Application of Leveling

The main uses of leveling are:
1. Profiles
2. Cross-sections
3. Contouring
4. Setting out levels
4.14 Application of Leveling

• Levels are taken at:
1. Every 20, 50 or 100m depending on the 
topography
2. Points at which gradient changes
3. Street intersections
• Staff reading to 0.01m accuracy are 
adequate
• Scale 1/1000 horizontal and 1/100 vertical 
4.14.1 Profiles (longitudinal sections)
4.14.1 Profiles (longitudinal sections)
106 M1 M2 F

• Sections at right angles to the centerline of a 
proposed or existing project such as a road
• Scale 1/50 or 1/100 for both horizontal and 
vertical axes. 

4.14.2 Cross-Sections

4.14.3 Contouring
A contour is an 
imaginary line 
connecting points on 
the ground that have 
the same elevation. 
A contour interval, the vertical distance or elevation 
difference between two successive contours 
depends on:
• Scale
• Purpose
• Accuracy, time and cost
• The topography
• Area covered