How do line-of-sight distance and horizontal distance differ?
Line-of-sight distance is the straight connection between the measuring instrument and the object. Think of a taut string. If the object is higher or lower, this connection runs at an angle. The horizontal separation is then shorter. It is called horizontal distance. Instruments with an inclination sensor can calculate it from their measurements.
Line-of-sight distance is the straight connection between the measuring instrument and the object. Think of a taut string. If the object is higher or lower, this connection runs at an angle. The horizontal separation is then shorter. It is called horizontal distance. Instruments with an inclination sensor can calculate it from their measurements.
Some instruments also display a “compensated” or “equivalent” value. This need not be the same horizontal distance. Other information and assumptions may enter such a calculation. The manual explains which quantity is actually being displayed. A laser does not measure a bullet’s complete flight path.
When data are sent to an app, the values must remain distinguishable too: directly measured distance, measured angle and calculated distance are different information. On Weitschuss, both types of distance are given in metres / yards. Changing the unit does not change their meaning. In particular, a shorter horizontal distance does not mean gravity acts during only part of the flight.