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Pocket Rangefinder
"Zach @ Ze Dev" . It allows you to measure the distance to far-away objects by comparing an image on the Pocket PC held at arm's length to the actual distant object. When parameters such as screen height and arm length are entered, I've found the measured distance to be quite accurate -- typically within 5%. Metric and US Customary units are supported. I've got two pocket rangefinders. One on the end of each arm. My little finger subtends 1 degree when held at arm's length. My fist subtends 5. My spread hand subtends 15. Anyone can calibrate their hands to create an approximate rangefinder. Start with the assumption that 1/60 is one degree (actually 1/57.9, but who's quibbling in this approximate world). I hold my hand a convenient 30inches away (my hand is that far from my eye if I stand a certain way). Anything that's half an inch across subtends a degree. Easy. I started with a ruler, then a bit of wood with wires sticking up, then realised I was re-inventing an old fashioned sector stick. So I added lightness and created simplicity by checking out my finger dimensions and getting rid of the encumbrances. Lo and behold - all my crew have these lightweight simple sextants. Very useful for defining well camouflaged objects relative to some easily identified feature. Like pointing out partially obscured leading marks. For range finding you can either do the mental arithmetic (1/60 again, knowing the height or breadth) or create a little general table. Which I guess is what your software does. -- Jim B, Yacht RAPAZ, Summers in the Med, winters in UK jim[dot]baerselman[at]ntlworld[dot]com |
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