The inclinometer is called by many names, but whatever you call this measuring device, it's useful in many fields. From surveying to manufacturing, businesses use inclinometers for quality engineering. The device generally measures a slope according to gravity. Inclinometers are also sometimes called tilt sensors or gradients, but the job they do remains largely the same, though different models provide a range of features for other similar measuring jobs.

No matter what you're measuring, you can get inclinometer devices online to speed up projects and upgrade for today's work force. Businesses might buy devices from an inclinometers provider:

1. In surveying, where inclinometers provide good data for modeling building designs, or checking the lay of the land to determine feasibility of a certain structure.

2. In vehicle engineering and similar research where slope plays a role in the operation of a product.

3. For a range of data oriented projects where physical topography is part of planning a new building or other public infrastructure, where slope measurements are critical for engineering purposes.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find compass inclinometers

The tandem compass inclinometer represents a time-tested tool for those who work with the lay of the land. Over the years, as technology progresses, these simple devices still guide surveyors, engineers and builders.

I recommend: The Suunto Sighting Compass and Inclinometer is just one of the useful tools offered at Geo-Tools.com, an American company getting practical solutions to businesses and individuals across the country. Check out a range of other compass/inclinometer models at Utah Satellite.

Get electronic inclinometers

These newer models serve many industries in the digital age. Electronic inclinometer models are built on combining the practical design of the tool with the abilities provided by digital technology.

I recommend: Quantum Gear, a U.S. company with headquarters in Indiana, sells electronic inclinometers and other similar gear online. Find inclinometers including electronic single-axis models and other similar products at Spectron Sensors.

Locate manual inclinometers with analog interfaces

For other projects, it may be more satisfying to use an inclinometer that includes analog parts of interfaces so that you can see what's being calculated 'the old school way.' Online vendors can provide you with analog devices that are competitive for today's market.

I recommend: Rieker sells a range of handy manual inclinometers with great interfaces for use in surveying and other fields, in a neat inclinometers list that is part of an exhaustive tool catalog. Find more manual inclinometer products with analog features, including bi-level models, as well as some inclinometers information, at Rehab Outlet online.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Talk to your work force about what kinds of inclinometers work best for them. Most jobs have some focus that makes a certain kind of tool more valuable than another. To make sure you're getting what the company needs, evaluate the project well before buying.