Abstract: A level instrument for surveying a mining subsidence zone in a coal mining area includes a bottom plate, a leveling mechanism, a lifting mechanism, and a level instrument body, where the leveling mechanism is provided on the bottom plate, the lifting mechanism is provided on the leveling mechanism, and the level instrument body is provided on the lifting mechanism. A surveying method using the level instrument is further provided. The level instrument is placed at a surveying location through the bottom plate, a levelness of the level instrument body is directly adjusted through the leveling mechanism below the level instrument body, and a height of the level instrument body is directly adjusted through the lifting mechanism. In this way, the operation process of the level instrument is simplified, and the overall surveying efficiency is improved.