What is an Inclinometer?
An inclinometer, also known as a clinometer, is any device that can measure an angle with respect to a level surface. This can be accomplished using a variety of methods and the term "inclinometer" doesn't refer to a specific instrument. When the distance to an object is known, some types of inclinometer can also use trigonometry to measure the height of an object.
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Definitions
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A level surface is generally defined as a surface that's perpendicular to the line between the point of observation and the center of the earth. An angle with a measure of 0 therefore indicates the inclinometer is level. An angle measure of +90 degrees means the inclinometer is pointed straight up and an angle measure of -90 degrees means the inclinometer is pointed straight down.
Determination of Height
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You can also calculate the height of an object with an inclinometer. This requires you to know the angle of the inclinometer when it's pointed towards the top of the object and the distance of the inclinometer to the object. This can be by h = d + b x tan θ where h is the height of the object, d is the height of the inclinometer above the bottom of the object, b is the distance of the inclinometer to the object and tan θ is the tangent of the angle measured by the inclinometer.
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Types
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Inclinometers have more specific names, depending on their particular functions. Inclinometers that measure the slope of a physical surface may have names such as a gradient meter, gradiometer, level gauge, level meter, slope alert and slope gauge. A device that specifically measures declines (negative angles) may be called declinometers. Inclinometers that measure the orientation of aircraft may be called a pitch and roll indicator.
Simple Inclinometers
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Inclinometer may use a range of specific techniques to measure incline. A simple inclinometer may consist of a straight viewing tube and a plumb bob attached to a protractor. The operator points the viewing tube towards the object of interest and the plumb bob indicates the angle of the viewing tube on the protractor.
Commercial Inclinometers
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An inclinometer with practical applications may use a variety of more sophisticated technologies. They frequently contain a heavy liquid that determines when the inclinometer is level, much the way a carpenter's level does. Modern inclinometer may also use a laser to indicate the angle of the inclinometer more accurately. A very sensitive inclinometer will also contain methods of adjusting for environmental changes such as temperature, pressure and humidity.
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