What is a clinometer primarily used for?

A clinometer is primarily used for measuring the approximate angle of a slope. This tool is essential in surveying and construction because it allows users to determine the steepness or grade of a slope, which is crucial for various applications, including land development, road construction, and forestry management. By knowing the angle of a slope, surveyors can make informed decisions regarding drainage, erosion control, and the stability of structures.

In contrast, measuring exact distances is more accurately performed with tools like tapes or total stations. Surveying large tracts of land typically involves different techniques and equipment, such as GPS systems or theodolites, which provide comprehensive spatial data. Cutting and grading land falls within the domain of construction equipment and earth-moving machinery, rather than the specific angle measurements that a clinometer provides. Thus, the use of a clinometer is focused on the assessment of angles rather than distances or extensive land surveying tasks.