Monday, December 4, 2017 - Bob Edmonds and I visited the site. Using info gained in previous visit and public records, Bob had composed a "plat map" of the lot. We found the two pipes (IP's) at the NE and SE corners. Measuring from these survey points, we measured and marked elevations on Bob's "sketch."

We used two measuring poles, one to establish a given height for the sighting level and one 12 ft. pole with a measuring tape attached. I made the 12' staff in two pieces -- to easily fit in my RAV4. This system was confirmed accurate to within one vertical inch when the measurements were spaced at 40 ft. or less.

The sighting level we used was loaned to me by Gark Kirk. Pictured below, it's a CST/Berger 17-620A Hand Level, "ideal for preliminary survey and simple distance estimation." I used levels like this when training Peace Corps volunteers in the 60's.

"A level staff, also called levelling rod, is a graduated wooden or aluminium rod, used with a levelling instrument to determine the difference in height between points or heights of points above a datum surface. It cannot be used without a leveling instrument."

12/6/17 -- Bob made two drawings. One, of the site "as is," and the second showing how a new house and new garage might be located.

NOTE: On both drawings, the points where we measured elevations are denoted with "X's."

As of 12/7, we have no firm plans for demolition or building. Stay tuned.

12/8/17 -- Grant, Attached is a 3D view of house and garage looking from the Southeast. Involves some fill on the North and West side of garage to bring site area up to 1st floor level of house. House entry under center gable roof of house. Curved retaining wall takes off from corner of existing concrete pad on the south side of existing garage.
Robert E. Edmonds AIA
7158 Waterman Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63130-4325
reedmonds@yahoo.com / 314-324-9333