Rangefinder Calculator

For arm length in cm = Distance to Object (Metres) 'Distance'

70
Mark from Top of Rangefinder (Centimetres) 'Calliper interval' 0.27 0.39 0.48 0.62 0.85 1.32 1.92 2.72 4.58 6.92 13.92

Horizon

4000 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 700 500 300 200 100

Distances have been marked onto this stick using the formulae

2000

500

Observers hand

Height above sea level in metres =

20

Distance to horizon in metres = 17164.06

Calliper interval (measured from

2000m top of the stick)

500m

Calculation for making a simple rangefinder to measure a distance

Distance to object = d Eye Height above Water : h Arm's Length : b

Modify these figures 450 meters 20 meters 70 cm

Calliper interval: Ci

bh(v-di) (h2 + vdi)

3.0 cm

Above formula was modified from : Heinemann, D. (1981) A range finder for pelagic bird censusing. J. Wildl. Manage. 45(2) 489 493. Original formula shown below. bh(v -di) or h2 + vdi) b= distance of observers eye to top of calliper h= observers eyes above water v= visual horizon 3838 d= distance to object Calliper interval Ci = Distance = h(bv-hc) bh +vc

visual horizon= 3838 (h 1/2)

For calculating distances at sea a common method is the use of a rangefinder. Essentially distances can be calculated using t observation platform and have a measure of how far away in relation to the horizon objects appear.

Although commercial hand held range finder can be bought, they can also be made quite easily from a bit of plywood (or simil the observation platform and observer, as the height of the observation platform (which is platform + observer) needs to be most accurate estimate of range.

Rangefinders are a useful tool to validate Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs) judgement that animals have been detected wit evidence to validate any decisions made to other parties may be required, this may be especially important if a delay to the representative may want to understand how you decided that a marine mammal was within the mitigation zone). Materials required: Piece of wood or similar (measuring ~15cm), measuring tape, permanent markers/pencils/
The rangefinder calculator is embedded in the Excel worksheet.

1. Ask someone to measure the horizontal distance from your eye to the base of the stick, this should be held ve measurement should be in centimetres. Your shoulders should be held square for this measurement. Enter the measurement

2. Determine the height of your viewing platform and add this value to your own height (measured to eye level o be metres. Enter these figures. Press return and get your own rangefinder figures in the table for construction of the stick.

3. Now mark your stick from the top as the Excel table shows. Due to the calliper intervals for some of the distan finder. It is best to mark key distances such as 500m (which is usually the mitigation zone) plus a distance closer than this and 1500m. 4. Add your name and arm length to the handle part of the stick.

Operation of the range finder: In order to operate the range finder stick, line the top of the rangefinder with the horizon and read the distance to the obj you have an unobstructed view to the horizon. Test the accuracy of your estimates and practice using the finder stick, by comparing your distances estimates in relation to whose range can be derived from the ships navigation instruments. If there are any significant discrepancies, keep practising calculations used and make a new range finder.

Essentially distances can be calculated using t rigonometry principles if we know the height of the horizon objects appear.

made quite easily from a bit of plywood (or simila r). Each rangefinder has to made specifically for rm (which is platform + observer) needs to be calculated for the range finder to be provide the

judgement that animals have been detected within th e mitigation zone. Being able to provide s may be especially important if a delay to the start of the activity is advised (e.g. the clients mal was within the mitigation zone).

pe, permanent markers/pencils/

e to the base of the stick, this should be held vertically in your outstretched arm, and the e for this measurement. Enter the measurement into the calculator.

alue to your own height (measured to eye level only). The units u sed for this measurement should res in the table for construction of the stick.

ue to the calliper intervals for some of the distances, not all need to be marked on the range ation zone) plus a distance closer than this e.g. 300m and a few reference distance perhaps 1000m

the horizon and read the distance to the obj ect from the scale. Note that this only works when

paring your distances estimates in relation to that of any known objects (e.g. navigation buoys etc) e any significant discrepancies, keep practising until you refine your technique, or revisit the