
Use of Dumpy level in Surveying:
- The prime reason for performing levelling on a construction site is to make the field level and even.
- To determine the differences in height between two points.
- To measure the height and distance of different locations of surveying land through the principle of relativity.
- To measure following distance amongst various point on the surveying land.
What is a dumpy level?
The dumpy level may be defined as an optical instrument utilized for surveying and leveling operations. It contains a telescope tube, firmly placed between two collars and adjusting screws. The complete instrument is presented by the vertical spindle. The telescope kept on the dumpy level can be rotated along the horizontal plane.
What are the advantages of dumpy level surveying?
Benefits of Dumpy Level Surveying. Dumpy level is easy to use. Adjustments can be made as per the requirement on any type of ground. Level readings are very accurate in case of dumpy level. Optical power is high for dumpy level. Price of dumpy level is cheap when compared to other instruments.
What are the components of a dump level?
Components of Dumpy Level. Dumpy level consists the following parts or components. Telescope. Bubble tubes. Compass. Vertical spindle.
How do you level a dumpy level on a telescope?
Using foot-screws (leveling screws) the dumpy level is set to a leveled condition. Leveling screws should be adjusted until the alignment bubble is in the center of the marker. The operator looks through the eyepiece of the telescope. An assistant holds an E meter or staff vertical at the point under measurement.

What is measured using a dumpy level?
heightA dumpy level, also known as an automatic level or builder's level, is a tool designed to find the height of land masses.
What are the advantages of dumpy level?
Benefits of Dumpy Level SurveyingDumpy level is easy to use.Adjustments can be made as per the requirement on any type of ground.Level readings are very accurate in case of dumpy level.Optical power is high for dumpy level.Price of dumpy level is cheap when compared to other instruments.
Why is a dumpy level so called?
In 1832, English civil engineer and inventor William Gravatt, who was commissioned to examine a scheme for the South Eastern Railway's route from London to Dover, became frustrated with the slow and cumbersome operation of the "Y" level during the survey work, and devised the more transportable, easier-to-use "dumpy" ...
What is the difference between a dumpy level and a theodolite?
The difference between these two machines is in their working. Dumpy level can be used only for vertical measurements while a theodolite functions in both horizontal and vertical measurements.
What is a dumpy level and staff?
The dumpy level is an optical surveying leveling instrument consisting a telescope tube firmly secured in two collars fixed by adjusting screws to the stage by the vertical spindle. The telescope of dumpy level can rotate only in a horizontal plane.
How accurate is a dumpy level?
The primary advantage of using the Dumpy level over other leveling instruments is its greater accuracy. For most Tacheometric methods, a dumpy level is known for high precision values. A dumpy level's accuracy can be as high as 1:4000 for every 100 meters.
Which type of levelling Cannot be done with a dumpy level?
Trigonometric Levelling: In this method, the difference in elevation is determined from the observed vertical angles and measured distances. It is an indirect method of contouring. Dumpy Level cannot measure angles, hence we have to use theodolite.
What are the 3 types of leveling?
Based on the observation points and instrument positions direct leveling is divided into different types as follows: Simple leveling. Differential leveling. Fly leveling.
Can you use a dumpy level by yourself?
Dumpy levels are optical measuring devices that are used for accurate measurements in the same horizontal plane via a precise telescope and bubble level. They can be either manual or automatic in their setup, although both require careful adjustment on the tripod to ensure the instrument is level before use.
Can a dumpy level measure angles?
Auto levels are known for their high standard of accuracy, and while dumpy levels can also measure angles quite accurately, they require more input from the operator to achieve this standard of precision.
How many types of levels are used in surveying?
There are various types of levels such as dumpy level, Y level, cushing's level, tilting level, cooke's reversible level and automatic level instruments for leveling in surveying. The process of measuring vertical distances in surveying is called leveling.
Can a theodolite be used for leveling?
Theodolites can be used to measure elevations, but auto levels will do this more accurately over long distances. An auto level is a professional-grade leveling tool used by builders and surveyors who depend on accurate leveling at every turn.
What is difference between dumpy level and auto level?
In the dumpy level, to level the bubble, one has to keep the bubble parallel to two leveling screws and then right angle to the third screw. In the auto level, the bubble can be adjusted from any side and any angle with any 3 screws available. The line of sight is manually adjusted in the dumpy level.
How do you read a dumpy level reading?
0:056:26How to read a dumpy level staff - SURVEYING TRAINING - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou'll just aim with your one eye make sure that it's centered try and line it up with your staff onMoreYou'll just aim with your one eye make sure that it's centered try and line it up with your staff on the other. Side once it's more or less in line you can now move closer.
What is the best leveling instrument?
Dumpy LevelDumpy Level— This is the most commonly used instrument for leveling. It has a telescope that can't move along its horizontal plane, with a bubble tube that situated at the top.
What is a theodolite used for?
theodolite, basic surveying instrument of unknown origin but going back to the 16th-century English mathematician Leonard Digges; it is used to measure horizontal and vertical angles. In its modern form it consists of a telescope mounted to swivel both horizontally and vertically.
What are the advantages of leveling?
Following are the advantages of levelling: Levelling helps to prevent soil erosion caused by wind or air. It helps in sowing the seeds uniformly, and thus helps the plants to grow uniformly too. It helps in proper irrigation by allowing the water to get distributed uniformly throughout the soil.
What are the advantages of theodolite?
Theodolites with optical instruments have advantages over other layout tools. They have more precise measurements, they are unaffected by wind or other weather factors, and they can be used on both flat ground and sloped ground.
What are the advantages of auto level?
