Measuring heights using a clinometer

An inclinometer or clinometer is an instrument used for measuring angles of slope (or tilt),
elevation, or depression of an object with respect to gravity's direction. It is also known
as a tilt indicator, tilt sensor, tilt meter, slope alert, slope gauge, gradient meter,
gradiometer, level gauge, level meter, declinometer, and pitch & roll indicator.
Clinometers measure both inclines (positive slopes, as seen by an observer looking
upwards) and declines (negative slopes, as seen by an observer looking downward) using
three different units of measure: degrees, percent, and topo (see Grade (slope) for
details). Astrolabes are inclinometers that were used for navigation and locating
astronomical objects from ancient times to the Renaissance.

Equipment

• Bristol Board
• Some sticky tape.
• A straw. This needs to be straight enough that you can see all the way through.
• Some thread.
• Scissors
• A small weight, a small rock for example.
• A ruler
• A glue stick
• Attached file printed
• 2 pinheads of different colors

Instructions

Cut a rectangular piece of Bristol board or

stiff card 15 cm X 20 cm
Draw lines on the card as indicated.

Cut as shown

Remove piece as shown

Fold remaining piece over and tape in

place.
Cut the angle template (the file attached).

Glue the angle template to the card base.

It is important that the angle template is
aligned accurately with
the edges of the card.

Draw a line from the 60-degree mark to 8

cm from end of card.
Cut as shown

Cut a 5 cm X 15 cm card.
Draw a line down the center.

Fold card on line.

Tape and glue the handle to the main
inclinometer card.

Secure the handle with tape.

Using a pin, push a hole through the upper

left corner.
Push a string through the hole. Tape end
of string to back of card.

Attach a weight to the end of the string.

Make sure it swings freely below the
angle marks.
A fishing weight works well.
A penny, taped to the string, can also be
used.

Lay a straw along the structure as

indicated.
The straw stiffens the inclinometer.
 Tape the straw securely to the back of the
inclinometer.

Use large headed pins as sights.

Use two different colours.
Press one into each end on top of the
inclinometer.
Press one into the folded card of the
handle.
Press another in behind the straw and
tape at front.

The two pinheads serve as sights.

They are aligned with the observed object.

Measuring the distance using the clinometer

1. Locate yourself at a considerable distance from the building or object you want to
measure and proceed use your clinometer to see the top of the building and write
the angle marked on it. Let X as the distance between you and the building and H
as the height.
2. Get away around 5 meters from the building and repeat the process measuring the
new angle.

5m

3. With the information that you have and, using trigonometric ratios, determine the
height of the building.

4. Could you measure any height that you want?

5. Complete the following chart

Distance from the Height of the building Angle of elevation

building
5m 5m 45º
8m 3m
7m 30º
6m 70º
X+4m 28º

6. Investigate how to determine your latitude using the clinometer and perform a brief
summary of the process. Do it if it’s possible.