For example, if you were part of a team charged with measuring the various stream channel characteristics of Waller Creek throughcampus, you could get by with making your measurements in reference to the northwest corner of the gauging station between 23rd and 24th streets. Anyone can establish a datum for their own purposes anytime and anyplace. Later we will discuss elevation and direction. First, we will deal with horizontal distance, which can be measured in one of four ways. Pacing Every field worker should know the length of his or her pace or step.
Pacing is probably the oldest form of distance measurement.
The Romans used this technique, and, in fact, some of our current measurements have their origins in Rome. The mile is approximately 1000 single-foot paces. The league is roughly the equivalent of 3 miles, or about the distance a person can walk in an hour. Most field workers prefer the single-foot technique as it involves less counting. Our first outdoor exercise involves each student determining the length of her or his pace.