Rise and fall method
The rise and fall method is a technique used in surveying to determine the difference in elevation between two points. It is commonly used in design and construction to create accurate site plans.
A levelling instrument such as a dumpy level or a theodolite is set up at one point (the benchmark) and a staff is placed at a point whose elevation is to be determined. The instrument is then sighted on the staff and the vertical distance between the instrument and the staff is measured. This is known as the backsight.
The staff is then moved to the next point and the instrument is sighted on the staff again. The vertical distance between the instrument and the staff is measured once more, and this is known as the foresight.
If the foresight is higher than the backsight, it means that the point being surveyed is higher than the benchmark. The difference between the foresight and the backsight is known as the rise. If the foresight is lower than the backsight, it means that the point being surveyed is lower than the benchmark. The difference between the backsight and the foresight is known as the fall.
The process is repeated for multiple points, with the rise and fall measurements being added and subtracted as appropriate.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.
Comments
[edit] To make a comment about this article, or to suggest changes, click 'Add a comment' above. Separate your comments from any existing comments by inserting a horizontal line.