staafniveaus

Staafniveaus is a Dutch term that refers to the levels indicated on a measurement staff or gauge. The word is a compound of staaf (staff or rod) and niveaus (levels), and it is used to describe the marked graduations on a calibrated rod that shows a measurement, such as height, depth, or fill level. In practice, staafniveaus denote the specific values that correspond to positions along the staff.

The concept is commonly encountered in hydrology and water management. A staff gauge is a vertical ruler fixed to a structure near a river, canal, dam, or reservoir, and the water surface aligns with one of the marks on the staff to indicate the current water level. Staafniveaus in this context provide a straightforward, visual readout that can be used for monitoring, recordkeeping, and calibration of other sensors. The term can also apply to similar indicators in other settings, such as industrial tanks, silos, or boreholes, where a staff or rod carries calibrated marks to show fill, depth, or groundwater level.

Reading staafniveaus requires the observer to view the indicator at eye level to minimize parallax error and to record the corresponding numerical value. The accuracy depends on the spacing of the marks and the condition of the staff, including wear, cleanliness, and temperature effects on materials. Related terms include peilstaf, peilstaaf, and staff gauge, which are often used interchangeably depending on regional practice.