RTK Object Height Tool

RTK Object Height Tool

This little browser tool lets you measure the height of any object that casts a shadow using RTK GPS points.

What it does

• Uses two RTK points:
  • the base of the object (tree, pole, building, etc.)
  • the tip of the shadow at a known time
• Calculates the horizontal shadow length from the RTK coordinates
• Calculates the Sun’s altitude for that date, time, and location
• Uses simple trig to give you the object height in meters and feet

Inputs

• Base latitude / longitude
• Shadow tip latitude / longitude
• Date (YYYY-MM-DD)
• Local clock time (HH:MM)
• Time zone offset (including DST, e.g. −5 for CDT, −6 for CST)

Outputs

• Shadow length (meters & feet)
• Sun altitude angle (degrees)
• Object height (meters & feet)

Typical uses

• Estimating tree height before felling
• Checking clearance for buildings or poles
• Quick height checks on-site using your existing RTK workflow

Runs entirely in the browser, no internet connection needed once the page is loaded.