Took the equipment out for a trial run today to get familiar with them and learn the techniques. I started off by closing a loop with BS, FS, distance and bearing degrees. As you can see on the log, my big mistake was starting the BS with the level instead of the rod. Instead of setting up the rod on the BM and sighting back from TP1 I set the level at BM and sighted forward at TP1. So all the figures are inverted. I spent 4 hours running 500ft on a 10% paved grade. When I go back I will close the loop and check my results. I was working alone and figuring out the set up. How horrible is that time frame? Any suggestions on my note taking? Other advise is welcome.
?ÿ
Just curious, how did you run a level loop alone?
I suggest running one set of notes for horizontal with a sketch included and another for vertical.
At very least run out more columns if it is important to keep it on the same page, skip lines between as you go down
Page in field notes refers to the two pages you see when the book is open, ie in your photo there is only one page, page left and page right if you want to parse it further. At least that is how I was trained.
?ÿ
@party chef, thanks I will implement this.
The PVC helped, but was not perfect. It was a bit too low center and the rod fell over at a slight breeze. Will need to extend it for a higher point of contact. In the dirt I used a long nail (1') placed directly under the plumb which I hooked the end of the tape too. Still was unable to handle the pull to straighten the tape. Thinking of attaching a clip for the end of the tape to a weight that will hold a 20lb pull. Maybe a 20 to 50lb weight on a dolly for easier movement.
In the dirt I used a long nail (1') placed directly under the plumb which I hooked the end of the tape too.
I bought some really cheap screwdrivers with orange handles to use as tape deadman and temporary markers.?ÿ While measuring to find a bench mark that might be under a bit of grass and dirt they work well and the orange handle stands out in vegetation.
Doing all those calculations in fractions of an inch would drive me bonkers.
Two pieces of advice. 1st get that UPS driver to help you run the loop. 2nd BM0 in my notes would be 1 specific point, I would not have 3 different points all called BM0. Who in the heck uses a fractional rod for levels? I've only used decimal rods. To each his own though.
Working in decimal feet as opposed to feet and inches makes the math much simpler. I use to be a carpenter in a previous existence and thought in feet and fractions of an inch and on my first surveying job I was laying something out the with the head honcho of the survey department using a steel tape and made the mistake of calling out the tenths of a foot as 'inches'. He slams the reel to ground and charges over and screams in my face so that I should never forget, "The only people who use 'inches' are carpenters and whores!!".
I never made that mistake again.
Just because I'm paranoid, doesn't mean they aren't out to get me.
Don't think I didn't consider grabbing the UPS for help. My intention was to mark the BM's with the feet reference; BM 0-00, BM 1-50, ect. Just didn't bother after realizing I inverted the BS/FS rendering the elevations useless. Will have to re run this section. I'm using the only rod I could get on my budget. Picked it up from a local 2nd hand for $50. Not too worried about the equipment while learning. Once I get the feel and know what works well, and have the cash, I will upgrade. Like first learning guitar, start with a Yamaha not a Rickenbacker.
Wow, I guess it made for quick memory recall. I can relate, very set in with inches and having a time trying to think the other way.
Snipe a cone from somewhere. Please.?ÿ
Upon reflection, I have a couple of notes for you.?ÿ
Try to fill the legs of your pvc thingy with sand. That might help.?ÿ
Don't use a cover or lid of anything as a turning point or benchmark. They are easily moved and or rotated.?ÿ Use the rim and be consistent with what rim you choose to use. North, south, east, etc.?ÿ Once you start doing topo and need to measure to the invert of the plumbing you will also need to know which rim is near the center of the structure. Lids are generally offset.?ÿ?ÿ
make a mark on the back side of the rod where it aligns when fully extended and secure. Add an arrow pointing UP. This insures that when you are behind the rod, you and instantly know that the top section has not slipped and that the rod is not upside down.?ÿ
Do you have a rod bubble ??ÿ If you do, use it and practice holding the rod plumb for a significant amount of time. Figure out how to stand and keep the bubble in the center. This is not easy to do and we all have forgot how hard it was when we started. I have a habit of engaging people when I am in the field and I ask if they want to try it. Some are just miserable at it, some almost fall over doing it and some are naturally plumb.?ÿ
More power to you if you can level that four screw instrument.?ÿ I would struggle enough that I am getting out the Paragon tomorrow and give it a go.?ÿ?ÿ
How far away from you is Florence Oregon??ÿ
?ÿ
?ÿ
?ÿ
This is on a short 15mph road into the park. No real traffic and all coming to a stop at a parking area. I would not dare be on a regular road without safety markers. Had a vest on and stood off the road when anyone came in. The sand is a good idea. I just picked up a couple of attachments to make the mount higher on the rod for better stability. I have a bubble level and will try it. I was using a pocket level to level the rod as I set it on the support. Worked pretty well except when the thing blew over. I realized using the lid wasn't a great idea then thought to find the center of the lid using trig. A quick couple of chords with bisectors and whalla, dead center. How would this hold up? I'm in the city park/forest with a pass from the city public works to practice. So, have to be careful about marking or desturbing anything. The level is a bit tricky. I use the pocket level on the tripod first, then work the screws. It has two levels on the axis. Usually takes about 3 to 5 re adjustments to get it right. So, not very efficient. Florence is about 260 miles.