Rangefinder for estimating tree height

[TheTreeSpyder]

That's pretty good JP;

Kenn- i think once a 45-45-90 triangle was formed with 2 equal lengths (rake and arm length); then letting rake plum-bob horizontal as arm is held vertical (for 90 degrees); the proper sighting position would be the armpit(?)/where slant and vertical line meet on ground side; so there is inherent error, for you can't sight from your own armpit(?)! i think that altering that slightly to Tom's suggestion (to ear/as to be to eye) places another error to compensate(?). i think a 45/45/90 speed square would be used to sight from same angles like that too, further proving the sight from armpit theory.

i think sighting to ground, and cutting higher, gives forgiveness factored in too.

 

[Tom Dunlap]

A buddy taught me a way to practice and test this method. No matter what is used as the upright or where you "mark" you can make your measurement more accurate.

Set a throwline and isolate the limb. Tie off the line and then back up to mark the height. Before clearing the throwline, tie an overhand on a bight, even with the bag on the ground. Mark the ground now. Clear the line, half it and stretch the line to your marked point. If you're accurate, the line will be back to your point on the ground. Do this with different heights and you'll get your adjustments made.

Inaccuracies come in by not keeping your arm level or sighting wrong.

Tom

 

[TheTreeSpyder]

i like that simple idea for correcting your inaccuracies! i think they all work off the 45/45/90 deal; which includes true vertical stick/rake and true horizontal arm to meet at true 90 degree, for sighting on a likewise true vetical surface to a true horizontal height to meet once again at a true 90 degrees.

The different ways we get the 45 degree angle on our eye's end, just guarantee a 45 there, then with the 90 degree locked in on both sighting tool and sighted pole, the last angle must be 45 degrees, that makes a 'half square' i think; that guarantees the 2 lengths distance from base to height or sighting tool are the same.

Or something like that!
:alien: