Inklinometer

Inklinometer, a variant spelling of inclinometer, is a device used to measure the angle of tilt or slope of an object relative to gravity. It can be mechanical or electronic and may provide a single tilt angle or measurements along two or more axes. Modern inclinometers often include data logging and digital output for monitoring applications.

Principle and types: Traditional inclinometers use a liquid-filled vial, pendulum, or bubble level to indicate tilt. Modern versions rely on MEMS accelerometers, capacitive sensors, or optical and gyroscopic components to determine tilt from gravitational or inertial data. Some systems are designed as part of geotechnical monitoring networks, with probes embedded in soil or rock to detect lateral movement over time.

Applications: In civil and structural engineering, inclinometers assess structural tilt in buildings, bridges, towers, and earth-retaining structures. They are widely used for slope stability and landslide monitoring, crane and heavy-equipment alignment, and maritime or underwater navigation. In robotics, aerospace, and consumer electronics, inclinometer functionality supports attitude sensing, motion tracking, and user interface features.

Accuracy and formats: Specification ranges vary from simple handheld devices with roughly 0.1 to 0.5-degree resolution to high-precision systems capable of detecting changes of a few hundredths of a degree over time. Outputs may be analog or digital (such as I2C/SPI or wireless data links), and many instruments provide real-time readings and historical data logging.

Notes: Inklinometer is less common than inclinometer; both terms may be encountered, but inclinometer is the standard name for tilt-measuring instruments.