Surveying 1 - Introduction to leveling

Summary

In this 'How To' video by OTEN, Jason and headteacher David demonstrate the setup and use of an automatic level at the Narimba Campus. They explain the components, including the tripod and staff, and show the process of setting up the tripod, placing the instrument, and leveling it using the dome top and levelling screws. The video also highlights the features of the automatic level and emphasizes the importance of careful handling and setup for accurate readings in building site applications.

Takeaways

• 🏫 Jason introduces the video as part of a series by OTEN, a major provider of online and distance education for TAFE New South Wales.
• 📚 The video's purpose is to demonstrate the setup and use of an automatic level, a common tool on building sites.
• 👋 Dave, the headteacher, will be the one demonstrating the automatic level's setup and use.
• 🔬 The automatic level consists of three main components: the level itself, a tripod, and a staff used for taking readings.
• 🔧 Tripods come in two types: dome top and flat top, with the automatic level typically using a dome top tripod.
• 💡 The tripod must be placed firmly and leveled, with the instrument secured on top using a screw and leveled using the tripod's features.
• 🔭 The automatic level has several features including a telescope, eyepiece, crosshairs, focus screw, and fine adjustment screw.
• 🎯 The bullseye level and prism are used to ensure the instrument is leveled and to view the target from a horizontal direction.
• 🚫 The automatic level is sensitive and requires careful handling to avoid damage and maintain accuracy.
• 👀 The level should ideally be set up at eye height for ease of use and to prevent adjustments from being disturbed.
• 🚶‍♂️ When moving around the level, care must be taken not to apply pressure to the tripod or surrounding ground, which could affect leveling.
• 📝 The next step in the demonstration will be showing how to take a reading through the automatic level.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the 'How To' videos created by OTEN?

The 'How To' videos created by OTEN are intended to demonstrate various techniques and procedures, such as site surveying and the use of a level, to provide practical knowledge for TAFE New South Wales students and others interested in these skills.

What is the full form of OTEN?

OTEN stands for the Western Sydney Institute, which is the largest provider of online and distance education and training for TAFE New South Wales.

What type of tripod is generally used with an automatic level?

A dome top tripod is generally used with an automatic level, as it allows for easier leveling of the instrument.

How should the tripod legs be placed when setting up an automatic level?

The tripod legs should be placed firmly in the ground, ensuring that the top of the tripod is level.

What is the purpose of the bubble in the leveling process of the automatic level?

The bubble is used to check the levelness of the instrument. It should be centered in the circle when the instrument is properly leveled.

What are the three components necessary for the use of an automatic level?

The three components necessary for the use of an automatic level are the automatic level itself, the tripod it sits on, and the staff used when taking a reading.

What is the function of the crosshairs within the telescope of an automatic level?

The crosshairs within the telescope of an automatic level help the user to focus on and align with a specific target or point when taking a reading.

How should the instrument be transported to ensure its safety?

The instrument should be transported in its case, well secured, to prevent any damage from drops or impacts.

What is the recommended height for setting up the automatic level?

The automatic level should ideally be set up at eye-height to facilitate easy reading and operation.

Why is it important not to place pressure on the tripod legs when moving around the instrument?

Placing pressure on the tripod legs can push the level out of adjustment, affecting the accuracy of the readings taken with the automatic level.

What is the purpose of the prism in the automatic level?

The prism in the automatic level allows the user to view the bullseye target from the horizontal direction, aiding in precise leveling.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Introduction to Site Surveying with a Level

This paragraph introduces the video's theme: a tutorial on site surveying using a level. Jason from OTEN, the Western Sydney Institute, explains that the video series is part of a 'How To' series on site surveying techniques. The video is set at the Narimba Campus and features headteacher David, who will demonstrate the setup and use of an automatic level, a common tool on building sites.

🛠 Setting Up the Automatic Level and Tripod

The second paragraph focuses on the setup process of the automatic level. David explains the three main components: the automatic level itself, the tripod, and the staff used for taking readings. He demonstrates how to place the tripod, which can be either a dome top or flat top, with a preference for the dome top when using an automatic level. The legs must be firmly placed and the top leveled. The automatic level is then mounted on the tripod using a screw, and the instrument is leveled using the dome top or leveling screws. The importance of careful handling and transportation of the sensitive equipment is also emphasized.

