Russell Lito B.
Lingad
BSGE 3
Dumpy Level
Commonly used leveling instrument to locate the points in same horizontal
plane. The telescope is fixed to its supports in dumpy level and hence it cannot be
rotated in vertical axis. It is invented by William Gravatt in 1832.
Parts of Dumpy Level
Focusing Screw
Eye Piece
Object Glass
Bubble Tube
Shade
Compass
Foot Screws
Foot Plate
Definitions
Eye Piece - Eye piece is used by the observer’s eye to view the distant object. It
contains magnifying glass which magnify the observing image
Object Glass - are provided at the other end of the telescope. The objective lens
consists of two parts, the front part consists convex type lens and the back part
consists concave lens.
Focusing Screw - Focusing screw is used to adjust the focus if cross hairs and the
image clarity. The magnification of eye piece is managed by this focusing screw.
Shade - shade is used to prevent the objective lens from sunlight or any other light
rays which may cause disturbance to the line of sight.
Bubble Tube - Bubble tubes are provided to check the level of the instrument.
Compass - Compass is used to determine the magnetic bearing of line.
Foot Plate – Foot plate is where the instrument is placed or based.
Foot Screws – Foot screws are used in regulating and proper positioning of the
bubble in the bubble tube.
Tripod - Tripod is used to support the whole leveling instrument on its top. It
consists three legs which can be adjustable to required position.
Poles - held upright and used with a surveying instrument to measure differences in
elevation
Procedures in setting up the instrument:
1. Spread the legs of the tripod.
2. Step and put some weight in one of the legs to fix it into the ground.
Fixed
3. Use the other two legs to determine the most convenient position.
Control
4. Lock the tripod.
5. Set up and lock the dumpy level on top of the tripod.
6. Use any two foot screws to center the bubble by turning both
inwards or outwards.
7. Adjust the focusing screw to view the clear image of the objective.
8. Now it’s ready to use and take levels of required points.
Benefits of Using Dumpy Level
• Easy to use
• Easy adjustments in any ground
• Accurate readings
• Cheaper price compared to other instruments
Disadvantage in Using Dumpy Level
• Limited only in horizontal angle measurement
• Not really accurate angle measurements.