Automatic Level: Everything You Need to Know

Automatic levels are versatile tools that are commonplace on job sites across multiple industries. To ensure that precise measurements are both fast and reliable, a construction level is necessary to an engineer’s, land surveyor’s, or contractor’s toolkit. Easy to set up and take back down, an automatic laser level also has multiple uses that make it easy to keep jobs moving on schedule. An automatic builders level is the most popular choice for worksites thanks to its accuracy and ability to cut down on time. Learn about some of the diverse applications for automatic levels and why they are such valuable instruments.

Automatic Level: What Is It?

An automatic level is an optical leveling tool used by professionals. Optical leveling involves both locating and then verifying specific points in the same horizontal plane. These optical levels are used to plan and build structures built to code and that are structurally sound. Without precision horizontal grid planing, it is nearly impossible to develop a safe installation. An automatic construction level is preferred because they have features that make them exceptionally durable on rugged worksites:

Quick and easy setup
Resistant to dirt and dust
Can survive accidental submersion
Will relevel itself on an unstable or uneven surface

Automatic Level: How Does It Work?

Automatic levels work, at their core, with a similar premise to the manual spirit level that you may already be familiar with. The long level that you may be using to hang picture frames or check to see if the shelf is level? Yes, the same one. The bubble floats in liquid until a level measurement has been made and the bubble is in place, alerting you of your accuracy. Add a little more complexity with a few more parts and functions, and you have the automatic laser level. This precision tool is primarily used to determine the differences in elevation between points or measure the different heights of structures, developments, or landscaping features.

Automatic Level: What Are the Parts and Functions?

An automatic builders level is known for the internal parts and functions that make precision automatic adjustments more accurately and quickly than could ever be done manually. Rather than taking the time to move the level’s line of vision by adjusting leveling screws until the rotational plane shifts horizontally by hand, the automatic leveling component does that in little time and even lower efforts than a human could. There are typically four primary parts of an automatic construction level:

Bubble or circular level
Telescope with a magnifying glass
Tripod with clamps
Marked stadia rod

Automatic Level: How Do You Use It?

Automatic Level: Everything You Need to Know

To use an automatic level, you must first determine your purpose. Depending on what use your level will serve, you will want to know whether you are measuring the distance between points or the difference between heights. You will first begin by setting your tripod up in the area you will be working. Despite the fact that automatic levels and their tripods are remarkably durable, it is still a smart move to keep all tools out of the way of direct construction and to mark instruments with bright colors clearly. There is certainly no reason to test durability as a general practice. After your tripod is set up out of the way, you will need to recruit a second person to help you with the remainder of the setup. Be sure to have your partner check your measurements to reduce the likelihood of errors in readings.

Person A adjusts leveling screws until the circular bubble vial is level. This step ensures that the internal compensators are in range and set to factor out any mis-leveling.
Person A will peer through the telescope to wait for Person B to position the stadia rod.
Person B positions the stadia rod with the base on an identified reference point.
Person A will record where the lines fall against the stadia rod lines.
The reference elevation is then measured against unknown points from these measurements by analyzing the readings to determine the actual differences.

Automatic Level: What Are Some Popular Uses?

Leveling is more than just making sure something is even or working to be sure that a structure will be as sound as it can be. Using an automatic level can be useful in many different applications. It is true that professionals predominantly use automatic levels. However, the everyday homeowner DIYer could also benefit from the features and applications that automatic levels offer.

Verifying Elevations and Angles

Verifying elevations and angles is necessary to ensure that the ground is safe and secure and that critical elements of existing structures are maintaining their integrity. Automatic levels are used to increase the efficacy and speed of measurements in the following typical applications where verifying elevations and angles is part of the development process:

Setting foundations
Subsidence measuring
Fence building

Grading

Grading involves measuring the general steepness of an area and working to determine whether or not it will need modifications before it can be developed for a particular use. Grading is essential in making sure that roadways and walk paths are even for safety reasons. Grading can also be an important part of erosion control in farming. Automatic levels help grade for their efficacy in determining the difference in heights between known points and elevations. Some common examples of grading when an automatic level would be useful are:

Roadways
Landscaping
Drainage Systems

Automatic Level: What Are Some Considerations?

Like with any tool, the pros and cons will depend on who uses it and how. Automatic levels continue to be a top choice across many industries, including construction, engineering, and land surveying. Working with a trusted and skilled partner will help reduce errors in readings.

Advantages

Quick and simple setup
Precise graduation marking measurements
Durable in harsh conditions

Disadvantages

Reliant on human interpretation
Prone to reading errors
Difficult to determine if broken

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy an automatic construction level?

Automatic Level: Everything You Need to Know

You can find automatic construction levels and many other precision measuring instruments shopping online from Engineer Supply. There are kits and also standalone parts to automatic levels to choose from. There are other numerous supply options for engineers, contractors, and land surveyors available.

What is a stadia rod?

You can think about a stadia rod like a very specialized yardstick. A stadia rod is a graduated rod with markings used to measure the distance from the identified point to the point where the rod is placed. Professionals will look at where the stadia hairs, known as crosshairs, hit the stadia rod to determine measurements.

Do I need to buy a tripod separate from my automatic laser level?

Engineer Supply offers a variety of buying options for automatic levels and their components. To ensure that you can choose exactly what you need for the job, we provide tripods sold separately and as kits with the levels. Be sure to check compatibility and measurements if buying separately.

Is every automatic builders level dust and dirt resistant, or do I need to look for that feature?

Because of the nature of the job that automatic builders levels do, every one is dust and dirt-resistant. Many automatic levels are also water-resistant and can withstand extreme temperatures too, and their durability is what makes them ideal for worksites. If you work in specific conditions where you feel like you might need additional safety precautions, be sure to contact us for more details.

Are automatic levels a good choice for redoing DIY paver walk paths?

Yes. Automatic levels are a staple for engineers, landscapers, contractors, and land surveyors, but everyday homeowners can also benefit from the features too. Since automatic levels will require just a little bit of finesse from a layperson, be sure to watch instructional videos first. You will be able to level the ground to ensure that your walk path is even and safe for use.

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