How to Use Optical Levels to Level Base Plates

Optical levels are used to survey large land areas. An old-school style bubble level or a theoretically more accurate laser level is used to ensure that base plates are level. Base plates are found on scaffolding and ladders, among other things, and are in place to help prevent users from falling.

For surveying land:
Sturdy level tripod
Optical level
Surveyor's staff

Instructions

- 1
  
  Basic tripod
  
  Keep the legs of the tripod together, and extend the legs until the base plate is level with the user's chin. Spread the tripod legs and adjust the height of each until the base plate is fairly level when compared to the horizon.
- 2
  Place the optical level on the base plate on top of the tripod and gently tighten the screws on the base plate until the bubble is centered in the circle in the optical level's viewer. Turn the level from 90 degrees through 180 degrees and ensure the bubble remains centered in the circle. If it does not stay centered, adjust each screw (one at a time) until the bubble stays centered throughout the optical level's range of motion.
- 3
  View the surveyor's staff through the open sights on top of the level's telescope. Turn the telescope knobs until the staff is in focus. Turn the knob that surrounds the lens to focus the cross hairs until the staff is fully clear.

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