Techniques for Distance Measurement
Distance Measurement can be done by applying one of these techniques:
a. Pacing or stepping
- In this method, distance measurement is done by pacing (counting the number of walking steps of a person) and manually multiplying with the average distance of step (Pace Factor) of the person.
- This method is employed for rough but speedy measurements generally for reconnaissance works.
b. Passometer
- A passometer is an instrument that can automatically counts the number of steps.
- This instrument is useful when distance to be measured is quite long making it tedious to count the number of steps.
c. Pedometer
- Pedometer is an improved version of Passometer in which there is a facility to input the pace factor of the person, so that pedometer automatically shows the distance by multiplying the number of steps and pace factor.
d. Odometer/Speedometer
- An odometer or speedometer consists of a wheel and a mechanism to count the number of rotations of the wheel.
- The distance is given by the product of number of rotations of the wheel and the circumference of the wheel.
e. Chaining
- Chaining refers to measurement of distance either by use of chain or tape and is the most accurate among the above mentioned methods.
- For works of ordinary precision, chains are used while for works of higher precision tape or special bars are preferred.