1. What is Angle of Depression?

The angle of depression is the angle between the horizontal line from the observer and the line of sight to an object that is below the horizontal level. It's commonly used in navigation, surveying, and architecture.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the trigonometric formula:

Where:

• Height — Vertical distance from observer to object (in feet)
• Distance — Horizontal distance from observer to object (in feet)

Explanation: The calculator computes the inverse tangent (arctangent) of the ratio between height and distance to find the angle in degrees.

3. Applications of Angle of Depression

Details: Angle of depression calculations are essential in aviation (approach angles), construction (roof pitches), and even sports (golf trajectory calculations).

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both height and distance in feet. Both values must be positive numbers. The result will be the angle in degrees between the horizontal and the line of sight.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between angle of elevation and depression?
A: Angle of elevation looks upward from horizontal, while angle of depression looks downward. Both use the same trigonometric principles.

Q2: What are typical angle of depression values?
A: Values range from 0° (looking straight ahead) to 90° (looking straight down). Most practical applications use angles between 5° and 45°.

Q3: Can I use different units of measurement?
A: Yes, as long as both height and distance use the same units (both in meters, both in feet, etc.).

Q4: What if I know the angle but need to find height or distance?
A: You can rearrange the formula: Height = Distance × tan(angle) or Distance = Height / tan(angle).

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation is mathematically precise. Real-world accuracy depends on precise measurement of height and distance.