By Kenya England


The angle of depression, elevation, and tilt is measured using a device called a gradiometer. The pull of gravity is used as the point of reference in measurements. Level meter, slope indicator, declinometer, inclinometer, gradiometer, gradient meter, and clinometer are some of the other names used to refer to the instrument in various places. Topo, percentage, and degrees are the main units of measurement that most devices use. A device may use all three units of measurement or not.

Declinometers are used for the measurement of both positive and negative angles from a given mean point. Before the beginning of renaissance, a certain type of inclinometer was in use for navigation and location of astronomical objects. That kind of clinometer was referred to as an astrolabe. The use of astrolabes has since reduced and they are currently rarely used.

Clinometers have remained useful since they were first used many years ago. The number of uses they could be used for back then was low, but that has continued to increase. Their use was also not as widespread as it is today. Advances in technology have been at the center of increasing popularity. Ancient models were only used for a single function and had fewer features. Sophistication, functionality, and features has increased a lot in modern versions.

Advancements in technology are the main cause for the increase sophistication in modern devices. They have become much easier to construct because of technology. In addition, the number of devices whose proper functioning is dependent on inclinometers has also grown. Availability and sophistication of the device have also increased due to an increase in the number of manufacturers worldwide.

Tilt indicators can be used in many different applications and fields of specialty. Some of the basic implementations of this device are pendulums, accelerometer, and electrolytic among many others. On the other hand, they are applied in aircraft flight control, cameras, platform leveling, boom angle indication, specialty switches, and automobile security systems among others. The principle upon which this device functions is very simple. No matter they kind of technology, the device works by generating an artificial horizon and then measuring tilt angle in relation to that horizon.

The functions of current gadgets are diverse. Main functions include notifying system operators when a system is about to tip, showing deviation from horizontal or vertical, and in safety systems in vehicles. The device is also used in surveying too. Uses are in all industries and they continue to grow everyday.

Care should be exercised when selecting an inclinometer to ensure that accuracy is high because it is an important aspect. Factors that affect accuracy are many and they include sensitivity, sensor linearity, technology used, model, repeatability, zero offset, and temperature. The factors mentioned above do not cause effect singly. They happen together. Accuracy is higher in digital versions than in analogue ones. Some digital models can have 0.0001 degree accuracy.

Accuracy and general functioning is also dependent on the casing in which the device is placed. Some casings are known to affect the level of accuracy a lot and should be avoided. Placing the device inside a casing also increases durability because modern casings are made of very strong materials.




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