Buy an optical level or transit/level?

January 10, 2007 12:46 AM

Construction/Surveying: Optical level vs. transit/level. Exactly what is the difference? Level only does horizontal vs. horizontal and vertical? How much advantage (in real use) is a transit/level? If I get a Northwest 500A Standard Level and not a Northwest 500A Transit Level, will I kick myself later? I never expect to do "real surveying". TIA
posted by toucano to Home & Garden (3 answers total)

It really depends what you intend to use this gear for. Wikipedia explains the difference.

If your intended application is to establish accurate levels at distance, get the level. If you're doing stuff like measuring heights of trees, get the transit. You can use the transit to do levels, but it won't be quite as accurate as the level.
posted by flabdablet at 3:25 AM on January 10, 2007

If the construction you're doing makes slopes important, the transit will speed those operations.
posted by Kirth Gerson at 4:11 AM on January 10, 2007

Most transit levels are less accurate for doing high accuracy level or benchmark circuits. It depends on what level of accuracy you want and if you want the added ability to turn angles. For general construction a transit level will suit you just fine.
posted by JJ86 at 5:30 AM on January 10, 2007