When to use this file
This level book keeps original observations alongside calculated results. Template is the input sheet; Example contains four synthetic stations. Yellow cells are inputs, while RL and HI contain formulas. Prepare readings here and compare them with the website calculator; enter the readings manually rather than uploading the workbook.
Column and example preview
The preview shows the file structure. Observation data is synthetic; a dash means a blank field.
| Station | BS (m) | IS (m) | FS (m) | RL (m) | HI (m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BM1 | 1.500 | — | — | 100.000 | 101.500 |
| P1 | — | 2.000 | — | 99.500 | 101.500 |
| TP1 | 1.200 | — | 1.800 | 99.700 | 100.900 |
| BM2 | — | — | 0.700 | 100.200 | 100.900 |
Use the file step by step
Set the start level and units
On Template enter the start reduced level in metres in B5 and the number of used stations in B7. Optionally enter the known closing level in B6; leave it blank if unavailable. The template supports twenty consecutive stations. Keep unused rows blank and do not leave a gap within the run.
Record BS, IS and FS correctly
BS is the backsight to a known or change point, IS an intermediate sight and FS a foresight before moving the instrument or at the end. The first row contains the starting station and BS only. Subsequent stations have one IS or FS. A change point has the old setup’s FS and the new setup’s BS on the same row, with IS blank.
Follow the worked example
Start at 100.000 m and add BS 1.500 to obtain HI 101.500 m. Subtract IS 2.000 to obtain P1’s RL of 99.500 m. At TP1 subtract FS 1.800 to obtain 99.700 m, then add the new BS 1.200 to obtain the next HI, 100.900 m. The final FS of 0.700 gives 100.200 m.
Compare with the calculator and separate checks
Enter the four stations and readings in the leveling calculator and select HI. The example’s BS total minus FS total is 0.200 m, matching the final minus starting RL. This is an arithmetic check; it cannot detect every field error or intermediate-sight mistake. Assessing closure needs a known final level and project tolerance. The template does not automatically accept the survey.
The result to check
Example results: final RL 100.200 m, zero arithmetic residual at the displayed precision, and zero misclosure when the known final level is 100.200 m. Missing required observations prevent a completed final-level result.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Splitting a change point into two rows and losing setup order.
- Replacing blanks with zero: zero is a reading; a blank means no sight.
- Treating arithmetic agreement alone as proof of leveling accuracy.
Frequently asked questions
Does the workbook calculate adjustment or acceptance tolerance?
It shows raw levels, arithmetic residual and misclosure when a reference is available. Use the project specification for tolerance and the calculator to compare processing methods. The workbook does not distribute closure corrections.
Does changing an intermediate sight change every later level?
It changes that station’s level only, provided the instrument was not moved there. An intermediate sight does not define the next setup’s HI. Test this by changing P1’s IS in the example.