Ground Level

A basic ground-level instrument like this is pretty ‘agricultural’ compared to laser levels with a fibreglass, Aluminum tripod and direct reading rod. A Theodolite is a sophisticated piece of survey equipment. It measures accurately to a millimetre.

This a rough ground level. A rule of thumb, but it can still be helpful.  For instance, I once had a steep property and wanted to place a tank on a high ridge. A small spring fills the tank and water is gravity fed to irrigate an acre of blackcurrants. I used the method below to work out the height (220 metres / 721 feet). This was important to select the correct rating of pressure pipe.

To make a rough ground level, take a piece of board about 12 inches square. Fix this to a piece of timber about 3 feet 6 inches to 4 feet long. Place a cross piece precisely 3 feet or 3 feet 6 inches from the top.  Drive the stand into the soil until the cross piece is at ground-level. This ensures the sight board is always even.

Lay a spirit level on top and make dead level across corners. Sight along your spirit level to the staff. Place markings on the staff in feet and inches (or cms) up to about six feet.

Wherever your line of sight hits the staff, you would have to allow the height of your sight board and level.