M4 Principles of Site & Building Layout Trade Terms 38

A measuring device used with conventional leveling instruments. They are graduated in a variety of measurements and are made of two or more sections that can be adjusted to different lengths.

• Vernier

• Leveling Rod

• Tripod

• MSL

Refers to a surface being perfectly vertical.

• Square

• True

• Plumb

• Level

An elevation reference point created by the surveyor on or close to the property. Carpenters use this reference point when establishing or transferring elevation on a site or building.

• Foresight

• Control Point

• Backsight

• Benchmark

A concept for right triangles stating that the sum of the squares of the legs of a right triangle is equal to the square of the hypotenuse. It is expressed mathematically as a2 + b2 = c2.

• Pythagorean Theorem

• Optical Theodolites

• Digital Theodolites

• EDMI

The direction indicated on construction drawings that shows how property lines and buildings are positioned on a site relative to compass or magnetic north.

• True North

• Plan North

• Hypotenuse

• Setback

A line beginning at one point and ending at another point.

• Level Line of Sight

• Contour Line

• Line Segment

• Property Line

Drawings that show the location of the building on the site from an overhead view, including contours, trees, construction features, and dimensions.

• Simple Plan

• Structural Plan

• Foundation Plan

• Civil Plan

Based on the Pythagorean Theorem, this rule refers to the relative lengths of the sides of a right triangle.

• 3-4-5- Rule

• Engineer Rule

• Architect Rule

• Hypotenuse

A set of lines, typically horizontal and vertical, placed in a telescope used for sighting purposes. The lines meet in the center of the telescope.

• Backsight

• Height of Instrument

• Level Line of Sight

• Crosshairs

An older-style level made from a length of clear flexible tubing filled with water. This type of level is typically used with graduated measuring rods.

• Builder's Level

• Water Level

• Laser Level

• Spirit Level