The measurement of angles and inclinations is indispensible in modern technology. Inclination measurement, a special area of angle measurement, is used in various forms, particularly for quality assurance purposes. A clinometer can be used to measure not only an inclination, but also the straightness of a line, e.g. a guideway or a surface profile, as well as for the long-term inclination monitoring of structures.
Due to increasing requirements surrounding precision, resolution, reliability, and recording, the classic spirit level that had well-served engineers in the past during the construction of buildings, bridges, and machines is being increasingly replaced with electronic inclination measurement systems and corresponding analysis software.