How to verify existing parking lot light pole height

[Mr. Serious]

I have always used the method with the proportional shadows, but I've been off by a few feet if the ground isn't level. I like those boy scout methods because they don't require the ground to be level.

 

[Joethemechanic]

I have always used the method with the proportional shadows, but I've been off by a few feet if the ground isn't level. I like those boy scout methods because they don't require the ground to be level.

I think they taught us those when we were Webelos

 

[ggunn]

I have always used the method with the proportional shadows, but I've been off by a few feet if the ground isn't level. I like those boy scout methods because they don't require the ground to be level.

I assumed, correctly or not, the light pole in question to be in a parking lot.

 

[wwhitney]

I have always used the method with the proportional shadows, but I've been off by a few feet if the ground isn't level.

It doesn't need to be level, just flat. Then be sure to check your reference shadow on the same slope.

Cheers, Wayne

 

[ggunn]

It doesn't need to be level, just flat. Then be sure to check your reference shadow on the same slope.

Cheers, Wayne

It would also be useful to know how accurate the measurement needs to be.

 

[qcroanoke]

Somewhere on that pole is a part number

 

[hillbilly1]

Somewhere on that pole is a part number

WalMart is pretty good at having visible part numbers, but everybody else, it’s painted over, or non existent.

 

[Little Bill]

Reminds me of a guy that needed to measure how high a pole was. It wasn't set in the ground yet, just leaning against a wall. He was struggling to get a tape measure to the top. His friend came by and ask what he was doing. The man said he was trying to see how tall the pole was.

His friend said "why don't you lay it down, then measure it to see how long it is?"
The man replied "I don't need to know how long it is, I need to know how tall it is!"

 

[Jraef]

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

I was going to say that. I use this a lot more than I thought I would when I first discovered it.

This is what the icon looks like:

 

[LarryFine]

Is it already in the phone, or must I download the app?

 

[hillbilly1]

Is it already in the phone, or must I download the app?

It was in on of the updates on my earlier phones, I think it should be free in the App Store if it isn’t already on your phone

 

[LarryFine]

I have iOS 16.6.1 on my phone. Can you help me find 'Utilities' before I download it?

 

[kwired]

Unless we are talking over 25-30 feet couple some raceway together ( 1/2 or 3/4 PVC works great but just slip them and not glue together) then hold up against pole , if you can reach top of pole with two pieces you have 20 feet plus however much more distance there is to the base.

Getting 3 pieces to stand up like this is tricky but might be able to be done if absolutely no wind at the time.

 

[hillbilly1]

I have iOS 16.6.1 on my phone. Can you help me find 'Utilities' before I download it?

Should be on one of your home pages. Apple support says it’s a folder, not an actual app. If you can’t find it. They say to swipe left to the end page, then move it back to your home page. (App Library)

 

[n1ist]

Take a barometer...

https://www.eetimes.com/measuring-a-buildings-height-with-a-barometer/

 

[Little Bill]

I have iOS 16.6.1 on my phone. Can you help me find 'Utilities' before I download it?

Mine is on the page to the right of the home screen. It says "Utilities" then "measure".

 

[retirede]

Icons/apps can be rearranged at will. The “Utilities” group could be anywhere on your phone depending on how you’ve arranged your apps.

 

[Todd0x1]

I saw a utility guy using one of these to measure pole height

Nikon Forestry Pro II Laser Rangefinder/Hypsometer | Nikon

Nikon's Forestry Pro II Laser Rangefinder/Hypsometer provides accurate distance measurements for forestry. Shop Nikon rangefinders!

www.nikonusa.com

 

[Filthy]

Tape measure

 

[ggunn]

Tape measure

Climb to top of pole carrying tape measure of sufficient length.
Don't fall off pole.
Extend tape measure to bottom of pole.
Don't fall off pole.
Read number on tape.
Don't fall off pole.
Climb back down pole.
QED