How to Set Up a Survey Tripod?
While you may have the right tools for the job, you still need to know how to use them correctly. Having a state-of-the-art survey tripod is not going to mean anything if you don’t set it properly to get the correct measurements.
The cornerstone of any surveying process is the surveying tripod, the main tool every surveyor needs to do their job right. Today we dive into exact details about how to set up a survey tripod.
1. Extending the Tripod Legs
Unlock all three of the leg clamps on the tripod. Then extend each leg to the required height. The best way to start is to adjust it to the neck or chin level. With the instruments on top, it makes it easier to use that way. Extend and lock two legs for balance, while adjusting the third leg to position the tripod head as close to the level as possible.
2. Secure the Tripod Legs
Once the legs are adjusted to the desired height, secure them by tightening up the leg clamps. This action will prevent the surveying tripod from moving or collapsing on you. Be sure to give them a slight tug before you start, so as to make sure that they are locked tightly into place.
3. Spread Out the Tripod Legs Evenly
Spread the legs apart to ensure proper weight distribution and a stable base. Stand behind it in order to make sure that the legs are properly spread. Readjust them if needed.
4. Mounting the Tribrach and Surveying Equipment
Mounting and leveling the tribrach and properly attaching all of the surveying instruments is a crucial step. This part needs to be done very carefully in order to get accurate measuring results later on.
Attaching the tribrach: Position the tribrach on top of the survey head. The center hole of the tribrach needs to align with the mounting screw. Fasten it securely to the tripod head and double-check to determine that it is not loosely fitted.
Centering the tribrach: Take a look through the optical plummet, center the bullseye over the center point of your point, and then tighten the mounting screw. Adjust the leveling screws on the tribrach until the bubble is centered in the circle of the bubble vial. Be sure to double-check the optical plummet.
Attaching the surveying equipment: Put the instrument on the tripod and insert the mounting screw to tighten it down. Align the base plate of your equipment with the point on the ground visible through the optical plummet. Fasten everything up securely and give everything a really gentle shake to ensure that all is attached properly.
After mounting all the needed equipment on your surveying tripod, you need to fine-tune the leveling to get accurate measurements. To achieve precise leveling, you are going to need to do the following.
- Adjust the leveling screws or controls on the built-in bubble levels or electronic leveling devices until they indicate a level position.
- Use the optical plummet to center the tribrach.
- Check the level bubble on the surveying instrument to confirm its levels.
- Make adjustments to the leveling screws on the tripod or leveling controls to achieve a perfect leveling position.
After setting everything up, you should know that additional leveling is going to be needed. If for some reason a measurement is moved or bumped it will most likely put it off-center. You will have to recheck everything and set it back in place if needed.
