Tree height is the vertical distance between the base of the tree and the tip of the highest branch on the tree. Measurement of height is also an important component in measurement of tree volume. There are different methods of measurement of tree height, that includes non-instrumental methods (e.g. Ocular Estimation method, Shadow method, Single Pole method etc), and Instrumental methods (e.g. two-point measurement function and three-point measurement function using measuring scales and tangent method, altimeter, hypsometers, relaskop, clinometer etc). The accuracy of measurement varies with the method and means applied.
Clinometer is a convenient tool used for measuring angle of elevation or angle from the ground in a right-angled triangle. Clinometer can be prepared very easily and handy in use. Clinometer is useful in measuring the height of tall things like buildings, poles and trees etc. By the angle of elevation (measured with the help of clinometer), your eye height, and the distance between you and the object you can calculate the height of a tree using a simple equation. The calculations work by applying the principles based on the properties of right triangle.
The height of different trees in an area reflects different stories of vegetation. Using the clinometer and simple calculation method we can also track the growth of trees by periodical estimation of their height and through that we can also determine the comparative growth rate of different trees.
