Level-Loop Misclosure Distribution (Compass Rule)
The step differential leveling leaves out: spread a level-loop misclosure back across the benchmarks so the loop closes. Correction to each point = -misclosure x (distance leveled to it / total distance) - the vertical analog of the compass rule the traverse tile uses. A three-leg loop closing 0.05 ft high over 2,000 ft puts -0.0125 ft on the first point at 500 ft and the full -0.05 ft on the last, so the adjusted elevations land exactly on the known benchmark. Distance-weighted; equal-weight-per-setup is an alternative. A computational aid; the project control governs.
Formula and source
misclosure = last_elev - known_close; cum_i = sum(dists[0..i]); correction_i = -misclosure x cum_i / cum_total; adjusted_i = elev_i + correction_i.
The compass-rule (distance-weighted) distribution of a level-loop misclosure, the vertical analog of the horizontal compass rule, as compiled in the standard surveying references (Ghilani/Wolf, Elementary Surveying), by name.
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