a dumpy level
Mount on a Stable Tripod – Ensure the base is securely affixed.
Rough Level Using Screws and Bubble – Position bubble inside the centering.
Allow Compensator to Settle – Wait a few seconds after adjusting.
Sight Through the Eyepiece – Aim at a leveling staff or rod.
Take Readings – Record the vertical intercept.
Application of auto level/ dumpy level
Practical Applications in Civil Engineering
Leveling Ground for Construction
Determining Elevations of Different Points
Road and Highway Grading
Foundation Setting and Layout
Slope Analysis and Drainage Planning
Cost-Effective compared to total stations imitations `
Line-of-Sight Dependency – Cannot function in obstructed terrain
Requires Clear Weather Conditions – Optical precision can falter in fog or rain
Manual Targeting – Needs an assistant with a leveling staff
Maintaining a dumpy level
Store in Dust-Free, Dry Area – Moisture can damage internal optics
Regular Calibration – Compensator needs periodic accuracy checks
Avoid Dropping – Sensitive components may mis align
Clean Optics with Microfiber Cloth Only
Needs to be calibrated at least once every six months depending on usage intensity.
What is the range of an auto level instrument?
Most instruments can accurately sight targets up to 100 but some can exceed 300 meters.
Difference between dumpy and auto level
A dumpy level is a traditional optical surveying tool, mounted on a tripod, that uses a telescop
e and bubble level to establish a perfectly horizontal line of sight for precise elevation measur
ements, while the staff (leveling staff) is a large, graduated rod (like a ruler) held vertically on
points to be measured.
Auto levels offer internal compensators that reduce leveling errors, making them more efficie
nt than manually adjusted dumpy levels.
Auto level bridges the gap between manual error and technical accuracy,
Structural component or parts of the dumpy level
Name Functions
a) Focusing screw To align object, focus and visual sharpness
b) Object lens (glass) Pick object image
c) Horizontal driving screw For Slow rotation or slow motion
d) Eye piece View object image
e) Bubble tube To align the instrument’s level both verti. & horiz.
f) Base plate (Trivet) Base of the instrument that attach to the tripod
g) foot screws Use to calibrate the instrument to equilibrium
h) Compass tribrach
for setting horizontal angle
i) Staff/gauge rod
Graduated rod or ruler
j) Tripod
Support the dumpy
k) Plumb bob
for centering
l) Target pins
For temporal Alignment
m) Mirror Reflection the bubble tube if the machine above eye
level