RECIPROCAL LEVELING
Reciprocal leveling is employed to determine the difference in elevation between two
points when it is difficult or impossible to keep backsights and foresights short and equal
In this method, two sets of rod readings are observed, (1) one set is taken with the
instrument set up close to one point, and (2) another with the instrument set up close to
the other point.
Considering the Figure 1 below, the equations to obtain the difference in elevation are the
following
DEA = (a – b) and DEB = (a’ – b’)
TDE = (DEA + DEB)/2 = [(a - b) + (a’ – b’)]/2
Elev. BM2 = Elev. BM1  TDE
where:
DEA = the mean difference in elevation between A and B with level at left
DEB = the mean difference in elevation between A and B with level at right
TDE = the true mean difference in elevation between A and B
b’
a’
a
b
TDE
B
A
Figure 1. Reciprocal leveling
Procedure:
1. Set two hubs either on the 2nd or 3rd floors of the Velasco and La Salle Buildings
and call these the BM1 and BM2, respectively. The elevation of BM2 is to be
determined while the elevation of BM1 is known or assumed to be 10.000 meters
above see level. Also, imagine that the football field between the Velasco and La
Salle Buildings is an intervening deep ravine or wide river.
2. Set up and level very carefully the instrument at point A at Velasco Building (3rd
floor) near BM1.
3. Take and record a series of three consecutive backsight rod readings on BM1 and
six consecutive foresight rod readings on BM2.
4. Move the instrument to point B at La Salle Building (3rd floor) which is on the
opposite side of the imaginary ravine and near BM2, set up, and level the
instrument carefully.
5. From the new set up, take and record three consecutive foresight rod readings on
BM2 and six consecutive backsight rod readings on BM1.
6. Tabulate observed and computed values accordingly. Refer to the accompanying
sample format for the tabulation of field data.
Instrument Set Up Near BM1
Station
B.S.
F.S.
Instrument Set Up Near BM2
Station
F.S.
B.S.
BM1
(a)
BM2
(b’)
BM2
(b)
BM1
(a’)
Sum
Mean
Sum
Mean
Data Analysis:
Conclusion and Recommendations: