Clinometer

Encyclopedia : C : CL : CLI : Clinometer

A clinometer also known as a inclinometer is an instrument for measuring vertical or horizontal angles. Modern ones output electronically and are accurate to .001 degrees. The earliest clinometers used a weight, an extension, and a potentiometer. Early in the 1900's (circa 1917) precision curved glass tubes filled with a damping liquid and steel ball were introduced to provide accurate visual angle indication. In the 1980s electronic sensors using alcohol over capacitive sensors were popular. Common sensor technologies for electronic tilt sensors and inclinometers are accelerometer, capacitive (liquid), electrolytic, gas bubble in liquid, and pendulum. Moving forward, MEMs (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) technology is becoming the newest type due to their tiny size and low cost.

Examples Of Usage

Clinometers are used for:

indicating pitch and roll of vehicles, sail boats, and aircraft.
Monitoring boom angle of cranes and material handlers.
Measuring the "look angle" of a satellite antenna towards a satellite
Measuring the slope angle of a tape or chain during distance measurement.
Estimating the height of a building, tree, or other feature using a vertical angle and a distance (determined by taping or pacing).
Measuring the angle of drilling in well-logging applications

Factors Which Influence The Use Of Clinometers

(Overall accuracy varies depending on the type of inclinometer and technology utilized)

Gravity
temperature (drift), zero offset, linearity, vibration, shock, cross-axis sensitivity, acceleration/deceleration
A clear line of sight between the user and the measured point is needed.
A well defined object is required to obtain the maximum precison.
The angle measurement precision and accuracy is limited to slightly better than one degree of arc .

Survey Methods Used For

Clinometers are used for the measurement of angles in reference to gravity.
The USDA Forest Service uses clinometers to measure tree height in its Forest Inventory and Analysis program.

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