All you need is the measurements taken above and a calculator. You’ll use some simple trigonometry to calculate the height of the pile. These will help you later to better estimate the shape. Step 3: Take pictures of the shape of the pile. Measure not only the angle from your eye to the top of the pile, but also the angle from your eye to the base of the pile (again, this will only work if the bottom of the pile is also visible). If you can see the bottom of the pile clearly, there is a way to work around possible elevation changes. If you are unsure if there is an elevation change, use Google Earth later to measure your distance from the pile and check for an elevation change. If possible, stand in an area without an elevation change. IMPORTANT NOTE: These measurements work assuming there is not an elevation change between you and the pile. Use a tape measure to record not your height, but the distance from your eye (where the clinometer or level is) to the ground. While you stand and measure this angle (looking down the long edge of your level directly at the top of the pile), your partner should read the angle given by the level for the most accurate reading.Ģc. Take this measurement from the same spot where you can clearly see the top of the pile. The angle of elevation from your eye to the top of the pile. There are comparable apps for iPhones.Ģb. This app gives you an exact readout of your latitude and longitude to be used later. *If you have an Android phone, you can download an app called Share My Position. If you can’t measure your distance to the pile, it is important to take all your measurements from a clearly visible object (a fence, house, tree etc), so you will be able to identify where you were standing later when you look at the map to determine distances.* You may not be able to measure your distance to the top of the pile on-site, but don’t worry, this can be done using Google Maps after you have created a balloon map of the area. The distance from where you stand to the highest point of the pile (or where you measure your angle of elevation).Īgain, make sure from where you stand you can see the top of the pile. If there’s an elevation change between you and the pile make sure you can also see the bottom of the pile):Ģa. You will need to know three things (stand at the same point to take all three measurements, make sure you can see the top of the pile. On a shelf that you’ve checked to be perfectly level with a real spirit level, place your smartphone on its side, then ‘zero’ it (calibrating will usually be an option in the menu, depending on the app). If you’re using a level app on your phone, check the calibration of the smart phone level against a real spirit level. You can also use a ruler as a straight edge to make sure your angles are correct. If you have neither a smartphone nor a clinometer, you will need a level that reads angles. By looking down the ruler’s edge while it is attached to the clinometers, you may be able to more easily record your angle of elevation. Spirit level or (in)clinometer apps can be downloaded for free on most smartphones.Ī ruler may be helpful to use as a straight edge with your clinometer. Using a Spirit Level/Clinometer to Measure Pile Height The method described here is based on common practices for measuring the height of a tree with a clinometer. Published Q3 2014 in the Grassroots Mapping Forum #6 Order online
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