Clinometer

The clinometer is an optical device for measuring elevation angles above horizontal. The most common instruments of this type currently used are compass clinometers, which are fundamentally just magnetic compasses held with their plane vertical so that a plummet or its equivalent can point to the elevation of the sight line. This instrument is both striking and utilitarian, providing accurate navigation solution and can prove to be the ideal gift for those with a penchant for the practical.

Altitude is best measured with a clinometer. The clinometer has always been one of the most vital pieces of equipment on a ship, saving countless sailors from being lost at sea. The factors which influence the use of clinometers is a clear line of sight between the user and the measured point is needed, a well defined object is required to obtain the maximum precision and the angle measurement precision and accuracy is limited to slightly better than one degree of arc.

A clinometer measure the angle of a line of sight above or below horizontal. Apart from navigation purpose, they are also used by construction workers to measure grade angles, by forestry workers to measure the height of trees, and by movie directors to measure the height of the sun. They are also used by satellite antenna installers to find satellites.