How do I measure height using a Clinometer?
This procedure requires that the measurer have a clinometer with a % slope scale. The measurer moves back to a point where the top of the tree is directly visible. For trees over 100 feet tall possessing broad crowns, this distance will usually be 150 feet or more. Using the clinometer, the spot on the trunk that is at eye level is identified and the distance from the eye to the level point on the trunk is measured with a tape or laser rangefinder. Using the clinometer, the percent slope to the top of the tree is obtained followed by the percent slope to the base of the tree. The % slope associated with the top of the tree is then multiplied by the level distance to the trunk to get the height of the tree above eye level. The procedure is repeated for the base of the tree to get the height between eye level and the base of the tree. If the base of the tree is below eye level, the two heights are added to get the total tree height. If the eye is below the base of the tree, the eye to ba
The clinometer must have a % slope scale. Note: Always measure height using as long as a baseline (distance from tree) as possible. 1) Stand away from the tree at a distance where the top of the tree can be seen easy. Take the clinometer and look directly level at the tree trunk, noting a point on the tree at eye level, to use as a visual reference-point. 2) Measure the distance from the eye to the level reference-point on the trunk. A quality Instrument-Grade tape measure or Laser Rangerfinder can be used to measure this distance. 3) Using the clinometer, sight the top of the tree, and note the percent slope angle on the clinometer. 4) Now Sight the bottom of the tree trunk and note the percent slope angle. 5) The % slope associated with the top of the tree is then multiplied by the level distance to the trunk to get the height of the tree above eye level. 6) The procedure is repeated for the base of the tree to get the height between eye level and the base of the tree. 7) If the base
