A clinometer is a tool used to measure the angle of elevation or depression of an object in relation to the observer's line of sight. It is commonly used in surveying, engineering, and construction to measure the slope of the land, the height of buildings, or the angle of a slope for various purposes such as designing roads, railways, or buildings. It can also be used in outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and mountaineering to determine the steepness of a trail or slope.