PPPplan

Instruments Needed:

Long tape measure (100 feet or longer)
Line level or a water level (a clear plastic hose filled with water)
A measuring wheel
A digital level or smartphone with a leveling app (optional, for rough elevation measurements)

Prepare Your Tools:

Set up the measuring wheel and ensure it's calibrated correctly.
Fill the water level with water and make sure it's free of air bubbles.

Establish a Baseline:

Start by selecting a point on your property as a reference point, preferably a corner or a distinct feature.

Measure Length and Width:

Use the measuring wheel and long tape measure to measure the length and width of the property. Record these measurements on a sketch or piece of graph paper.

Determine Elevations Roughly:

Use a line level or water level to measure the difference in elevation between reference points on your property. This will give you rough elevation data. For example, you can measure the elevation difference between a reference point and the lowest and highest points on the property.

Sketch Your Property Plan:

On a piece of graph paper, draw a rough plan of your property, including any buildings, driveways, or major features.
Mark the elevation measurements you've taken at various points on the sketch. Use contour lines or arrows to indicate slopes.

Use Reference Points:

If there are known elevation reference points in your area, such as benchmarks or survey markers, note their elevations and locations on your sketch.

Add Levels/Elevations:

Calculate and add elevation values relative to your reference point. For example, if your reference point is at 100 feet above sea level, and you measured a spot on your property as 10 feet lower, mark it as 90 feet.

Label Key Features:

Label important features and changes in terrain, such as hills, depressions, or major slope gradients.

Include North Direction:

Indicate the north direction on your sketch, so the plan is oriented correctly.

Handheld laser range finder (with a built-in level)
Tripod
Measuring tape
Notebook and pen
Graph paper or computer-aided design (CAD) software for creating plans

Set Up the Tripod:

Place the tripod at a stable location on your property. Make sure it's level. You can use a bubble level on the tripod head to ensure it's properly aligned.

Calibrate the Laser Range Finder:

Ensure that the laser range finder is calibrated correctly. Most modern laser range finders have built-in leveling systems to assist with this.

Select Reference Points:

Choose several reference points around your property where you want to measure terrain elevations. These should include the highest and lowest points as well as any key features.

Measure Distances:

Stand at each reference point with the laser range finder and aim it at a target on the ground (e.g., a reflective target or a reflective tape). Make sure the range finder is level. Record the distance measurements.

Measure Elevations:

Measure the elevation of each reference point by aiming the laser range finder at a target on the ground and then at a target placed at a known elevation (e.g., a benchmark or survey marker). The laser range finder will calculate the difference in elevation.

Record Data:

Note down the distance measurements and elevation differences for each reference point in your notebook.

Create a Sketch or CAD Plan:

Using the data you've recorded, create a sketch or use CAD software to draw a plan of your property. Include all reference points and the distances and elevations you've measured.

Contour Lines:

To represent terrain levels, draw contour lines on your plan. Contour lines connect points of equal elevation. Use the elevation differences you measured to create these lines.

Label Elevations:

Label key elevation points and contour lines on your plan to provide a clear understanding of the terrain's topography.

Add North Direction and Scale:

Include a north arrow and a scale bar on your plan for orientation and measurement reference.

Finalize the Plan:

Review your plan to ensure accuracy and completeness. Make any necessary adjustments or additions.

Share or Use the Plan:

You can use the plan for various purposes, such as landscaping, construction, or property documentation.

Set up the tripod: Place the tripod on stable ground at a suitable location within the property. Make sure it is level and secure.

Attach the laser level: Mount the handheld laser level on top of the tripod and ensure it is securely attached.

Calibrate the laser level: Follow the manufacturer's instructions to calibrate the laser level. This step ensures accurate measurements.

Set a reference point: Choose a reference point on the property where you want to measure the elevation. This point will serve as the baseline for all other measurements.

Take measurements: Move around the property and use the laser level to measure the elevation at different points. Typically, you would measure the height above or below the reference point.

Record the measurements: Note down the measurements for each point, including the distance from the reference point and the elevation value.

Create a contour map: Use the collected measurements to create a contour map, which represents the terrain of the property. Contour lines connect points of equal elevation, allowing you to visualize the topography.

Add levels to the plans: Incorporate the measured elevations into your plans. This can be done by adding contour lines, indicating the elevation values at specific points, or using shading to represent different elevations.

Choose a laser level that is suitable for outdoor use and comes with a tripod. You can refer to the search results for some recommended laser levels.
Set up the tripod on stable ground near the construction site but out of harm's way. Make sure that the legs of the tripod are firmly set on the ground and that all knobs are tightly secured.
Level the head of the laser with a bubble vial, making sure that it is pointing in the same direction as your desired area to be leveled. You may need to adjust each leg of the tripod to ensure this accuracy.
Turn on your laser level and aim it at your work area so the beam is visible across its entire length. Keep an eye out for any obstructions or settings changes that could cause inaccurate readings from your laser level.
Move the laser level in a horizontal plane, keeping it parallel with the ground to measure the elevation of your work area. Be sure to make notes of any low or high spots that need additional leveling.
Use a laser detector and measuring rod combination to measure the height of the laser beam at different points on the terrain.
Record the measurements and levels on a plan or map of the property. You can use software such as Edraw or Sweet Home 3D to create a digital plan.
Use the recorded measurements to plan the landscaping and house design.