Which equipment would be best for establishing a horizontal plane in surveying?

The dumpy level is specifically designed for establishing a horizontal plane in surveying. Its function is to ensure that the line of sight remains level, providing an accurate reference for measuring elevations and making horizontal measurements across a terrain. The dumpy level consists of a telescope mounted on a tripod, which can be adjusted to the desired height and oriented horizontally. Surveyors use it to align the instrument and obtain level readings on stakes or other reference points, thereby ensuring precise and reliable results in various surveying tasks.

While other equipment such as a total station and electronic distance measuring devices can assist in gathering data and mapping, their primary functions are more complex and not solely focused on establishing a horizontal plane. The GPS receiver is excellent for determining positions and coordinates over a large area but does not inherently establish a horizontal reference in the manner that a dumpy level does. Thus, the dumpy level stands out as the most suitable tool for the specific purpose of creating a horizontal plane in surveying contexts.