Introduction

One of the basic components in surveying is measuring the height which uses the levelling method.
Levelling is a process of measuring the relative height of different points on, above or below the
surface. It uses the instrument called level. However, before using a level for any levelling exercise,
a test called two peg test needs to be conducted first. Two peg test is conducted to identify whether
the level has a collimation error and to determine if the error is within accepted limits.

Since the instruments are in constant use and the tendency of the instrument subjected to
knocks and bumps is very high, the horizontal reading could be affected which leads to collimation
error. If the collimation error is found to be less than 0.010m or some specific value, then level
assumed to be in adjustment. Whereas if the collimation error is found to be greater than 0.010m
or some specific value, then the adjustment has to be made. Two peg test should also be carried
out when using a new or different level for the first time. All mechanical adjustment for adjusting
a level for collimation error are very difficult to conduct, especially on site, and if a level has an
unacceptable collimation error, it should be adjusted by a trained technician preferable under
laboratory conditions.

Figure 1: First phase of two peg test.

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 Figure 2: Second phase of two peg test.

Objective
The main objective of two peg test is to determine the collimation error of a level instrument and
ensure that it still able to help the people who doing any surveying work obtain accurate data.

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 Equipment

1. Auto level and tripod (1 set)

Figure 3: Tripod Figure 4: Auto Level

2. Staff (2 sets)

Figure 5: Level Staff

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 Method

1. Establish two points (A and B) approximately 30 meters apart on level ground, and put the
level staffs in each point.

2. Set up the auto level midway between the two points (A and B).

3. Take the readings on both staffs and find the difference in elevation, Δ1. These readings will
be recorded as phase 1 readings.

4. Move the auto level as close as possible to one of the staffs approximately 5 meters, then take
the readings on both staffs again and find the difference in elevation, Δ2. These readings will
be recorded as phase 2 readings.

5. Calculate the collimation error, E by using E = Δ1 - Δ2. The value must be less than or equal
to 0.010m. If the value is greater than 0.010m, then repeat step 1-4 and get the readings
again.

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 Result & Calculation

Staff A Staff B Difference

Δ1 = 1.436 - 1.306
Readings (Phase 1) 1.436m 1.306m
= 0.130m
Δ2 = 1.485 - 1.364
Readings (Phase 2) 1.485m 1.364m
= 0.121m

Collimation Error, E = Δ1 - Δ2

= 0.130 - 0.121

= 0.009m ≤ 0.010m

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 Analysis/Comment

The reading obtained from a two-peg test carried out on an auto level with a single level
staff set up alternately at two-point A and B placed 30m apart were as follows:

1. With the auto level midway between A and B (Phase 1).

Staff reading at A = 1.436m

Staff reading at B = 1.306m

2. With the auto level positioned approximately 5 meters from point B on the line AB
produced (Phase 2).

Staff reading at A = 1.485m

Staff reading at B = 1.364m

During our fieldwork, we redo a few attempts to get the acceptable collimation error value,
which is less than 0.010m. There are a few reasons that may affect from getting a value within the
allowable value. One of the reasons is due the straightness of the staffs, where the staffs are
standing slightly slender to the front or back. This may affect the readings that we recorded and
also the collimation error value. Besides, it also due to the condition of the ground level, where the
staffs were placed on an uneven ground surface.

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 Conclusion & Recommendation

For a good or normal auto level, the result from calculation of two peg test must be smaller
than 0.010m, if the result is greater than 0.010m the auto level must be serviced. As from the two
peg test that we conducted, the collimation error that we obtained is 0.009m, which is slightly
higher than the horizontal line and theoretically acceptable. Based on the result we obtained, we
can ensure the auto level is in working condition.

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 References

Building Site Survey and Set Out, Two Peg Test. Retrieved from
https://boeingconsult.com/tafe/ss&so/survey1/level/test-gridvol.htm.

Docslide, Report Two Peg Test. Retrieved from https://docslide.net/documents/report-two-peg-

test.html

SlideShare, Two Peg Test. Retrieved from https://www.slideshare.net/SarchiaKhursheed/two-

peg-test-report.

Two-Peg Test: Method for checking and recalibrating a level or transit. Retrieved from
https://geog.sfsu.edu/sites/default/files/TwoPegTest.pdf.