Pacing is a reasonably easy and quick method of
measuring distance in the field. It is used to measure a distance and is often used with a sighting or a
hand compass
A hand compass (also hand bearing compass or sighting compass) is a compact magnetic compass capable of one-hand use and fitted with a sighting device to record a precise bearing or azimuth to a given target or to determine a location. Hand or ...
. Most commonly, pacing is split up into segments, such as
chains
A chain is a serial assembly of connected pieces, called links, typically made of metal, with an overall character similar to that of a rope in that it is flexible and curved in compression but linear, rigid, and load-bearing in tension. A c ...
, which are set measures of distance. By determining one's own pace, distance can easily be estimated.
Applications
Common uses of pacing consist of measuring tree height or measuring the distance between plots. Pacing saves time but is not as accurate as using a
tape measure
A tape measure or measuring tape is a flexible ruler used to measure length or distance.
It consists of a ribbon of cloth, plastic, fibre glass, or metal strip with linear measurement markings. It is a common measuring tool. Its design all ...
and can be affected by terrain such as
steep slopes, rocky areas, streams, and thick brush. A common practice in pacing when an obstacle is encountered is to offset or pace around the obstacle. However, sometimes pacing around an obstacle is not always an option. Good pacing can only be accomplished by practice. Knowing the distance of one's pace will help to ensure accuracy and precision of pacing distances.
Other uses
Pacing can also be used with a map. In the field, pacing can be used to accomplish the correct distances referred by a map. Traversing a property line or boundary where distance and length are important produces opportunities for pacing to be applied to record accurate data.
See also
*
Bematist
Bematists or bematistae (Ancient Greek βηματισταί (''bēmatistaí'', 'step measurer'), from
βῆμα (''bema'', 'pace')), were specialists in ancient Greece and ancient Egypt who measured distances by pacing.
Measurements of Alexa ...
*
Distance measurement
Length measurement, distance measurement, or range measurement (ranging) refers to the many ways in which length, distance, or range can be measured. The most commonly used approaches are the rulers, followed by transit-time methods and the in ...
*
Pace (unit)
A pace is a unit of length consisting either of one normal walking step (approximately ), or of a double step, returning to the same foot (approximately ). The normal pace length decreases with age and some health conditions. The word "pace" is a ...
*
Pace count beads
Pace count beads or ranger beads are a manual counting tool used to keep track of distance traveled through a pace count. It is used in military land navigation or orienteering. A typical example for military use is keeping track of distance tr ...
*
Walking distance measure
The walking distance measure denotes the distance that can be travelled by walking in a fixed amount of time. In Japan, the standard measure for walking distance is 80 meters for 1 minute of walking time. It is the standard used in real estate list ...
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Pacing (Forestry)
Forest modelling
Length, distance, or range measuring devices