Nivelleringsstaff

Nivelleringsstaff, or leveling staff, is a graduated rod used in surveying to determine vertical distances and height differences between points. It is used with optical or digital leveling instruments such as a dumpy level, auto level, or digital level to establish elevations for construction, mapping, or land assessment.

Construction and design vary, but a typical nivelleringsstaff is made of metal or fiberglass and ranges in length from about 2 to 3 meters when extended, with shorter fixed versions also available. The staff carries a clear, high-contrast graduation, usually in decimeters or centimeters, and is designed for easy reading through a survey instrument. Many staffs feature alternating black-and-white or red-and-white sections to enhance visibility, especially in bright light or from a distance. Some models include a sliding or fixed target plate at the top to aid alignment with the instrument’s crosshair.

Usage involves placing the staff on the point to be measured or on a benchmark, then viewing it through the level’s telescope. The observer adjusts the instrument height until the horizontal crosshair coincides with a chosen graduation on the staff. The resulting reading, combined with the known height of the instrument, yields the vertical difference or the elevation of the point. Repeated readings improve accuracy, and different staff designs serve different terrains, including telescoping or sectional variants for rough or confined sites.

Maintenance is simple: keep graduations legible, avoid bending or impact damage, and store the staff protected from moisture and excessive sun exposure.