A dumpy level is used primarily in the surveying and building industries.
A necessity to all builders - it is used to measure, transfer, or set horizontal levels.
It is also referred to as an auto level, leveling instrument or an automatic level.
Typically set upon a tripod, it can be leveled into position using footscrews/leveling screws.
This piece of equipment is used to gather elevations during site surveys or during construction.
Being an older style instrument it does require skill to be set accurately.
Each quadrant on the equipment will need to be set level so that it shows an accurate reading through a 360-Degree traverse.
When simple leveling the dumpy level will remain in one position which is where all the readings are taken from.
The first reading taken is called the "backsight".
The second reading taken being called the "foresight".
The difference between the two readings is the difference of level of the two points.
Some older style models will require a separate spirit level to be used when leveling the four quadrants, however most modern-day models will in fact feature a bubble spirit level built into the instrument to ensure an accurate level.
They can range in price, brand, durability and in the very way they function.
They vary in magnification usually starting at 20x and can reach up to 32x magnification in the more advanced levels.
Quality can vary greatly depending on the make or brand - well-known brands such as Nikon, Bosch and Pentax have been in the market for some time now.
Imitation or lesser quality makes are available but can lack in quality, features and durability.
The term dumpy level - derogatory as it is - has survived, despite major improvements in leveling technology and many improvements in design.
A necessity to all builders - it is used to measure, transfer, or set horizontal levels.
It is also referred to as an auto level, leveling instrument or an automatic level.
Typically set upon a tripod, it can be leveled into position using footscrews/leveling screws.
This piece of equipment is used to gather elevations during site surveys or during construction.
Being an older style instrument it does require skill to be set accurately.
Each quadrant on the equipment will need to be set level so that it shows an accurate reading through a 360-Degree traverse.
When simple leveling the dumpy level will remain in one position which is where all the readings are taken from.
The first reading taken is called the "backsight".
The second reading taken being called the "foresight".
The difference between the two readings is the difference of level of the two points.
Some older style models will require a separate spirit level to be used when leveling the four quadrants, however most modern-day models will in fact feature a bubble spirit level built into the instrument to ensure an accurate level.
They can range in price, brand, durability and in the very way they function.
They vary in magnification usually starting at 20x and can reach up to 32x magnification in the more advanced levels.
Quality can vary greatly depending on the make or brand - well-known brands such as Nikon, Bosch and Pentax have been in the market for some time now.
Imitation or lesser quality makes are available but can lack in quality, features and durability.
The term dumpy level - derogatory as it is - has survived, despite major improvements in leveling technology and many improvements in design.