How to Use an Auto Level Machine Step by Step
Accurate leveling is one of the most important jobs in construction and land surveying. Proper use of an auto level minimizes costly mistakes and provides accurate elevation readings when you are building a residential home, paving roads or doing infrastructure work.
The auto level is one of the most common surveying instruments, it is easy to operate, highly accurate and suitable for beginners as well as professionals. This makes the surveying process quicker and more reliable . Unlike manual leveling instruments , an auto level will automatically compensate for small tilts .
This guide will teach you how to use an auto level step-by-step, as well as introduce you to its main components, common mistakes and where it is commonly used.
What is an Auto Level?
Auto level is an optical instrument used in surveying to determine the difference in height between two or more points. It provides a perfectly horizontal line of sight . Surveyors use it to accurately determine ground elevations .
The instrument is much easier to use than traditional leveling equipment because of its automatic compensator which can correct small tilts after a coarse leveling.
It is commonly used in:
- Building construction
- Road and highway projects
- Railway construction
- Bridge construction
- Land surveying
- Drainage projects
- Landscaping
- Irrigation systems
Parts of an Auto Level Machine
Before using an auto level, it’s important to understand its main components.
Telescope
The telescope allows you to clearly view the leveling staff from a distance.
Eyepiece
The eyepiece helps adjust the crosshairs according to your eyesight for a clear view.
Objective Lens
This lens collects light and produces a sharp image of the leveling staff.
Focusing Knob
Used to remove blur and bring the staff markings into focus.
Bubble Level
Helps perform the initial leveling before the automatic compensator takes over.
Foot Screws
Three leveling screws are used to center the bubble accurately.
Automatic Compensator
The most important component of the instrument is the automatic compensator. It automatically maintains a horizontal line of sight after rough leveling.
Equipment You'll Need
Before starting your survey, prepare the following equipment:
- Auto Level
- Tripod Stand
- Levelling Staff
- Field Book or Notebook
- Pencil
- Measuring Tape (Optional)
How to Use an Auto Level Step by Step
Step 1: Choose a Stable Location
Select a flat and stable area where the tripod can stand firmly. Avoid soft soil, loose gravel, or vibrating surfaces that could affect the accuracy of your measurements.
Step 2: Set Up the Tripod
Spread the tripod legs evenly and press them firmly into the ground. Adjust the height so that the auto level is comfortable to use while standing.
A stable tripod is essential for accurate surveying.
Step 3: Mount the Auto Level
Attach the auto level securely to the tripod using the mounting screw.
Make sure the instrument is firmly fixed but avoid over-tightening.
Step 4: Perform Rough Leveling
Check the circular bubble on the instrument.
Adjust the tripod legs until the bubble is approximately centered.
This is only the first stage of leveling. The automatic compensator will correct small remaining errors.
Step 5: Fine Level the Instrument
Use the three foot screws to move the bubble exactly to the center.
Rotate the instrument slightly and verify that the bubble remains centered from different directions.
Once the bubble stays centered, the instrument is ready for use.
Step 6: Focus the Eyepiece
Look through the eyepiece and rotate it until the crosshairs appear sharp and clear.
Doing this first helps eliminate eye strain and improves accuracy.
Step 7: Focus the Telescope
Aim the telescope toward the leveling staff.
Use the focusing knob until the staff markings become perfectly clear.
Step 8: Check for Parallax
Move your eye slightly while looking through the telescope.
If the crosshairs appear to move across the staff, adjust the focus again.
Removing parallax ensures accurate readings.
Step 9: Take the First Reading
Ask your assistant to hold the leveling staff vertically on the benchmark or starting point.
Read the value where the horizontal crosshair intersects the staff.
Record the reading carefully in your field notebook.
Step 10: Measure Additional Points
Move the leveling staff to the next survey points while keeping the instrument in the same position.
Record each reading one by one.
These measurements allow you to compare the elevation of different locations on the site.
Step 11: Move the Instrument if Required
Once all visible points have been measured, shift the auto level to another location.
Repeat the same setup process to continue surveying the remaining area.
Simple Example
Say you’re surveying the foundation of a new building.
First, set up your leveling staff on the benchmark and take a reading.
Then go to other corners of the foundation and take each measurement.
From these readings you can tell if the ground is level or some parts need filling or digging out.
This is a simple process that is done on almost every construction project.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced surveyors can make mistakes if proper procedures are not followed.
Some common errors include:
- Setting up the tripod on unstable ground
- Ignoring the bubble level
- Reading the staff incorrectly
- Not removing parallax
- Allowing the leveling staff to lean
- Moving the tripod after leveling
- Using a dirty lens
- Skipping regular instrument calibration
Avoiding these mistakes will improve both speed and accuracy.
Applications of an Auto Level
An auto level is used across many industries because of its reliability and precision.
Some of its common applications include:
- Foundation leveling
- Road construction
- Bridge construction
- Railway alignment
- Pipeline installation
- Canal construction
- Land surveying
- Site grading
- Landscaping
- Drainage planning
Maintenance Tips
Proper care will extend the life and accuracy of your instrument.
Always: *
- Put the instrument back in its carrying case.
- Keep the lenses clean .
- Don’t drop your instrument.
- Keep dry and dust free. Keep it dry.
- Calibration – test often.
- Move it carefully from project site to project site.
Auto Level vs Total Station
Auto level is a surveying instrument used to determine the elevation of points and elevation differences between points.
However, today surveying projects often require additional capabilities such as measuring distances, angles and coordinates.
The Total Station is the best solution for these advanced applications as it combines many functions of a survey instrument in a single instrument.
Why Choose a Sokkia Auto Level?
The Sokkia Auto Level is recognized for its superb optical quality, robust construction and dependable accuracy. It is used extensively by professional surveyors and civil engineers on projects where consistent performance is required under varying site conditions.
When Should You Use a Robotic Total Station?
For large infrastructure and engineering projects, an auto level is generally not accurate or fast enough. A robotic total station can be operated by a single person, automatically tracks targets, and collects advanced digital data. Perfect for complex surveying applications.
Auto Level FAQ
Auto levels are instruments used in construction and land surveying for the accurate measurement of height differences and establishing level points.
Yes. Easy to operate thanks to its automatic compensator, a great choice for beginners and professionals.
A good quality auto level will provide very accurate elevation readings if the instrument is properly calibrated and used correctly.
The instrument is recommended to be calibrated every 6 to 12 months or if it has been impacted.