Intro | Working Safely | Safety Equipment | Brushing Tools | Sawing & Chopping Tools | Grubbing & Raking Tools | Digging & Tamping Tools | Pounding & Hammering Tools | Lifting & Hauling Tools | Bark Peeling Tools | Survey, Layout & Measuring Tools | Power Tools | Miscellaneous Tools | Tool Repair & Sharpening | Sources for Tools & Supplies
These are the most commonly used Survey, Layout, and Measuring Tools with tips on using them safely and effectively.
Clinometer
Clinometers are used by trail designers during trail layout to read the percent of grade between two points. It has a floating scale internally from which a grade is measured. A clinometer cannot be set to a fixed grade. Hold the clinometer to your eye and with both eyes open, sight parallel with the ground (upslope or downslope) to a target (stick or someone your own height), aiming at a point on the target that is equal to the height of your eye above the ground. Read directly from the percent scale. Percent slope, the relationship between the amount of elevational rise or drop over a horizonal distance. Expressed as a equation: Percent of Grade = Rise/Run x 100 percent. A section of trail 100 feet long with 10 feet of elevation difference would be a 10 percent grade.
Tip: Both eyes must be kept open when sighting through the clinometer.
Abney Level
This hand-held instrument used since the late 1800s for backcountry surveying. In order to measure or set grade of a trail, set the protractor mounted on the side of the level with the appropriate scale to a fixed gradient. Next, sight through the Abney to a fixed reference (usually another person) until a bubble appears in the crosshair. When the crosshair bisects the bubble, you’ve reached the preset grade on the Abney. The Abney has been replaced in recent decades by the clinometer.
Tip: Check the screw that fixes gradient often to make sure it is still tight and you have the preset grade you want.
Flagging (Ribbon/Wire Flag)
Flagging (roll of ribbon or wire flag) comes in a variety of colors and shapes. Flagging is used as a way of highlighting an area for trail alignment, construction, or maintenance. Ribbon or flag color should be chosen so that it is easily identifiable, and does not blend in with the surrounding terrain. All flagging materials should be removed once the areas
work is completed.
Tip: Keep in mind that flagging will deteriorate in the elements.
Measuring Wheel
The measuring wheel is used to measure distance on the trail. It records the revolutions of a wheel and hence the distance traveled by the wheel on an existing trail or proposed trail corridor. Measuring wheels can be used to measure distance for guidebook descriptions and also noted in survey or assessment forms to pinpoint the location of work to be done along the trail.
Tip: Be sure counter is set to zero before staring out.
Tape Measures
The open reel case is made of lightweight polystyrene and is hi-viz blaze orange or yellow for excellent visibility. The tape measures come in different lengths; no need carrying more than you need. Great for measuring for bridges and other structures.
Tip: Clean the tape as you rewind it to prevent clogging from debris.
GPS Receiver
GPS, or Global Positioning Satellite, is a constellation of satellites around the earth that can be used to identify and store a position anywhere on the earth. A GPS receiver can be used for gathering waypoints along a proposed trail corridor or existing trail. These points will indicate where to build a trail or points for maintenance. These points can be stored for future reference, and superimposed on an existing map to quickly identify the trail alignment or maintenance areas.
Tip: Carrying extra batteries are always a good idea.
Digital Level
A digital level is useful for determining whether your trail tread is outsloped and to what degree. Professional trailbuilders use the SmartTool Electronic Level, which is available in 2- and 4-foot sizes.
Tip: Be sure to check your calibration on a regular basis to keep you digital Level reading properly.
Jim's Trail Resources 