Measuring Level

Level measurement is simple and complex. There are a number of considerations to take into account based upon you application. Gravity Measurement is discussed at length.

 

Level Measurement Settings

Several settings can be adjusted for the level measurement and reporting depending on the instrument model.

 

 

Monitoring Level

Monitoring level provides live readings from the level device. Monitoring level is useful for two primary reasons:

  1. To ensure that the inclinometer is in range for a level measurement.

  2. Monitoring changes in level to determine if a station move is needed.

 

While extremely accurate inclinometers typically need to be approximately level in order to operate properly. The instrument must be manually adjusted until the inclinometer is reading in-range

The Level Monitor displays 3 values:

The level values reported for the X or Y axis should not be trusted independently because any variation in the mounting of the level device relative to the trackers rotational center will influence the readings. Best practices should include verifying the readings after a full 180 degree rotation and the average of these two readings used in estimating the actual deviation.

 

Level Monitor Controls

 

Level Measure

When a gravity measurement is take within SA, this measurement is made relative to the instrument’s standing axis and is recorded as a Frame.

The Z-axis of this frame points upward along the gravity vector, and the XY plane of this frame defines the gravity plane. This frame measurement is saved directly on the instrument’s head such that the origin of the level frame is at the center of the instruments base frame and at the center of rotation for all angular point measurements.

 

More information on Gravity Measurements within SA can be found Here.