How to verify existing parking lot light pole height

[anbm]

If the design drawing and shop drawings are not available, is there a method to verify the existing parking lot light pole height at site? Thank you.

 

[infinity]

Assuming that you cannot get up there to measure it? They do make highly accurate laser measuring devices that will tell you the height.

 

[LarryFine]

I would think you could stand back and eyeball a 45-degree angle, maybe with a protractor, visually mark the point on the ground, and measure the horizontal equivalent distance.

Or search for how to measure the height of a pole using trigonometry.

 

[electrofelon]

Take a speed square and set in on a level. Make the level level with some shims. Sight up the 45 of the speed square to to the top of the pole. Adjust your horizontal distance until it sights right to the top of the pole.

 

[LarryFine]

Take a speed square and set in on a level. Make the level level with some shims. Sight up the 45 of the speed square to to the top of the pole. Adjust your horizontal distance until it sights right to the top of the pole.

I think you're saying the same thing I am, but with a different visual aid.

 

[hillbilly1]

There are measuring apps for smart phones that can do that with the camera.

 

[retirede]

The easiest way is to go out on a sunny day. Stand a yard stick (or anything of known length) vertical and measure the length of its shadow. Then measure the length of the shadow cast by the pole. The ratios of shadow to height will be the same for both.

 

[James L]

Stand next to the light pole and have a friend take a picture. Print the picture and use yourself as a scale. How tall are you, and how many of you tall is the light?

 

[electrofelon]

I think you're saying the same thing I am, but with a different visual aid.

Yes, just thought I'd be a little more specific and throw out the idea of using a speed square which most people have.

 

[anbm]

Stand next to the light pole and have a friend take a picture. Print the picture and use yourself as a scale. How tall are you, and how many of you tall is the light?

Hahaha

 

[anbm]

There are measuring apps for smart phones that can do that with the camera.

Send me the link to this apps. Thanks.

 

[hillbilly1]

If you have an iPhone, it’s in utilities.

 

[tom baker]

I would think you could stand back and eyeball a 45-degree angle, maybe with a protractor, visually mark the point on the ground, and measure the horizontal equivalent distance.

Or search for how to measure the height of a pole using trigonometry.

Yep. That is how tree height is measured with angle and trig

 

[Fred B]

Bosch laser measure meter will give indirect elevation measurement. Point and measure.

 

[ggunn]

The shadow ratio method is by far the easiest. If a six foot pole throws a three foot shadow and the light pole shadow is 20 feet long, the pole is 40 feet high. QED. Of course, if it's a cloudy day, you are screwed.

 

[Joethemechanic]

This is how they taught us to do it in the boy scouts

 

[LarryFine]

If you have an iPhone, it’s in utilities.

I have an SE. I can't find Utilities.

 

[PaulMmn]

This is how they taught us to do it in the boy scouts

View attachment 2567418

As an alternate, stand back far enough to see the entire pole. Hold out a stick until it covers the pole. Turn the stick horizontally and see where the tip of the pole would be. Measure.

 

[electrofelon]

If no Lorax is available, will a Lummox do?

View attachment 2567422

I doubt it. I can't see Paul Bunyan associating with that. He likes his blue ox, babe.

 

[hillbilly1]

I have an SE. I can't find Utilities.

It’s on iPhone 7 and newer, here’s the app in the store.