resmätare

A resmätare is a traditional Swedish measuring tool used primarily in the 18th and 19th centuries for determining distances, particularly in land surveying and construction. The term derives from the Swedish words *res* (meaning "journey" or "distance") and *mätare* (meaning "measurer" or "surveyor"). This device was designed to simplify the process of measuring long or irregular distances without the need for complex instruments like theodolites or chains.

The resmätare typically consisted of a wooden or metal rod, often marked with incremental measurements, attached to a handle or pole. One end of the rod featured a sighting mechanism, such as a small aperture or crosshair, while the other end had a plumb line or weight to ensure vertical alignment. The user would hold the instrument at one point and sight along the rod to another reference point, then count or mark the number of steps or intervals between them. This allowed for approximate distance calculations based on the user’s stride length or predefined rod measurements.

Resmätare were particularly useful in rural and agricultural settings, where precise measurements were essential for dividing land, constructing fences, or planning fields. Their simplicity made them accessible to farmers and local surveyors who lacked formal training in advanced surveying techniques. Over time, as more sophisticated instruments like the chain and level or optical surveying tools became available, the use of resmätare declined, though they remain a curiosity in the history of Swedish measurement practices.

Today, resmätare are primarily of historical interest, illustrating the ingenuity of early surveyors and the evolution of measurement technology. They serve as examples of how practical tools were adapted to meet the needs of everyday tasks before the advent of modern engineering and precision instruments. Collectors and historians often study these devices to better understand the tools of their time.