FEexam review 52: Surveying 2 – Calculate Elevation from Slope & Angle

Ever wondered how to find the elevation of a point using a total station, slope distance, and vertical angle? 🎯
In this FE Civil Exam problem, we’ll break it down step-by-step — just like you’ll see on the actual test!

📏 Problem Breakdown:
A total station is mounted 6 ft above a benchmark (elev. 720.50 ft) and measures a slope angle of –2°15′ with a slope distance of 650.90 ft to a reflector 5.25 ft above a hub. We’ll calculate the approximate elevation at Point B, ignoring curvature and refraction effects.

🧮 Concepts Covered:
Trigonometric Leveling
Height of Instrument (HI) & Height of Object (HO)
Vertical Difference using SD × sin(θ)
Total Station Elevation Computation Formula
Understanding slope distances and angles for FE Surveying

💡 Formula Reference (NCEES FE Reference Manual):
Vertical Difference (AC) = SD × sin(θ)
Elevation of Point B = Elevation of A + HI – AC – HO

📘 Final Answer:
✅ Elevation of Point B ≈ 893.67 ft


NCEES FE Reference
Section: Fluid Mechanics – Flow through orifices and nozzles
Page: 107 (use Q = C_d * A_o * sqrt(2*g*h) and derive V)


00:00 Introduction and Problem Statement
00:07 Given Information (Benchmark elevation, Instrument height, Slope angle, Slope distance, Reflector height)
00:46 Initial Formula/Concept Overview
001:07 Diagram Explanation of the Setup
01:59 Calculating the Vertical Elevation Difference (AC)
02:49 Rewriting the Elevation Formula for Point B
03:08 Substituting Values and Final Calculation
04:33 Conclusion and Answer




BOOKS RECOMMENDED FOR THE FE:
FE Civil Practice Exam NCEES:
https://amzn.to/2Ue5YgK
FE Civil Reference Manual: (FREE Signup/Signin and use link to DOWNLOAD)
https://account.ncees.org/reference-h...
FE Civil Practice (Latest edition):
https://amzn.to/2UOPCiV
FE Civil Practice Problems (Oldest edition):
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TI-36X Pro:
https://amzn.to/2IrJsPm
TI 84 Plus Graphing Calculator:
https://www.amazon.com/Graphing-Calcu...

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