What tool or equipment is used to measure elevation of a geographical area and where can I find it?

Question

I want to use a hydroelectric turbine at my cabin and need to identify the elevation of the stream at certain points to determine which turbine to purchase.

Answer 1

If you are at very initial stage, than try to find the elevation map from geographical survey dept. It may enable you to make an idea about elevation.
Secondly, elevation at different points as you have mentioned can be evaluated by performing survey of the whole stream. It can be evaluated with the help of Total station. Which is an instrument that can measure angles, distance and relative heights.
I hope this will help.
Regards.

Answer 2

If you want to measure the elevation of a geographical area, an altimeter could be used. I don't understand about measuring the elevation of a stream. Usually the stream is the same as the land around it.

Answer 3

Hi there, If you know the distance from your cabin to the head of water you can triangulate the distance and figure out the 'head' of the water source. I would suggest you get yourself one of these small laser ranging devices like the ones used on the golf course to figure out how far your ball has gone after your swing. You could go all out and get yourself a theodolite, but i'd be more inclined to use a clinometer to determine the angle to the source and a 100 ft measuring tape and doing a little 'dead reckoning'
Hope that helps.

Answer 4

You need a piece of surveying equipment called a level. You'll need a tripod and a rod also. This will allow you to determine any elevation and compare it to known elevation (benchmark). The equipment is not cheap and you can purchase it at any place selling survey and engineering equipment. One brand name coming to mind is Leica.

Answer 5

A GPS can do that for you.