The Forestry Forum

General Forestry => Ask The Forester => Topic started by: woodlotter on October 18, 2011, 07:57:56 PM

Title: Inclinometer
Post by: woodlotter on October 18, 2011, 07:57:56 PM
 I recently bought an inclinometer at an auction and was wondering if someone would explain how to use it. It has a sight box with a height line and a little mirror to see a level bubble on a protractor below. Can only see bubble in mirror is to put flashlight under.
Title: Re: Inclinometer
Post by: Ron Scott on October 19, 2011, 12:11:15 AM
Google: How to use an inclinometer? You'll find a lot of instructions on their use.
Title: Re: Inclinometer
Post by: SwampDonkey on October 19, 2011, 05:07:25 AM
Great for measuring standing tree heights and taking readings of terrain slopes. Probably the tree heights is most useful.
Title: Re: Inclinometer
Post by: woodlotter on October 20, 2011, 04:51:30 PM
 Was actually wondering about how I would use it?  Googled instruction but really only see about digital inclimeters. If some one knows how these are used could you do a quick posting. If your just going to post google it then please dont post in my thread. Thanks
Title: Re: Inclinometer
Post by: beenthere on October 20, 2011, 06:00:34 PM
Relax woodlotter.  ;)

I thought both replies were helpful information for you. Sorry you didn't think so.

If you have an interest in measuring tree heights or heights to first limb of a tree, or measuring the heights of anything, the inclinometer as you have is an older but useful instrument to have.

You will need to measure the distance to the tree, and then get the angle to the top. The bubble helps to know when you are level (if I recall correctly) and lets you read the angle on the protractor.

Now tell us why you want to measure tree heights, and also what name is on the inclinometer. A pic of the instrument please. We like pics.

I googled "How to use an inclinometer" and found some quite simple instructions with no sweat.
http://www.exploratorium.edu/math_explorer/howHigh_useInclino.html

Even a YouTube vid of "how to use an inclinometer".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZBZNY_lYfA
Title: Re: Inclinometer
Post by: Ron Scott on October 20, 2011, 06:22:25 PM
It would help to know the type and model that you have, Silva, Brunton, Suunto, Haglof, etc.? Is there a name and model on it? A picture would help if its an older or home built unit.
Title: Re: Inclinometer
Post by: SwampDonkey on October 21, 2011, 04:51:31 AM
This may be helpful.

https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php/topic,36600.0.html

Lots of photos, sketches and math to play with using a carpenter's square. ;D