Opisometer

The curvimeter (also curve knife or map measurer ) is a measuring instrument for measuring distance on maps. It is mostly used by hikers and cyclists, to determine the planned or distance traveled. With the roller skates attached wheel can be seen in the map curvy lines (hence the name curvimeter ) depart.

Species

It differs depending on the model between mechanical and electronic curvimeter.

Mechanical curvimeter

In mechanical devices, the rotation of the measuring wheel is mechanically transmitted to a pointer. This shows on a scale to the already worn route. One has to choose the best one for the scale of the map scale when reading the distance. Newer devices can be set to zero with a push button.

Electronic curvimeter

For electronic devices, the rotation of the measuring wheel is digitally processed. Here, the scale of the map can be set from the outset. In addition, many are also a calculator, a compass and a flashlight with built-in.