Surveying For the Homestead

(Page 2 of 6)

September/October 1975
By Aimee Gelwick  
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Now sight a stake and focus in the telescope's cross hairs by adjusting the eyepiece. Then use the objective focus knob to bring the marker's top into clear view. RECHECK THE BUBBLE at that time and—if it gives a satisfactory reading—drive in the corner stake until the string is in line with the horizontal cross hair.

Next turn the telescope and follow the string to about the center of its length on one side of the foundation ... and pound in the next corner marker until the cord lines up with the level's cross hair. INSPECT THE BUBBLE ONCE MORE, continue sighting along the string to the stake and check its level with the instrument. Refocusing should allow you to adjust all the markers in the same way without moving the tripod. (If the foundation is very large, you'll find it helpful to place an extra stake at the midpoint of each side.)

The level can also be used to solve problems of relative elevation. You might, for instance, want to know the comparative heights of your property's corners in order to avoid building that new cabin in a low area where flooding might later be a hazard. The principle is the same as before, but this time instead of the stakes alone—you'll need a target rod and a friend to hold it for you.

Set up the sighting instrument as I've described, above and between the first two corners you want to compare. Then, while your helper holds the rod on a stake driven into the ground at one corner, focus on the target and read the height of the marking which is directly in line with the level's cross hair. Have the radioman tilt the indicator backward and forward slightly to make sure you're recording the lowest reading.

If the rod is too low to be seen, signal your assistant to raise it. This is done by setting the target on point 7.00 and loosening the rod's side screw so that you can extend the measure (see Fig. 9). Then the top half of the device can be raised and lowered until you sight the target on the cross hair. Read the vernier scale located to the side of the target face if you want to get your accuracy down to hundredths of a foot.

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