Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Abney Level

Detailed Description

A pocket instrument used in surveying which consists of a fixed sighting tube, a movable spirit level connected to a pointing arm and an arced scale graduated 0 to 90º in both directions. When correctly used, the Abney Level is an accurate surveying tool used to measure degrees, percent of grade and topographic elevation. Manufactured by E.R. Watts & Son; serial #4709. E. R. Watts & Son was established in London in 1857.
Object ID: USGS-000334

Sources/Usage

Public Domain.