🔍 Exploring the Automatic Level's Features

This paragraph delves into the features of the automatic level, including the telescope with its optics, the eyepiece with crosshairs for viewing, and the focus screw for bringing targets into focus. It also mentions the fine adjustment or fine tangent screw for making minute adjustments to the level's direction. Additionally, the bullseye level for instrument leveling and the prism for horizontal viewing are highlighted. David stresses the need for careful setup at eye height and the avoidance of pressure on the tripod legs to maintain the level's accuracy.

📏 Demonstrating the Reading Process

In the final paragraph provided, David prepares to show how to take a reading through the automatic level. Although the detailed process of reading is not included in the input, it is implied that the next steps will involve using the level's features to accurately measure and record data on the building site.

Keywords

💡Jason

Jason is the presenter in the video script, likely a representative of OTEN, the Western Sydney Institute. He introduces the video and interacts with David, the headteacher, to demonstrate the setup and use of an automatic level. Jason's role is crucial as he guides the viewers through the tutorial, making him a key character in the educational content of the video.

💡OTEN

OTEN stands for the Western Sydney Institute, which is described as the largest provider of online and distance education and training for TAFE New South Wales. It is the educational institution responsible for creating the 'How To' videos, including the one on site surveying with a level, which is the focus of the video script.

💡Site Surveying

Site surveying is the process of measuring and mapping the physical and biological features of the Earth's surface. In the context of the video, it refers to the practical application of using a level for construction or land surveying purposes. The video script demonstrates the use of an automatic level, a key tool in site surveying.

💡Automatic Level

An automatic level is a type of surveying instrument used to establish a horizontal line of sight for measurement purposes. It is central to the video's theme as it is the main tool being demonstrated by David. The automatic level ensures accuracy in construction projects by providing a reference for leveling.

💡Tripod

A tripod is a three-legged stand used to support the automatic level during the surveying process. The video script mentions two types of tripods, the dome top and the flat top, with the former being preferred for use with an automatic level. The tripod's stability is essential for accurate readings.

💡Dome Top

The dome top is a specific type of tripod head that is used to support surveying instruments like the automatic level. In the script, it is mentioned as the preferred choice for setting up the automatic level because it allows for easier leveling of the instrument by rotating it over the dome until the bubble is centered.

💡Leveling

Leveling refers to the process of making the surveying instrument, in this case, the automatic level, perfectly horizontal. The script describes how to level the instrument using the tripod's dome top and leveling screws, ensuring that the bubble within the instrument is centered, which is crucial for accurate readings.

💡Telescope

The telescope is a part of the automatic level that contains the optics necessary for the surveyor to view the target. It is mentioned in the script as having crosshairs to help the user focus on the target and make precise measurements. The telescope is integral to the functionality of the automatic level.

💡Crosshairs

Crosshairs are the intersecting lines within the telescope's eyepiece that help the surveyor to aim and focus on a specific point. They are an essential feature of the automatic level's telescope, allowing for precise alignment and measurement as demonstrated in the script.

💡Focus Screw

The focus screw is used to adjust the clarity of the image seen through the telescope of the automatic level. By adjusting the focus screw, the surveyor can bring the target into sharp focus, which is vital for obtaining accurate measurements, as mentioned in the script.

💡Fine Tangent Screw

The fine tangent screw is a small adjustment tool on the automatic level that allows for minute adjustments to the direction of the level. This feature is important for achieving the highest level of precision in the surveying process, as it enables the surveyor to make subtle corrections to the line of sight.

💡Bullseye Level

The bullseye level is a component of the automatic level used to ensure that the instrument itself is level. It is mentioned in the script as a feature that helps in leveling the instrument to the tripod. The bullseye level provides a visual confirmation of the instrument's horizontal alignment.

💡Prism

A prism is an optical device used in conjunction with the automatic level to reflect light from the bullseye target, allowing the surveyor to view it from a horizontal direction. The script describes its role in the setup process, emphasizing its importance in achieving accurate readings.

Highlights

Introduction to OTEN and its role as the largest provider of online and distance education and training for TAFE New South Wales.

