Monday, July 14, 2014

Different Types Of Clinometers & Inclinometers

By Carey Bourdier


Clinometers are specially designed tools that are used to measure angles or rather the slopes of elevation or depression of any object. These instruments go by many other names, such as a tilt meter or inclinometer or perhaps a slope gauge. Clinometers can be used to measure both inclines and decline and are used by a variety of professionals.

Determining slope has many practical applications for surveyors, especially for surveying in regards to the construction of buildings and particularly roads, where issues regarding the grade of a slope have a huge impact on construction. Even the construction of sidewalks requires the use of clinometers to ensure that the level and slope of the sidewalks are safe for pedestrians. Roads must be properly graded, and the slope must be calculated so that they are safe for a variety of vehicles, from large commercial trucks to personal vehicles.

In forestry, for example, clinometers are used to determine the heights of trees. A forester will stand a specific distance away from the tree and face the tree holding the clinometer. Once the clinometer is level, you point the clinometer at the top of the tree and take down a measurement and then point the clinometer at the bottom of the tree and take that measurement. To figure out the height, subtract the smaller number from the larger number and you will obtain the height of the tree.

Additionally, any type of manufacturing company needs precise machinery to produce products, and a Vernier clinometer can be a useful tool to make sure that machines and platforms are perfectly aligned. Small inconsistencies in alignment or a machine that is not entirely level can certainly affect the quality of your products.

Before the advent of technology, such as satellites and radar, meteorologists as well as sailors had to use a variety of instruments to predict weather. One of these was a clinometer which would gauge the height of clouds and predict that a storm might be coming soon.

There are many other areas where when using a clinometer is important. These instruments can be used to determine pitch and roll, which is important in the development of all types of vehicles, including aircraft, automobiles and ships and boats. Doctors use clinometers to determine a body's range of motion. Companies that produce solar panels use clinometers to determine the proper angles to place the panels.




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