Through the analysis of the principle, error sources and precision of trigonometric leveling, this paper points out the key problems about first order leveling replaced by trigonometric leveling; and for the first time puts forward that, in some given conditions, it is not only feasible but also valuable to replace first order leveling by precise trigonometric leveling, and proves it by experimentation as well. The content and conclusion of this paper have consulting significance and practicable value for our setting down relational criterion and production practice.