This traditional builder's and surveyor's tool consists of a short telescope equipped with crosshairs and a spirit bubble, mounted solidly on a leveling head. Because the telescope cannot tilt vertically, it can only sweep in a flat horizontal plane once leveled. It is highly durable and holds its calibration well, making it a reliable workhorse for transferring elevations and setting benchmarks.
Set up the dumpy level on that ridge so we can transfer the benchmark elevation down into the trench.
Always check that the circular bubble stays centered when you rotate the instrument 180 degrees; if it drifts, the compensator or bubble needs adjustment.
Also heard as
- builder's level
Related terms
Leveling
The process of measuring elevation differences between points on the earth's surface.
Level staff
A graduated measuring rod used with a leveling instrument to determine elevation differences.
Bench
A permanent bracket or mark used as a stable reference point for elevation.
Backsight
A reading taken on a point of known coordinates or elevation to establish a reference direction.