how to work out the height of a tree

Height measurements

Equipment needed

clinometer app You only need three pieces of equipment to properly measure a tree: a measuring tape, a reckoner (with cosine and tangent functions), and an inclinometer to measure angles. If purchasing an inclinometer (Abney level, inclinometer, etc.) is beyond your budget, operating theatre you sack't take up one, at that place are mobile phone apps that allow for you to use a smartphone every bit an inclinometer. Here are 2 possible options: Cagy Measure and iHandy Carpenter. See Gabriel Hemery's helpful instruction manual on using iHandy Carpenter to measure tree height.

Now Foresters manipulation a Hypsometer – an all in extraordinary tool that measures distance, angles and even calculates tree superlative for you. This equipment hastens the mensuration process, but it is not necessary.

For fun!

The stick method- how they built the pyramids!
This old but simple method solely full treatmen on pull dow ground. It just requires a mystify and a distance measuring tape. The stick mustiness be the assonant length as your arm or grasped at a point where the length of the stick in a higher place your hand equals that of your arm. The stick is held pointing straight up, at 90 degrees to your extended, straight sleeve. Carefully paseo backwards until the top of the tree lines up with the top of your gravel. Nock where your feet are. The distance between your feet and the tree is roughly equivalent to the height of the Tree. You might find it exciting to compare your results using this simple method with the standard methods described below.

How to measure height

Height is the hardest measurement to take accurately, specially for bigger trees. Measurements become more reliable the greater the distance you are from the shoetree (the distance you are away from the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree must beryllium greater than the total Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree height). In dense forests IT can Be challenging to get a clear view of the tree top. The gradient of the ground can also make measurement difficult. Trees that are leaning significantly should be measured with the lean to the right operating theater left, not with the lean toward operating theatre away from you. In challenging afforest situations we recommend making more than one attempt to measure height. If possible seek and remeasure from a different horizon point, and always double check your measurements.

The math used in altitude calculations

Working happening level earth
Calculating tree height requires the use of basic trigonometry: h = Topaz A x d, where h is the tree height, d is the distance from tree, and A is the angle to the top of the tree. Since your measurements leave be made at eye level, you need to know your eye height (height of your eye above the ground). The equation past becomes h = Topaz A x d + eye to.

Working on moderately sloped terrain
If the only option available to you is to stand either up or down incline of the tree, and the gradient is so much that the foundation of the tree is above or infra oculus level, additional angles need to be measured. In addition to tree top Angle, you need to measure the angle to the tree home. These angles are either subtracted or added dependant on whether you are above (added) or on a lower floor (subtracted) the tree.

Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree base is obscured or hidden from view
Frequently obstacles such as shrubs, rocks, or fallen trees toilet obscure the tree diagram base from view. In this case, you bequeath need to measure the angle to a mark on the trunk that is a known altitude from the ground. United method, shown in the illustration below, is to have person stand at the base of the Tree and measure the angle to the top off of their head (height x). If you can't see them through the tall bushes, try having them hold a flag or bright coloured stick above their head at a known height.

Working on steepish terrain
On very steep terrain it is almost impossible to accurately determine your horizontal distance from the tree. In situations where the ground is diagonal (up or down) to a greater extent than 6 degrees (10% slope) you wish need to meter incline distance. Once you measure side angle and incline distance, swimming distance can be calculated.

how to work out the height of a tree

Source: https://bigtrees.forestry.ubc.ca/measuring-trees/height-measurements/#:~:text=Calculating%20tree%20height%20requires%20the,your%20eye%20above%20the%20ground).