Surveying Instruments

The engineer’s level, often called the dumpy level, is the instrument most commonly used to attain the level line of sight required for differential leveling, which is defined later. The dumpy level and the self-leveling level can be mounted for use on a tripod, usually with adjustable legs, shown in Figure 12.

Mount the level by engaging threads at the base of the instrument, called the footplate, with the threaded head on the tripod. These levels are the ones most frequently used in ordinary leveling projects. For rough leveling, use the hand level.