What is the alternative term for a stadia rod, which is used to obtain elevations with a surveying instrument?

A stadia rod is primarily used in conjunction with a surveying instrument to determine elevations and slopes. The term "level rod" is commonly used interchangeably with "stadia rod" because both are designed to serve similar purposes in leveling and measurement tasks during surveys. The level rod is marked with units of measurement (such as feet or meters) and allows surveyors to read the height of the instrument's line of sight above the ground, enabling them to calculate elevation differences accurately.

In surveying practice, the use of a level rod is essential for establishing benchmarks or reference points in various types of surveying work, such as construction, land development, and topographic mapping. Understanding the tool's functionality helps surveyors ensure accuracy in their measurements and the overall integrity of their surveying projects.