English civil engineer William Gravatt is considered as the inventor of the dumpy level. He invented dumpy level in 1832 while using the conventional Y level.

Who invented dumpy level?

The complete instrument is staged by the vertical spindle. The telescope placed on the dumpy level can be rotated amongst the horizontal plane. Relative elevation of survey points on the land can be determined through the dumpy level. The dumpy level was invented by Willian Gravatt, in 1832.

Why is a dumpy level so called?

In 1832, English civil engineer and inventor William Gravatt, who was commissioned to examine a scheme for the South Eastern Railway's route from London to Dover, became frustrated with the slow and cumbersome operation of the "Y" level during the survey work, and devised the more transportable, easier-to-use "dumpy" ...