Advantages of Auto Level The auto level has an internal compensator mechanism which automatically adjusts the line of sight. The measurement accuracy of the auto level is higher. Auto level results are very reliable. Ease of use of auto level saves time and money.
Which dumpy level is best?
A decent dumpy level should auto-level to a certain degree although it is worth checking the instrument to see that this is working as expected. Our recommended dumpy levels are the Leica NA700 Range which offers high performance at an affordable price. This range is extremely hard wearing in all site conditions.
What is a dumpy level used for?
Dumpy levels are optical measuring devices that are used for accurate measurements in the same horizontal plane via a precise telescope and bubble level. They can be either manual or automatic in their setup, although both require careful adjustment on the tripod to ensure the instrument is level before use.
When the dumpy level is most suitable?
the instrument is to be shifted frequently. fly levelling is being done over long distance. many readings are to be taken from a single setting of the instrument.
What is the use of auto level and dumpy level?
In the dumpy level, to level the bubble, one has to keep the bubble parallel to two leveling screws and then right angle to the third screw. In the auto level, the bubble can be adjusted from any side and any angle with any 3 screws available. The line of sight is manually adjusted in the dumpy level.
What is dumpy level and use of dumpy level?
What is Dumpy Level? Dumpy level is commonly used leveling instrument to locate the points in same horizontal plane. It is also called as automatic level or builder’s level. Elevations of different points and distance between the points of same elevation can be determined by dumpy level.
What is a dumpy level?
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. Steps.
What is the reference marking on a dumpy level?
While taking a backsite reading (to a reference point), to align the arrow on the measurement ring with the marking on the upper rotating part of the dumpy level (the reference marking is made aligning the focusing line). While taking a foresite reading, the upper part rotates while the ring on which angles are written will not rotate. The reading marked by the reference marking of the upper portion is the horizontal angle between two points.
How to attach a dumpy level to a tripod?
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.
What to do if your dumpy level wobbles?
If the dumpy level wobbles when tapped, tighten the leveling screws to better secure the device.
How to level a bubble leveler?
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.
How to measure a tripod?
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. Then, undo the latches on your tripod’s legs and extend each leg out.
Where is the bubble level on a telescope?
You’ll typically find the bubble level either on top of or below the device’s telescope.
What is Dumpy Level?
The dumpy level is an optical surveying leveling instrument consisting a telescope tube firmly secured in two collars fixed by adjusting screws to the stage by the vertical spindle.
Why do dumpy levels retain their two adjustment?
Due to the rigidity of dumpy levels, it retains its two adjustment for a long time.
Who invented the dumpy level?
Relative elevation of different points of a surveying land is determined with dumpy level. English civil engineer William Gravatt is considered as the inventor of the dumpy level. He invented dumpy level in 1832 while using the conventional Y level. A dumpy level is also called a builder's level, an automatic level.
How to fix a dumpy tripod?
Then, legs of the tripod should be moved to a balanced position to hold the instrument properly. Finally, tripod legs should be fixed by pressing them to the ground.
Components of Dumpy Level
A dumpy level is an instrument that has been used for centuries to help surveyors make precise, accurate measurements of vertical angles. Dumpy levels are now replaced with the use of digital levels.
Limitations of Dumpy Level
1.Correction of dumpy level is done by trial and error method for precise measurements.
Why use dumpy level?
The prime reason for using Dumpy level over other levelling instruments is its accuracy. A dumpy level is known for high accuracy values for most of the Tacheometric methods. The accuracy of a dumpy level can be within 1:4000 for every 100 m.
How does a dumpy level work?
The dumpy level operates on the principle by establishing a visual relationship between two or more points, through an inbuilt telescope and a bubble level. The desirable level of accuracy can be achieved through steps.
What is the Y level called?
It is also called through various names such as Surveyors levels, Builders level, Dumpy level or even its pre-historic version “Y (Wye) Level”.
Why do we level a construction site?
To determine the differences in height between two points. To measure the height and distance of different locations of surveying land through the principle of relativity.
Who invented the dumpy level?
The dumpy level was invented by Willian Gravatt, in 1832. Being a civil engineer, he invented the dumpy level while using Y (Wye) level instrument. Contents [ show] About Dump Level Instrument:-. Principle of Dumpy Level Instrument: Accuracy of Dumpy level over other levelling instruments: Use of Dumpy level in Surveying:
Is Dumpy level a versatile instrument?
Despite being such a versatile instrument, Dumpy level even has some limitation s. These limitations minimise the application to a certain extent .
What is Dumpy Level?
Dumpy level is commonly used leveling instrument to locate the points in same horizontal plane. It is also called as automatic level or builder’s level. Elevations of different points and distance between the points of same elevation can be determined by dumpy level. 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.
What is a leveling head?
Leveling head is also called as trivet. It contains two triangular shaped plates which are arranged parallel to each other. Three groves are provided at the three corners of the plates in which foot screws are supported.
How to level tribrach?
Foot screws are provided to regulate the tribrach position and hence the instrument can be leveled which is known by observing the bubble tube. The tribrach plates can be lowered or raised using foot screws. The position of tribrach is said to be correct when the bubble in bubble tube is at center.
What is a tripod used for?
Tripod. Tripod is used to support the whole leveling instrument on its top. It consists three legs which can be adjustable to required position. The legs are of same height and they may be solid or hollow. Steel shoes are provided at the bottom of each leg to hold the ground in a fixed position.
Is dumpy level easy to use?
Dumpy level is easy to use. Adjustments can be made as per the requirement on any type of ground. Level readings are very accurate in case of dumpy level. Optical power is high for dumpy level. Price of dumpy level is cheap when compared to other instruments.
