A dumpy level, also known as an automatic level or builder’s level, is a tool designed to find

the height of land masses. Though these devices may look intimidating or confusing, dumpy
levels are fairly easy to use once you know how to set them up and what kinds of measurements
they provide.

Part1

Setting up Your Level

1. Find a benchmark location near the spot you want to measure. A benchmark location is
a spot that you already know the height of thanks to previous land surveys. In order to get the
most accurate data out of your dumpy level, you’ll need to search online and find a benchmark
location located close to the spot you want to measure.

2. Set your tripod up near the spot you want to measure. Place your tripod on a patch of
flat, clear ground that sits between your benchmark location and the spot you want to measure.
3. Connect your device to the tripod and position it over 2 leveling screws. Screw your
dumpy level onto the tripod’s base plate, then connect the base plate to the main tripod body.
Once the instrument is securely attached, turn the dumpy level’s telescope so that it sits parallel
with 2 of the device’s leveling screws.

4. Level the device by adjusting the 2 leveling screws. Look for a traditional bubble level
located somewhere on your device. When you find it, grab the 2 leveling screws that are parallel
to the device’s telescope and twist them in opposite directions. Do this until the bubble sits in
the exact center of the level.

• For the best results, turn the screws with an even amount of force and pressure.

• You’ll typically find the bubble level either on top of or below the device’s
telescope.
5. Turn your telescope 90 degrees and adjust the third leveling screw. After adjusting your
first 2 leveling screws, turn your telescope approximately 90 degrees so that it sits parallel to
the device’s third leveling screw. Then, adjust this screw until the bubble once again sits in the
center of the level.

• Vintage dumpy levels often have 4 leveling screws instead of 3. If this is the
case for your device, adjust the second pair of screws just like you adjusted the
first pair.

6. Check your level’s calibration by turning it 180 degrees. After making your initial
leveling adjustments, return your telescope to its starting position and check that the bubble
still sits in the center of the level. If it does, turn the telescope 180 degrees and check the level
again. You can focus the device once all 3 positions show the bubble in the center of the level.
If the bubble is not centered in any of the 3 positions, repeat the leveling process until it is.
Part2

Focusing Your Level

1. Remove your dumpy level’s lens cap. The lens cap protects your device’s lens from
unwanted dirt, grime, and debris. To avoid damaging your instrument, leave the lens cap on
until you’re ready to use the device.

• If your lens is dirty, wipe it down with a pre-moistened lens wipe. You can find
these at most camera stores and a number of big-box stores.

2. Adjust the eyepiece until you can see the device’s crosshairs. Place a sheet of paper or a
similar object directly in front of your device’s lens to occupy its entire field of vision. Then,
turn the eyepiece’s focusing knob until you can clearly see the dumpy level’s crosshairs.

• When finished, your crosshairs should appear dark, sharp, and easily noticeable.
3. Twist the device’s focusing knob until the image is clear. Once you can see the crosshairs,
point your device’s telescope toward your benchmark spot. Look for a large, distinct object in
the area, such as a tree or hilltop, then twist your device’s primary focusing knob until the
object comes into focus.

• If you’re having trouble focusing, ask a friend or colleague to hold an E staff

Taking a Measurement

1. Position a Level staff on top of your benchmark spot. Have a follower hold the staff on
top of your benchmark spot.

2. Find the height difference between your level and the benchmark spot. Look through
your dumpy level’s telescope and locate the Level staff. Then, record the measurement
indicated by your device’s center, horizontal crosshair. This measurement is known as your
backsight.
3. Calculate your level’s actual height using the benchmark height. Once you have your
backsight measurement, add it to your benchmark location's actual height. This will give you
the current height of your dumpy level’s telescope.

4. Find the height difference between your level and the unmeasured spot. Move your level
staff so it sits directly on top of the spot you want to measure. Use your device’s telescope to
find the staff, then record whatever number the device’s center, horizontal cross hair sits over.

• This measurement is known as your foresight.

• If necessary, adjust your eyepiece’s focusing knob until you can see the staff.

• If the spot is too high or far away for you to measure, move your staff to a lower,
closer spot first. Find the height of this new spot, then move your dumpy level
to it and restart the measuring process.
5. Calculate the spot’s actual height using your level’s height. Unlike with your previous
calculation, you’ll need to subtract your foresight measurement from your dumpy level’s actual
height. This will give you the height of the spot you measured.

• When your record this height, make sure to include a thorough description or
diagram of the spot you measured. That way, if you return to the area, you’ll be
able to find the measured spot easily.