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Difficulty: MediumElementary Surveying Instruments and Fieldwork

During a field survey across undulating terrain, a surveyor must determine the vertical angle of inclination of a hillside to calculate the horizontal distance between two stations. Which of the following instruments is designed specifically for measuring this slope angle?

  1. ClinometerAnswer
  2. B
    Prismatic compass
  3. C
    Optical square
  4. D
    Plumb bob

Answer

Clinometer
The clinometer (or Abney level) is an elementary surveying instrument fitted with a graduated arc or pendulum specifically calibrated for sighting and measuring vertical angles of slope or elevation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the surveying requirement stated in the stem.
The surveyor needs an instrument to measure vertical slope angles on sloping terrain.
Converting slope distance to horizontal equivalent requires knowing the angle of elevation or depression.
2
Evaluate the primary function of each listed surveying instrument.
The clinometer directly measures inclination angles; the prismatic compass measures horizontal bearings; the optical square sets 90∘90^\circ offsets; the plumb bob ensures accurate vertical alignment.
Matching instrument functions prevents parameter mismatches during field operations.

Key Concept

Function and Application of Elementary Surveying Instruments
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Topics

Elementary Surveying Instruments and Fieldwork

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