Inklinometern

Inklinometern, commonly known as an inclinometer, is a device used to measure the inclination or tilt of an object relative to the direction of gravity. It typically outputs an angle, usually in degrees, indicating how far the surface or structure deviates from horizontal. Some models provide measurements for two axes (pitch and roll), while simpler versions may report a single tilt angle.

Principle and variants. Mechanical inclinometers rely on gravity-induced alignment of a moving element, such as a bubble in a spirit level or a pendulum, to indicate tilt. Electronic inclinometers use sensors like MEMS accelerometers, gyroscopes, or combinations thereof to infer tilt from gravitational components acting on the sensor. Modern systems may fuse data from multiple sensors to deliver three-dimensional orientation, sometimes integrated with compasses or magnetometers for heading information.

Types. Common forms include simple spirit-level clinometers for quick field readings; electronic handheld inclinometers with digital readouts; fixed or portable 3D inclinometer systems used in structural health monitoring; and optical or optical-electronic variants that translate tilt into a visual or digital signal.

Applications. Inclinometers are used in geotechnical and civil engineering to monitor slope stability, landslides, and the tilting of buildings, bridges, towers, dams, and other infrastructures. They also serve in surveying, construction, mining, maritime and aviation contexts for attitude measurements and alignment, as well as in industrial processes where precise level control is required.

History and development. Early inclinometer concepts emerged from spirit level technology, evolving through mechanical designs to modern digital and MEMS-based instruments, enabling more precise, continuous, and data-driven tilt monitoring.