The Abney level is a hand-held surveying tool used to gather basic height and slope information. It consists of a hand level with an attached protractor. The device is named after Sir William Abney and is used to determine the angle and height of objects in the landscape. Surveyors use this tool to develop preliminary reports, and it needs to be calibrated before use. Basic hand tools are important for surveyors, as they allow for quick and inexpensive overviews of areas of interest.
An Abney level is a surveying device used primarily in preliminary investigations to gather basic height and slope information. The device consists of a hand level meant to be held at eye level, with a protractor attached that the surveyor can adjust to gather information about a landscape. Surveying supply companies carry a range of Abney levels, including devices that offer through-the-eyepiece magnification for more distant sightings. People are taught to use this surveying tool early in their careers, as hand tools can be very useful for many surveying tasks.
This instrument is named after Sir William Abney, a British man who lived in the 19th century. It includes a tube with a bubble level inside and an eyepiece at one end. When people look through the eyepiece, they can see the surrounding landscape, along with the bubble. After centering the bubble on a target of interest, the protractor can be moved to find out the angle. Using trigonometry, the height of objects in the landscape can be determined, and the surveyor can also find the degree.
Usually, a survey team uses an Abney level. One person holds the device and the other serves as a height reference. People can also work with stakes marked in increments if another person isn’t available. When people take sightings, they write down their findings and use this information to develop a preliminary report. Measurements made with an Abney level can be very accurate when the user is experienced and properly calibrated, but are usually confirmed with a more extensive survey afterwards.
Like other tools used to measure, the Abney level needs to be well cared for. The device should always be calibrated before use, using known objects to confirm that the protractor is correctly adjusted. If not, it can be moved until it lines up correctly. If a case is provided, it should be used to store the Abney level when people are not using the device, to reduce the risk of damage.
Surveying is done for a variety of reasons, from developing and updating maps to preparing land for construction. Surveyors may work for private companies and government agencies, and use an assortment of tools in their jobs. Learning to work with basic hand tools can be an important part of training, as it allows people to quickly and inexpensively get a miniature overview of an area of interest.
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