Overview of the series of 'How To' videos on site surveying, including using a level.

Demonstration of the use of an automatic level on a building site by headteacher David.

Explanation of the three components involved in using an automatic level: the level itself, the tripod, and the staff.

Different types of tripods: dome top and flat top, with a preference for dome top tripods with automatic levels.

Proper placement and leveling of the tripod legs firmly in the ground.

Setting up the automatic level on the tripod using a screw and leveling it with the dome top.

Using levelling screws to adjust the instrument if it cannot be leveled on the dome top.

Technique for aligning the telescope axis with the levelling screws for precise leveling.

Checking the level's accuracy by rotating the instrument and ensuring the bubble remains centered.

Description of the automatic level's features including the telescope, eyepiece, crosshairs, and focus screw.

Importance of the fine adjustment or fine tangent screw for making small directional adjustments.

Function of the bullseye level and prism in leveling the instrument and viewing the target horizontally.

Caution regarding the sensitive nature of the automatic level and the need for careful handling and transportation.

Recommendation to set up the level at eye height for optimal use and readability.

Advice on avoiding pressure on tripod legs to prevent the level from going out of adjustment.

Guidelines for moving around the tripod without causing the instrument to go out of level.

Introduction to the next segment on how to take a reading through the automatic level.

Transcripts

♪ (upbeat music throughout) ♪

Hi, I'm Jason from OTEN, Western Sydney Institute,

the largest provider of online and distance education and training

for TAFE New South Wales.

OTEN has created a series of 'How To' videos

on site surveying, using a level.

Today we're at the [Narimba Campus],

demonstrating the use of a level with headteacher David.

- How are you, Dave? - Hi, Jason.

So, what are we going to be going through today?

Jason, today I'm going to demonstrate the setup and use of the automatic level,

commonly used on building sites.

Great, well I'll leave you to it then!

Thank you.

Ok, the automatic level is one levelling instrument

used on a building site.

And there's basically three components in its use.

There's the automatic level itself,

the tripod on which it sits,

and when we take a reading, that's to the staff.

I'm now going to demonstrate the setup of the level

and first we're going to place the tripod.

Tripods come in two types.

Firstly, there's this one, the dome top.

And there's also a flat top.

With the automatic level, we generally use a dome top tripod.

The tripod legs have to be placed firmly in the ground

and we try and keep the top of the tripod level.

The instrument's then removed from its case,

and placed on top of the tripod.

And it's fixed by a screw from underneath.

So, we can level the instrument using the dome top

by loosening the screw and moving it over the dome top,

until the bubble is in the middle of the circle.

In the event we can't level it on the dome top,

then we have to use the levelling screws.

To do that, we need to place

the axis of the telescope parallel to the line between two levelling screws.

Then by turning the levelling screws both in, or both out,

never in the same direction,

we bring the bubble adjacent to the centre of the circle.

We then rotate the instrument 90 degrees,

and use the third levelling screw

to bring the bubble into the middle of the circle.

We can then check just by rotating the instrument

around through a few locations,

to check that the bubble remains in the circle.

These are the features of the automatic level.

First we have the telescope,

which contain the optics for the level.

The eyepiece, which we view through,

and within those, we have some crosshairs.

This is the focus screw, to bring our target into focus.

And here we have a fine adjustment or fine tangent screw,

to make very small adjustments to the direction of the level.

Sitting on here we have the bullseye level which we level the instrument to.

And here we have a prism,

which allows us to view that bullseye target

from the horizontal direction.

The automatic level is a sensitive piece of equipment

which must be cared for.

The instrument can't be dropped,

and must be transported in its case, well secured.

When setting up the level,

ideally you will set it up at eye-height, not as I'm demonstrating now

where I have to stoop down to read through the level.

When moving around the instrument,

be careful not to place any pressure or put your weight on the tripod legs.

This will push the level out of adjustment.

And when moving around the tripod, make sure we don't trip over the legs.

And even placing pressure on soft ground adjacent to one of the legs

may cause the instrument to go out of level.

Thanks, Dave.

So, what we've just seen is setting up the tripod,

placing the instrument,

and then leveling the instrument.

So, what are we going to see next, Dave?

Jason, now I need to show you how to take a reading

through the instrument.