What is the purpose of leveling in surveying?

Leveling in surveying is a crucial process primarily aimed at determining the elevation or vertical distances relative to a specified reference surface, typically a level plane. This process allows surveyors to establish the difference in height between points on the ground or between these points and a known benchmark.

When leveling is performed, it ensures that any measurements taken for construction or land development are accurate with respect to elevation, which is vital for tasks such as grading, drainage design, and foundation layout. By measuring vertical distances, surveyors can maintain the required elevation for structures, minimize flooding risks, and ensure proper drainage flow.

In contrast, measuring horizontal distances, establishing horizontal control, and surveying land boundaries are functions related to other surveying methods or techniques and do not directly involve the primary goal of leveling, which is focused on vertical alignment and distance measurement in relation to a level surface.