The device you are referring to is likely a measuring wheel, also known as a surveyor's wheel or a distance wheel. It consists of a wheel mounted on an axle and connected to a handle or a stick. Measuring wheels are used for accurately measuring distances by rolling the wheel along the ground.
Here's how it typically works:
Wheel Mechanism: The wheel is calibrated so that each revolution corresponds to a specific distance. Commonly, the circumference of the wheel is known, and the distance is calculated based on the number of rotations.
Handle or Stick: The wheel is attached to a handle or a stick that the user holds while walking or moving along the path they want to measure.
Counting Mechanism: Many measuring wheels have a counting mechanism that keeps track of the number of wheel revolutions. This count is then used to calculate the total distance traveled.
Applications: Measuring wheels are commonly used by surveyors, construction professionals, landscapers, and others who need to measure distances on the ground accurately. They are particularly useful for measuring long distances in a straight line, such as surveying land or laying out construction sites.
Measuring wheels are practical tools for quickly and easily measuring distances without the need for complex equipment. They are especially handy in outdoor settings where traditional measuring tapes or rulers might be impractical or less efficient.
