Define the following: Level surface, horizontal plane, vertical plane, datum surface, reduced level, back sight, fore sight, intermediate sight, change point, bench mark.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Question: Define the term "datum surface" in the context of surveying and leveling. Answer: A datum surface is an established reference surface against which the elevations of points are measured. This surface is usually a mean sea level to which all reduced levels are referred.

Step by step solution

01

Level Surface

A level surface is a surface that is perpendicular to the plumb line at all points. In other words, it is an imaginary surface on which the gravitational force acts equally on all points, and it is always parallel to the mean spheroidal surface of the earth.
02

Horizontal Plane

A horizontal plane is a plane that is parallel to the level surface at a point. It is an imaginary flat surface in which any straight line drawn between any two points lies entirely on the plane and is perpendicular to the direction of gravity.
03

Vertical Plane

A vertical plane is a plane that is perpendicular to the horizontal plane and the level surface at a point. It is a plane that follows the direction of gravity, representing the alignment of a plumb line.
04

Datum Surface

A datum surface is an established reference surface against which the elevations of points are measured. This surface is usually a mean sea level to which all reduced levels are referred.
05

Reduced Level

Reduced level (RL) is the vertical distance of a point above or below the datum surface. It is the height or depth of any point relative to the mean sea level and is expressed in meters or feet.
06

Back Sight

Back sight (BS) is the first reading taken on a leveling instrument after setting it up and leveling it. This reading is taken on a surveying staff held at a previously established point or benchmark, with the objective to determine the height of the instrument above the datum surface.
07

Fore Sight

Fore sight (FS) is the reading taken on a leveling instrument at a new or unknown point towards which the leveling is being progressed. This reading helps in determining the reduced level of the new point.
08

Intermediate Sight

Intermediate sight (IS) is any reading taken between the back sight and fore sight on a leveling instrument. These readings are taken on additional points along the leveling route to establish their elevations relative to the datum surface.
09

Change Point

A change point is a point where the leveling instrument is moved from one setup to another during a leveling operation. The change point serves as both a foresight for the first setup and a back sight for the second setup.
10

Bench Mark

A benchmark (BM) is a fixed reference point of known elevation established on the ground. These points serve as the starting and ending points for leveling operations to measure the elevation of other points, ensuring a consistent vertical datum throughout a surveying project. Benchmarks can be natural (such as prominent rocks) or artificial (such as concrete pillars or marks on walls).

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free