The Clinometer: Three Occupations That Use This Device

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By Carey Bourdier


Geometry and trigonometry aren't just classes that we had to take during high school; these branches of mathematics have many practical applications in many professions. There are many optical instruments that can help these professionals make accurate geometric calculations. One optical tool that incorporates aspects of geometry is the clinometer. This is a device that helps one measure elevation angles, which can be helpful in for the following jobs.

1. Safe Sailing Is Easier With A Clinometer

If you are a sailor or operating a power boat, then you definitely understand the importance of understanding weather patterns and weather conditions. Professional or Naval ship captains, as well as those who sail for fun, all have to keep their eye on the weather. The clinometer can be a helpful device for those who are out on the sea. While you might have a plethora of technology on board your craft, the possibility of electrical failure or satellite problems do exist, so learning how to use a clinometer can be handy.

Learning how to use a clinometer, combined with some general knowledge of meteorology can be a boon if you are without working instrumentation. The clinometer can help you measure cloud height. Different types of clouds form at different elevations and these clouds indicate unique weather conditions. Changes in cloud height also can be important to note as these can indicate weather changes. By watching cloud movement, you can determine where a squall might be moving. For instance, when a cumulus cloud starts to quickly increase its vertical height, this can mean that a thunderstorm could occur. So when you see puffy cumulus clouds transform into a more vertical cumulonimbus formation, this could mean that heavy rain, lighting and high winds are coming.

2. Managing Forests With A Clinometer

If you have never heard about the job of a forester, you probably could at least guess that it must be in some way related to trees. A forester or forestry technician is a job concerned with the management of all types of forests. This includes protected forest lands as well as forests used for logging.

When it comes to clinometers, a forester will use this device to calculate tree height. Obviously, climbing individual trees is not an option, but these calculations provide important data that foresters use when making long-range plans for forest management. A forester will stand a fixed distance away from a tree, usually about 50 feet, and then uses the clinometer to measure angle from the observation point to the top of the tree. From there, mathematical calculations will help determine a solid estimate of the tree's height.

3. Clinometers Are A Tool Of Geologists

When you think about geologists, you probably simply think about rocks. But this is a much more complex profession, and geology is actually the study of the earth itself and the materials that make up the earth. The clinometer is used by geologists to help them calculate the height of large rocks as well as mountains and rock walls, which is similar to the way in which foresters use this optical instrument.




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