Precision Measurements In Surveying, Navigation, Topography

How do you measure the slope of a hill? Or the height of an object, such as the trees in a park? Getting these figures requires more than a regular ruler or tape measure. And this is where precision inclinometers come in handy. 

Also called clinometers, these are devices designed to measure angles of slope or tilt in degrees, minutes, seconds, or percentages with respect to gravity. The manual inclinometer system primarily consists of a probe, cable reel, a mobile readout unit, and a host of accessories, such as cable reel batteries and mobile chargers. 

For decades now, they've been used by surveyors, engineers, and geologists to create accurate land assessments and topographical maps. They are also used for navigation and instrument calibration. 

Inclinometers made by a trusted manufacturer of precision alignment equipment can also be used for safety applications. For instance, this measuring device allows city planners to build an appropriate runoff for sidewalks and streets. Engineers can study bridges and dams and determine their soundness over time. 

Skiers and hikers can also rely on clinometers to measure the angles of snow-covered slopes and evaluate the risk for avalanches. Additionally, volcanologists can use inclinometers to record ground shifts in active volcanoes and use data analysis to predict volcanic activities. 

The Different Types of Precision Inclinometers

Inclinometers come in different sizes and shapes, and each type is built to fulfill specific purposes. Here are the different types of inclinometers produced by a manufacturer of angle measuring tools. 

Ball inclinometers. If you are to navigate through the oceans, you will need a ball inclinometer. It's a device used to measure tilts on sailboats and other watercraft. The readings are done by referencing a ball placed inside a bent tube. It's available as a single- or dual-scale ball inclinometer. 

Drum inclinometers. These are rugged instruments made to measure the tilts of an object. This inclinometer is typically graduated from 0° to 180° to 0°. 

Optical inclinometers. Boasting a 360-degree operating range, this type of inclinometer is used primarily for calibration and alignment applications. NIST traceable calibration for optical equipment is recommended.

Vernier inclinometers. This type of clinometer is frequently used to level and align machinery and small platforms. It's a surveying instrument that can read angles in the horizontal plane. 

Pendulum inclinometers. If you are to measure awkward locations, the pendulum inclinometer is the most suitable instrument to use. You can secure the angle reading with the help of an extended Vernier scale, equipped with a magnifier, and a drum-locking component. 

Electronic inclinometers. Powered by a battery, this type of inclinometer has a range of ±45°, with a capacity of reading 0 to 360° angles. It also comes with a built-in calibration for enhanced accuracy. 

Abney levels. Manufacturers of custom alignment telescopes and other precision instruments know just how vital Abney levels are. It's composed of a clinometer and four scales. It is used to get one or a combinations of different slope readings (e.g., degrees, percent of grade, and topographic arc). 

When choosing a precision instrument, you have to consider its measurement range, accuracy, and the number of axes measured. For a more convenient and accurate reading, you should also consider the output type and resolution (or the smallest measurable change in the output).

8 Essential Tools for the Surveyor

Surveying determines the relative positions of natural and man-made features on the earth's surface. It is a critical tool for land management, engineering, construction, and other activities. Without surveying, it would be difficult to develop and manage land resources properly. And in order to survey the land  accurately, efficiently, and safely — surveyors need a variety of tools. From the trusted surveyors compass to devices that measure angles, here are eight essential tools for the surveyor. 

Surveyor’s compass. You may best know the compass as a tool for navigation. However, this handy device is a surveying essential that helps users measure distance. The compass is placed on the ground and the surveyor aligns it with the object they are measuring. Then, they use the scale on the compass to take a reading. Surveyors use compasses to measure everything from property boundaries to even the height of buildings. 

Clinometers. If you ask a manufacturer of angle measuring tools, one of their most in-demand products among surveyors is the clinometer. This measures angles of slopes to determine the elevation of an object. This is a general term that comprises subcategories with more specific functions (e.g. Inclinometers, which measure displacements between the ground and structures that lie underneath it). 

Theodolites and total stations. Theodolites are also used to measure angles, but in the horizontal and vertical planes. They provide more precise readings and are typically part of the so-called total station. Total stations are also equipped with an electronic distance measuring device (EDM) for enhanced accuracy. This also allows surveyors to record electronic data because it has a data collection and storage system. On occasion, custom alignment telescopes may be used for difficult slopes.

Tapes, levels, and rods. This variety precision alignment equipment allow surveyors to take measurements of lengths and distances. A graduated rod (often wooden or aluminum) is typically paired with a levelling instrument to measure the height different between two points or between points above vertical data. To identify points in the ground, surveyors use markers such as pins, stakes, and flags. 

Surveying tripods. An essential tool for the surveyor, the survey tripod is a three-legged stand used to support survey equipment. The tripod provides a stable platform for the surveyor to work from, which is crucial for accurate measurements. The tripod legs can be adjusted to different lengths. 

Magnetic locators. These are used to locate underground utilities, such as water and gas lines. Magnetic locators work by detecting the magnetic field created by these utilities, helping surveyors avoid them when they are doing excavation work. 

3D scanners. Over time, the arsenal of surveyors has become more advanced and sophisticated. One of the most modern devices being used today is the three-dimensional scanner. It can collect data from objects and surfaces more quickly and accurately. It can be used especially in sites with hard-to-reach areas, which minimizes the risk of injuries and accidents. 

Safety equipment. Apart from technical staples like a surveyors compass, surveyors also rely on various transits and levels need to be calibrated or repaired. A quality instrument repair service for survey equipment may also perform NIST traceable calibration. These include high-visibility or reflective clothes, helmet, and appropriate footwear.