The Ultimate Guide to Using a Measuring Wheel

When it comes to land surveying, it helps to have electronic measuring wheels. These measuring wheels are especially important. During construction projects, they are used to accurately measure distances.

You might have used one and not even know it because a measuring wheel is also called a surveyor’s wheel. When someone needs a simple yet effective tool to measure the distance between distances, the measuring wheel is a perfect choice.

What is it?

A measuring wheel is a tool that normally has a metal rod attached to a tire. The metal rod acts as the body of the tool and is usually composed of aluminum, but other metals can be used as well.

You can figure out the distance between two points by pushing or pulling the device over the area you want to measure. The tool can measure the distance thanks to rotational kinematics.

When Should You Use Them?

The primary reason people use measuring wheels is to measure distances, so they should only be used for that purpose. Due to its design, it works better on surfaces that are smooth and flat.

Moreover, this tool can also experience wheel slippage and become bouncy. The more wheel slippage and bouncier it becomes, the less accurate reading you’ll get. As a result, you should avoid trying to operate it on land that has a very bumpy surface.

Now that you know what type of areas this tool is best for, you also need to decide what your units of measurement will be. Do you need your measurement to be in yards or meters?

If you don’t know the answer, then it will make getting an accurate reading harder and cost you time when you need to convert your measurement into something else.

On the whole, you should only use this for land surveys that don’t need high accuracy and where the terrain is smoother. In addition, people tend to use a measuring wheel when it is more convenient than using a surveyor’s tape. This means road maintenance workers, farmers, and underground utility workers are more likely to do land surveying with measuring wheels.

How to use one

  1. Clean your measuring wheel. Also, ensure that the wheel is properly rotating. Since rotational kinematics is the only reason, you can use this tool to measure the distances, the wheel needs to work. If it is not, you either need to fix it or get a new one.
  2. Figure out if the area you wish to measure needs a measuring wheel. Is the area relatively flat and would using a surveyor’s tape be inconvenient? If so, this would be a good time to use a measuring wheel.
  3. Decide where you want to start measuring. Put your tool right on that spot.
  4. Keep your walking steady as you use the device. By keeping a consistent speed, you will make your measurements more accurate.
  5. Determine where you want to stop measuring. Once you get there, you can stop and pick up your measuring wheel.
  6. Make sure you write down the measurement as soon as you can.