Dinclinaison

Dinclinaison is a term used to describe the degree of tilt of a line, a plane, or an object relative to a chosen reference plane or direction. It is applied across multiple disciplines to quantify how much something deviates from a horizontal or reference orientation, and it is usually expressed in degrees or radians.

In astronomy and astrodynamics, the inclination (often denoted i) is the angle between an orbiting body’s orbital plane and a reference plane, such as the ecliptic or the celestial equator. The value ranges from 0° to 180°. An inclination of 0° means the orbit lies in the reference plane; 90° indicates a polar orbit; values greater than 90° correspond to retrograde motion. Inclination is fundamental for predicting positions, transits, and the dynamics of celestial bodies.

In geology and structural geology, inclination often refers to the dip of a planar feature, such as a rock bed, fault, or foliation. The dip is the angle the plane makes with a horizontal surface, measured from 0° to 90°, and it is accompanied by a strike, the compass direction of the line of intersection with a horizontal plane. The combination of dip and strike describes the three-dimensional orientation of geological features.

In civil engineering and surveying, dinclinaison describes the tilt of surfaces, ramps, pipes, or roads relative to a horizontal reference. It influences drainage, load distribution, stability, and usability. Measurements are performed with inclinometers or clinometers and are integrated into design, construction, and maintenance processes.

Measurement and notation commonly use degrees or radians, with instruments such as inclinometer sensors, gyroscopes, or laser-based devices to determine the angle of tilt in the relevant context.