A surveyor's wheel, also know as hodometer is a practical device that allows your to make accurate distance measurements. It first became a popular piece of measuring equipment during the 17th century, although it was used before that to measure the distance between two objects or locations. Some of the first models of the surveyor's wheel had a simple design and worked on simple principles. Wood was commonly used to make these early models of the hodometer. They featured an iron rim whose main purpose was to enhance the strength and stability of the device. The device operated through a single wheel mounted onto a handle that allows the user to push the wheel. Most models featured simple wheels that were constructed in the same way as wagon wheels.
This type of measuring equipment is often compared to odometers, which were created around the same time as the surveyor's wheel. Both of them are designed to make accurate distance readings, however they operate in different ways and have different purpose of use. Odometers are designed to measure the distance travelled by cars, while the measuring wheel measure all kinds of distances. The design of the hodometer has evoloved considerably through the years and these days modern hodometers are made of are made from aluminium which more durable than wood and can easily withstand shock and impact. They feature pneumatic tyres on the wheel and are much more efficient and easier to use than older models of surveyor's wheels.
Advanced hodometers come with extra features that allow you to adjust the device according to your specific needs. Some models are even designed to be foldable that allows for easy storage and transport. As mentioned before, a measuring wheel can have many different uses in both industrial and home environments. It's most commonly used on construction sites where there is a need for accurate measurements of distance. The devices used on a construction site should have a sturdy construction so as to be suitable to make measurements on tough and uneven terrains. These versatile pieces of measuring equipment can also be used on railroad tracks. Here the main purpose of the hodometer is to measure the distance of the railroad track. This device has a slightly different design than other types of hodometers. It's mounted onto a rail engine and comes with special side plates that are designed to hold the wheel on the track.
