Abney & Hand Levels

The Sokkia Abney Level with clinometer is an instrument used in surveying which consists of a fixed sighting tube, a movable spirit level that is connected to a pointing arm, and a protractor scale. It is used to measure the angle of inclination of a line from the observer to another point.

On the other hand, a hand level (also called a sight level or hand sight level) is a tool used for 'rough leveling' – that is, estimation and not precision. A hand level is essentially a spirit level inside of a telescope.