Buying surveying equipment

[Dleg]

So I am trying to learn surveying (for engineering, construction). My goal is to learn enough to conduct engineering surveys and construction layouts, and basic site topographic surveys. Maybe I will take the CA special surveying exam at some point, too. I never learned surveying in school because I was an ME.

I've picked up a couple of surveying textbooks and have a PE co-worker who knows how to do this stuff and wants to brush up on his skills by teaching me. The only problem is we don't have any equipment at our office (small environmental agency office). So I am looking at possibly buying some simple, but good quality engineering/construction surveying instruments. Probably an auto level. I don't know what else yet.

Does anyone have any good recommendations on a decent auto level setup that won't cost too much (no more than say $1k for level, tripod, and rod)? I saw some Sokkia "construction grade" auto level packages for up to $600. Are those any good? Or would one have to go to an "engineering grade" auto level to get something useable? Or does anyone have any good sources of survey equipment reviews? I haven't had much luck on Google yet.

Also, what surveying equipment overall would you recommend to have as an engineer? Is an auto level enough? Keep it simple - there is no way we're going to be able to swing a total station or GPS system with our personal budgets, or even the agency budget for now.

Thanks!

 

[slates]

The biggest determining factor is going to be what the equipment is going to be used for. Most levels are designed to have a specific accuracy over a certain distance, your proposed uses would govern which to purchase, the more accurate with greater range is going to cost more. I looked for reviews on particular models and pretty much just came up with sales brochures. I'm not sure which island you are on, but I've dealt with Laser Transit Clinic in Honolulu (843-8833) for calibrating some of our equipment. The owner, Rick I believe is his name, is very knowledgable and could probably point you in the right direction, he's a Topcon Rep. He even sells used equipment if I'm not mistaken, so you might be able to pick up something decent for a little less money. If you are on Oahu, the company I work for might have an extra older level and total station you could borrow to practice with if you're interested.

 

[slates]

The biggest determining factor is going to be what the equipment is going to be used for. Most levels are designed to have a specific accuracy over a certain distance, your proposed uses would govern which to purchase, the more accurate with greater range is going to cost more. I looked for reviews on particular models and pretty much just came up with sales brochures. I'm not sure which island you are on, but I've dealt with Laser Transit Clinic in Honolulu (843-8833) for calibrating some of our equipment. The owner, Rick I believe is his name, is very knowledgable and could probably point you in the right direction, he's a Topcon Rep. He even sells used equipment if I'm not mistaken, so you might be able to pick up something decent for a little less money. If you are on Oahu, the company I work for might have an extra older level and total station you could borrow to practice with if you're interested.

I just saw where you were, sorry

 

[Dleg]

Yeah - Saipan is probably farther away from HI than HI is from LA. 7 hours by plane, at least from Guam. Thanks for the offer, though.

I guess I would be wanting something accurate enough to establish wellhead elevations with, as probably the most precision demanding activity. I'm not sure over what distance, though. I would probably just hire a surveyor if it required going farther than a quarter mile or so. Otherwise, everything else I would probably do with it would be limited to smallish construction sites, usually less than an acre, but occasionally up to 5 acres or so.

 

[Dleg]

Thank you, Sapper. For that purpose, would a "construction grade" instrument be adequate? Or would I eventually come to regret not getting something more precise? What instruments have you used, if you can remember?