A tool used in structural geology determines the inclination of a geological plane, such as a bedding plane or fault, as observed from a direction not perpendicular to its strike. For instance, a geologist might measure a bed dipping at 20 degrees towards the east, but if viewed from the southeast, the inclination will appear less steep. This observed inclination is the parameter calculated by this tool, often necessary when interpreting geological maps and cross-sections where true dip is not directly observable.
Accurate determination of planar orientations is crucial for various geological applications, including resource exploration (oil, gas, minerals), hazard assessment (landslides, slope stability), and infrastructure development (tunnels, dams). Historically, these calculations relied on trigonometric tables and graphical methods, but modern digital tools provide faster and more precise results, allowing geoscientists to quickly interpret complex 3D geological structures from 2D map data. This efficiency is particularly valuable in areas with complex folding and faulting.
