What is an Inclinometer?
When navigating the complexities of motion sensing and navigation systems, it is essential to understand the distinctions between devices and systems like Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), Inclinometers, Roll & Pitch sensors, Vertical Reference Units (VRU), Attitude and Heading Reference Systems (AHRS), Motion Reference Units (MRUs), Gyrocompasses, and GNSS-Aided Inertial Navigation Systems (GNSS/INS). Each serves specific purposes and offers different levels of functionality, accuracy, and application scope.
Inclinometer
Definition: An Inclinometer, also known as a tilt or level sensor, measures the angle of inclination or tilt of an object with respect to gravity. It determines the angle between the sensitive axis of the device and Earth's vertical direction (gravity vector). It is important to note that an Inclinometer only measures static angles, and therefore cannot provide accurate data in dynamic conditions involving movements or vibrations. Inclinometers are generally less expensive due to simpler components.
Key Features:
Sensors Included: Primarily uses accelerometers to detect gravity's direction.
- Output: Measures static angles accurately when the device is stationary.
- Functionality: Determines roll and pitch in static conditions, but lacks accuracy in dynamic settings.
- Applications: Used in systems that are stationary or moving very slowly and do not experience vibrations.
Example Uses:
- Simple Leveling: Leveling equipment that is not in motion.
- Monitoring Tilt: For structures, bridges, and buildings.
- Measuring Slope: Useful for landslide-prone areas.
Selecting the appropriate sensor depends on the required measurements, environmental conditions, and budget.
- Use an IMU when you need raw acceleration and rotational data.
- Use an Inclinometer for simple, static tilt measurements.
- Use a Roll & Pitch Sensor for lower-level attitude measurements in a dynamic setting.
- Use a VRU when precise roll and pitch measurements are needed in a dynamic environment.
- Use an AHRS for roll, pitch, and heading data.
- Use an MRU for comprehensive motion data in dynamic marine environments.
- Use a Gyrocompass for accurate true north heading.
- Use a GNSS/INS for continuous, absolute position, velocity, and orientation data.
Related products
Usage area
50 m depth, IP 68
Connectors
Lemo or SubConn 8 or SubConn 16
Roll & Pitch accuracy
- 3000±0.05°
- 6000±0.02°
- 9000±0.01°
Heave accuracy
5 cm or 5.0%
Usage area
IP 65
Connectors
RJ45 or RJ50
Roll & Pitch accuracy
- 3000±0.05°
- 6000±0.02°
- 9000±0.01°
Heave accuracy
5 cm or 5.0%
Usage area
6000 m depth
Connectors
SubConn 8
Roll & Pitch accuracy
- 3000±0.05°
- 6000±0.02°
- 9000±0.01°
Heave accuracy
5 cm or 5.0%
Further reading
Advanced motion compensation for sonars introduced at Ocean Business 2025
MRUs for vessel performance optimisation in focus at Europort 2025
Research Project to Test Value of MRU Data for Vessel Performance and Carbon Reduction
Related questions
- Read the full answer
The MRU Marine is IP-68 rated with Lemo connectors and LEDs. The Marine SW supports 50m depth, uses SubConn connectors, and comes in two versions differing by available output combinations.
- Read the full answer
A gyrocompass determines true north using gyroscopes and Earth's rotation, not magnetism. It’s essential for heading accuracy in marine and aerial navigation, though performance may vary at extreme latitudes.
- Read the full answer
A Vertical Reference Unit (VRU) is an advanced device that measures the attitude of an object, specifically its Roll and Pitch.
Related applications
Dynamic Positioning
Dynamic positioning (DP) of vessels necessitates roll and pitch compensation of the GNSS antenna to ensure accurate positioning of the ship's control point.
ROV/AUV
Reliable motion sensors are vital components in the navigation system and motion compensation of payload sensors for ROVs and AUVs.
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