What is meant by 'foresight' in the context of surveying?

In the context of surveying, 'foresight' refers to the reading obtained from the instrument aimed at a target point after setting the instrument at a known location. This reading is crucial as it helps surveyors determine the elevation of a point relative to the instrument's height and enables them to calculate differences in height between multiple points.

When surveying, foresights are taken after backsights, which are measurements taken from the instrument to a known location to establish a reference point. Once the instrument is set and aligned, the foresight is recorded as it provides key data needed for determining the layout, elevations, and other important metrics in a surveying project. This process is integral to achieving accurate measurements and ultimately contributes to the effectiveness and precision of topographical and construction surveys.