noun
surveyor's level; leveling instrument
A precision optical instrument used in surveying and construction to establish a horizontal line of sight. The term covers various types including dumpy levels and automatic levels.
測量士は水準儀を使って土地の高低差を測った。
The surveyor measured the elevation difference of the land using a leveling instrument.
レベル is a common loanword for 'level' in many contexts (e.g., game level, skill level), but in surveying it can also mean a leveling instrument, often used interchangeably with 水準儀 in technical settings.
Compound of 水準 (water level, standard) and 儀 (instrument). The term is a technical coinage for a surveying instrument that uses a spirit level or compensator to establish a horizontal line.