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Leveling (also called surveying) is a useful skill when performing fieldwork. Print the instructions in the References section and practice this important, precise skill.
Importance
Leveling is used when installing a new gage, but is more typically used by HPMs to determine flood stage.
Use the equipment post-event to determine the water levels in ungaged areas, or ones where the gage was damaged by flooding.
Equipment
The type of equipment ranges from a set including a transit, rod, and tripod to handheld laser levels.
Datum
Determine the horizontal and vertical datum used by other water resource agencies and gage owners in the area.
Inaccurate information, especially if setting flood stage, could lead to lost lives.
Some sites may use a datum that is no longer in use. You need to convert to the current datum using a conversion utility. Click here for conversion tool.
Review the References to learn more about leveling and datum.
References: Staff Gage Leveling Instructions, National Geodetic Survey Leveling Information