A dumpy level, also known as an automatic level or builder’s level, is a tool designed to find the height of land masses. Though these devices may look intimidating or confusing, dumpy levels are fairly easy to use once you know how to set them up and what kinds of measurements they provide.
1. Find a benchmark location near the spot you want to measure. A benchmark location is a spot that you already know the height of thanks to previous land surveys. In order to get the most accurate data out of your dumpy level, you’ll need to search online and find a benchmark location located close to the spot you want to measure.
You can look up benchmark locations by visiting sites like https://www.geocaching.com/mark/.[1]
If you can’t find a benchmark location, you can measure from a distinct land feature, such as a large tree or building, instead.
2. Set your tripod up near the spot you want to measure. Place your tripod on a patch of flat, clear ground that sits between your benchmark location and the spot you want to measure. Then, undo the latches on your tripod’s legs and extend each leg out. Adjust the legs until your tripod is completely level, then close each latch.[2]
Almost all tripods come with a built-in bubble level. You can use this to assess whether or not the tripod is level.
To measure the area properly, make sure you set up in a spot that’s slightly higher than your benchmark location.
3. Connect your device to the tripod and position it over 2 leveling screws. Screw your dumpy level onto the tripod’s base plate, then connect the base plate to the main tripod body. Once the instrument is securely attached, turn the dumpy level’s telescope so that it sits parallel with 2 of the device’s leveling screws.[3]
If the dumpy level wobbles when tapped, tighten the leveling screws to better secure the device.
4. Level the device by adjusting the 2 leveling screws. Look for a traditional bubble level located somewhere on your device. When you find it, grab the 2 leveling screws that are parallel to the device’s telescope and twist them in opposite directions. Do this until the bubble sits in the exact center of the level.[4]
For the best results, turn the screws with an even amount of force and pressure.
You’ll typically find the bubble level either on top of or below the device’s telescope.
5. Turn your telescope 90 degrees and adjust the third leveling screw. After adjusting your first 2 leveling screws, turn your telescope approximately 90 degrees so that it sits parallel to the device’s third leveling screw. Then, adjust this screw until the bubble once again sits in the center of the level.[5]
Vintage dumpy levels often have 4 leveling screws instead of 3. If this is the case for your device, adjust the second pair of screws just like you adjusted the first pair.
6. Check your level’s calibration by turning it 180 degrees. After making your initial leveling adjustments, return your telescope to its starting position and check that the bubble still sits in the center of the level. If it does, turn the telescope 180 degrees and check the level again. You can focus the device once all 3 positions show the bubble in the center of the level.[6]
If the bubble is not centered in any of the 3 positions, repeat the leveling process until it is.
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