Geodetic roulettes: types, device and selection

The geodetic tape is a popular measuring instrument and is designed to make accurate measurements of the area. The popularity of this device is due to its simplicity of design, low cost and ease of use.

Geodetic tape is a measuring device consisting of an open or closed shockproof housing, a built-in drum and a measuring tape wound around it. The reel is equipped with a comfortable handle that allows you to wind the measuring tape manually, or it is equipped with an automatic twisting system, which greatly facilitates the operation of tape measures when measuring long distances.

Hand drum systems are less convenient and require additional time to rewind the web. Models are available with different speed ratios, of which the most common are 1: 3 and 1: 5, meaning that in one rotation of the handle, the drum makes 3 or 5 revolutions. Almost all models are equipped with a sharp peg, which, if necessary, is stuck into the ground and securely fixes the device. Roulette handles are often two-piece and feature ergonomic, comfortable shapes.

The measuring tape of tape measures can have a width of 125 mm to 2 cm and is made of metal or PVC. A scale is applied on its surface by etching, engraving or embossing, which does not fade or wear off during operation. The durability of the markings is due to the presence of a thin wear-resistant coating, which is always present on all types of belts. Polyamide, anticorrosive phosphate layer, synthetic resins, high-strength enamel or transparent wear-resistant varnish are used as a protective layer. The end of the measuring tape is often equipped with a special ring that allows the web to hook onto a peg driven into the ground, which is the starting point of reference.

Unlike conventional construction and hydrogeological tape measures, the size of which is often limited to 10 meters, the geodetic model is distinguished by its long length, reaching 30, 50 and even 100 m. Moreover, 100-meter tapes are the most popular. There are also 20-meter samples, however, due to their insufficient length, they are much less often used by specialists.

All geodetic models are designed to work in extreme climatic conditions and are capable of operating in a temperature range of -40 to 50 degrees and 100 percent humidity. Moreover, thanks to the use of durable, but at the same time elastic materials, the tape is not afraid of knocks, breaks, strong bends and loops. Resistance to deformation is especially necessary when using the instrument on difficult terrain in difficult measuring conditions.

The scope of application of geodetic tape measures is quite wide. They are used to determine the distances between points located at a considerable distance from each other. The tool is indispensable for geodetic, cartographic and topographic works, as well as in construction and when surveying garden plots.With its help, the age-related horizontal deformations of the land are measured, the points of coordinates of various objects are determined, land surveying and spatial-geometric measurements are carried out with the further application of the results to plans and maps.

In addition to geodesy and cartography, roulette is widely used in the development of territories and the formation of landscapes, as well as in athletics competitions, where it is used to measure the flight range of a spear, hammer or ball.

The modern market of measuring equipment presents a wide range of geodetic tape measures. Below are the most popular samples, most often mentioned in the requests of Internet users.

• Model made in China Matrix Master corresponds to the second class of accuracy and is produced with a measuring blade size of 12.5 mm x 50 m. The body of the product is made of impact-resistant plastic, and the handle has a two-component design and provides a comfortable grip. The model is equipped with a sharp tip that allows you to fix the device in the ground for long-distance measurements, and the measuring tape is coated with a polymer compound that is quite resistant to abrasion. The dimensions of the tape measure are 47x27x6 cm, the cost is 641 rubles.

• Chinese model Gross is produced in a closed rubberized case and is capable of measuring distances up to 20 m. The metal tape has a two-sided measuring scale and is covered with a nylon compound that increases the service life of the working blade by 6 times. The dimensions of the model are 21x15x4 cm, the cost is 1,399 rubles.

• Russian roulette "Cobalt" 646-904 is equipped with a fiberglass measuring cloth 15 mm wide and 50 m long. The model corresponds to the third class of accuracy, has an open shock-resistant case and is equipped with an accelerated tape winding mechanism. Product dimensions 35x23x5 cm, cost 1,796 rubles.

• Dexell Chinese Roulettes are available in two lengths - 30 and 50 m and are the most budget models. So, a 30-meter model will cost only 400 rubles, a 50-meter model - 500 rubles. Both models are equipped with a closed shock-resistant case and a comfortable ergonomic handle. The fabric tape is made of synthetic fabric, has a metal ring at the end and is wound with a reel handle.

• Roulette FISCO PR 100/5 capable of measuring distances up to 100 m. The 13 mm wide measuring tape is made of carbon steel, enamelled and is resistant to chemicals and solvents. Product dimensions - 35.6x26.6x5.5 cm, weight - 1.94 kg, cost - 4 344 rubles. Manufacturer England.

You can see an overview of the GROSS 31480 geodetic tape measure below.