Trigonometric Levelling

An indirect method to get height and levels

using trigonometric relations

Trigonometric Levelling
Compute difference in elevation by
measurements
Compute distance by measurements
It is the process of determining the elevations
of objects from observed vertical angles and
horizontal distances.
A theodolite, a levelling staff and a measuring
tape may be used for this purpose.

Principle of Trigonometry
Height and Distances are measured using
the principles of Plane Surveying.
Using these observations Heights and
Distances of associated objects are
computed.

Vertical Distance

VAB

Slope Distance

SAB

Horizontal Distance
HAB
A

Concept of Trigonometric Levelling

Based on solution of right triangle

V S sin or V H tan

Elev C Elev A V
S

Trigonometric Levelling
Elevation of A is Known (BM)
To find out elevation of B, take Staff reading at an
angle
As before: V = H tan
r = BC (central wire reading)

ElevB = ElevA + AD + V - r
S

V
B
E

BM

Trigonometric Levelling
Instrument Stations and Object in Same Vertical Plane
Take Staff reading at Point E as r. Bisect top of Tower and note
angle 1. Shift Theodolite at distance d in line with the Tower.
Bisect top of Tower again and note angle 2.
r = Central wire reading
Elev of Top of Tower. = ElevF + r + V

V = D tan1 = (D+d) tan2

D = d tan 2 /(tan 1 - tan 2)

V= d tan 1 tan 2 /(tan 1 - tan 2)

D1

D2
r

H
A1
D

A2

F
BM

Trigonometric Levelling
Instrument Stations and Object in Same Vertical Plane
Take Staff reading at Point E as r1. Bisect top of Tower and note angle 1.
Shift Theodolite at distance d in line with the Tower. Again take Staff reading
at point E as r2, and bisect top of Tower to note angle 2.
1. Elev of Top of Tower. = ElevF + r1 + V1
V1 = D tan1

2. Elev of Top of Tower. = ElevF + r2 + V2

V2 = (D+d) tan2 = V1 + r1 r2 = D tan 1 + r1 r2

V1

D = r1 - r2 d tan2 /(tan2 - tan1)

V2

Take mean of both the elevations

H
D

D1

D2

A1

r1
r2

A2

F BM

Trigonometric Levelling
Instrument Stations and Object in Different Vertical Planes
Take Staff reading at Point E as r1. Bisect top of Tower and note vertical angle 1
and horizontal angle BA1 A2 (say 1). Shift Theodolite at distance d anywhere on the
ground. Again take Staff reading at point E as r2, and bisect top of Tower to note
vertical angle 2 and horizontal angle BA2 A1 (say 2).
Elev of Top of Tower = ElevF + r1 + V1

V1 = H1 tan1
Elev of Top of Tower = ElevF + r2 + V2
V2 = H2 tan2

V1

Compute A1BA2 (say 3). = {1800 (1 + 2)}

V2

B
E

H1

D1
D2

H2

A2

A1
d

r1
r2
F BM

Computation

D1
1

H1
TRIANGLE ON PLAN
(GROUND)

H2

H1 / sin 2 = d / sin 3
Compute H1
V1 = H1 tan1 = d sin 2 tan1/ sin 3
Similarly H2 / sin 1 = d / sin 3
V2 = H2 tan2 = d sin 1 tan2/ sin 3
Take the mean of both the values

D2

Zenith

HT
SD

Pt. A

VD

VA

Z
HI

Pt. 1

HI
HD

END