An inclinometer measures the degree of slope and is used in various fields. Old inclinometers used water, while modern ones use electronic sensors. They have applications in aircraft, seismology, forestry, and construction.
An inclinometer is a device that is used to measure the degree of an upward or downward slope. Inclinometers are referred to by various names, including clinometers, tilt gauges, gradiometers, and declination meters. Inclinometers are useful in a variety of situations, such as determining an aircraft’s angle to the ground, aligning antennas with satellites, and measuring the height of trees.
Old inclinometers relied on water to calculate the angle of a surface. The inclinometer would have a flat bottom so that it could rest on the ground, and house a container full of water. The markings on the side of the container would be used to measure the angle of a surface, depending on the slope of the water surface. This effect can be easily replicated by tilting a glass of water. The angle of the container changes, but the water surface remains parallel to the ground.
A modern inclinometer depends on an electronic sensor to determine its angle with the ground. Some inclinometers have a separate probe and handheld device on which the readings are displayed. Many inclinometers come in combination with compasses and can be found in a variety of different styles. Generally, a modern inclinometer is used by looking through an eyepiece and aligning the horizontal line extending across the display with the object whose angle is being measured. The reading will then be displayed in degrees.
Inclinometers have many different applications in various occupations. They are vital in aircraft for determining the aircraft’s angle with the ground. This is important for landing an aircraft and for keeping the aircraft at a constant height in the sky. Segways also use an inclinometer to keep the operator properly balanced.
In seismology, an inclinometer is useful for determining the angles of hills and valleys, and for understanding whether the terrain that composes them is in motion. The difference of the inclinometer readings over time can be used to determine how fast the ground is moving. In forestry, inclinometers can be used to calculate the height of trees based on the angle to the tip and the distance from the tree. Inclinometers are also used in construction to ensure shelves and door frames are parallel to the ground.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
