A tool for determining the steepness of an incline, typically expressed as a percentage or ratio, assists in planning routes for various activities, from road construction to hiking. For instance, a 10% incline signifies a 1-unit rise for every 10 units of horizontal distance.
Understanding slope severity is crucial for safety and efficiency in numerous fields. It allows engineers to design safe roads and railways, informs cyclists and hikers about route difficulty, and helps pilots calculate takeoff and landing parameters. Historically, surveying techniques were employed to measure inclines; however, digital tools now offer readily available and precise calculations.