1. What is Elevation Angle?

The elevation angle is the angle between the horizontal plane and the line of sight to an object above the horizontal. It's commonly used in surveying, astronomy, ballistics, and various engineering applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the inverse tangent (arctangent) function:

Where:

• \( \theta \) — Elevation angle (radians)
• \( h \) — Height of the object (meters)
• \( d \) — Horizontal distance to the object (meters)

Explanation: The ratio of height to horizontal distance gives the tangent of the elevation angle. The inverse tangent function converts this ratio back to the angle itself.

3. Practical Applications

Details: Elevation angle calculations are essential in:

• Surveying and construction
• Artillery targeting
• Satellite dish alignment
• Astronomical observations
• Architectural design

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both height and horizontal distance in meters. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator provides results in both radians and degrees.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between elevation angle and inclination angle?
A: They're essentially the same when measured from the horizontal, but inclination can also refer to angles measured from other reference planes.

Q2: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation is mathematically precise, but real-world accuracy depends on the precision of your height and distance measurements.

Q3: Can I use different units?
A: Yes, as long as both height and distance use the same units (e.g., both in feet or both in meters).

Q4: What's the maximum possible elevation angle?
A: The theoretical maximum is 90° (straight up), but practical applications rarely exceed 60°-70°.

Q5: How does this relate to slope percentage?
A: Slope percentage is (height/distance)×100, which equals the tangent of the elevation angle multiplied by 100.