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samedi 24 octobre 2015

Three Professionals That Will Use A Clinometer

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. Professional and Amateur Sailors Need The Clinometer

If you are learning to use a boat or a sailboat, you have to learn a great deal about navigation and safety. You also should learn some basic meteorology to increase your safety on longer voyages away from a harbor. While it's important to learn to use radar, sonar and a radio, it's also important to be able to observe changes in weather conditions without depending on electronic devices. These can stop working and you can lose power, so you will be far safer if you know how to observe and use devices such as the clinometer.

The clinometer can be used if your electronic devices, such as a weather radio, fail for some reason. You can take the clinometer and measure the height of clouds. Cloud height, as well as changes in height, can be an indicator of certain types of weather. For instance, you have probably seen the sky full of puffy white clouds. These are cumulus clouds, which can start to quickly rise up vertically. When cumulus clouds develop into cumulonimbus clouds, this means you might experience a thunderstorm in the near future with heavy rains and winds and even hail.

2. The Forester & The Clinometer

A forester is a job that has been around for hundreds of years, although its purpose has altered in modern times. Centuries ago, a forester was basically someone who managed and patrolled the forest lands of wealthy landowners, ensuring that poachers stayed off the land and that the forest was well-maintained. These days, a forester is responsible for the ecological management of a forest. This includes private land, land used for logging and protected public forest lands.

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 Also Provide Data For Geologists

Geologists study all types of rocks as well as rock formations. These studies include collecting data about the height of various rocks and rock formations and mountains. A clinometer is the handy tool that can be used to determine rock height. For instance, a geologist might compare the heights of a mountain before or after a seismic event, such as an earthquake or volcanic eruption.




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