Kurvimeter - what is this? CURVIMETER: how to use, how it works

In this article we will consider such an instrument as a curvimeter. Few people know what it is. And everything is quite simple. The word itself comes from the Latin curvus, which means a curve. And this device is intended for accurate measurement of distances on topographical maps, if the segment has a tortuous structure.

Curvimeter for maps. Mechanical model design

This device was invented long ago and very simple in its construction. In the above photo you can see old-fashioned curvimeters. They are significantly different from modern electronic models. Most often the mechanical version of the curvimeter looks like a small plastic device (not more than 50 grams) with a wheel at one end, and has a box.

The existing types of curvimeters have either a circular or a rectilinear scale. Regardless of this feature, they can only be of two types. Or it is a device with a fixed dial, in which case the arrow (index) will be moving. Or with a moving dial, but an immovable index. In order to measure the length of the desired segment, you need to have a wheel at the curvimeter to roll on it. The standard scale length is 100 centimeters. There is, of course, a small error in this device. It corresponds to 0.25 centimeters when measuring a line not less than 50 cm long.

Some mechanical curvimeters have both a metric and an inch scale. The step of dividing the metric scale is one centimeter, the inch is 0.05 inches.

Rules for using the curvimeter

And now let's talk about the rules that the curvimeter requires. What these rules are and what they are for, is described below.

Using a curvimeter to measure, you provide the most accurate result, showing the length of the meandering line on the map, without spending much time and effort for this. But do not forget that when working with the curvimeter, it is necessary to follow certain rules that allow to reduce the error.

First: do not try to measure the entire length of the required segment at once. The best option would be to split the entire line into smaller sections. In order not to get confused, you need to measure from one notable landmark to the other. This is necessary in order to increase the accuracy of the result.

The second rule involves the use of a large-scale map. The bigger, the better. The most optimal maps are 1:50 000 and 1: 100 000. The accuracy will be higher if you are not too lazy to carefully draw a curvimeter for all existing bends of the line.

The third rule is applicable not only to working with a curvimeter. The more times you measure the required segment, the less likely the error will be. It should be noted that the electronic curvimeter is more accurate than the usual mechanical one.

Varieties of curvimeters and their advantages

As already noted above, one of the oldest and most traditional samples is a mechanical curvimeter. The difference between different species and producers is only in the type of scale and the display of the results. More modern models of curvimeters can be made, for example, in the form of a keychain and equipped with additional functions. It could be a built-in compass or something else.

The advantages of mechanics include a simple device and use, the operation of such devices does not depend on the effects of weather and climate. And also independence from the power source, impact resistance and resistance to moisture.

Electronic curvetometer

The electronic curvimeter device differs from the previous version with a higher cost and more complex design. Very often manufacturers of these devices try to give them a mass of all sorts of additional functions, which is not always necessary. For example, there are models equipped in addition to the main task also with a flashlight, a calculator, a compass. And there are electronic models made in the form of a conventional pen.

More complex designs are intended for a variety of hard-to-perform graphical measurements, as well as computations. They are equipped with software, have a connection to a computer and have a large number of architectural and engineering functions. The possibility of such a device includes the processing of various values (up to 50), such as feet, inches and so on, and certainly a metric scale. Such a curvimeter can be used when working with drawings and maps of any complexity. Another positive feature of this model is the preservation of data.

The disadvantages of the electronic version of the curvimeter can be attributed to the sensitivity to weathering and dependence on the power source. Shock resistance is also much lower. Most often these electronic curvimeters are used when working in the office, but not in the field.

The road-gauge is another kind of measuring instrument

Another curvimeter. What is it, and how does it differ from previous models?

Its other name is a measuring wheel or a road wheel. This view is also designed for marking and measuring distances, but not on the map, but on the terrain, most often with an uneven surface. It is used in those cases where it is not possible to apply light meters, roulettes and other devices.

Functions and principle of the road wheel

All types of measuring wheels have the same operating principle. The difference is only in size, type of wheel (there are disc or with spokes), range, division step, the location of the counter (on the handle or wheel). And: they are also divided into two main types - electronic and analog. Most often, any of these curvimeters are equipped with a folding handle, a brake button and an accurate counter.

What functions do they have? This measurement is forward and backward, as well as retention and zeroing.

In a set with such a road curvimeter there is a soft cover for easy carrying. The weight of this measuring device can vary from 1 to 1.5 kilograms.

Well, now you know enough about such an instrument as a curvimeter. What is it, what is it intended for, how it works, its types and advantages, but whether it is necessary or not, decide for yourself.