What Is This Tool?
This tool allows users to convert length values from the US survey fathom (fath), a nautical measurement unit, to the traditional Japanese ken. It is designed to aid in harmonizing maritime and architectural units for diverse professional and historical uses.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the length value measured in fathoms (US survey).
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Select 'fathom (US survey)' as the source unit and 'ken' as the target unit.
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Initiate the conversion to see the equivalent ken measurement instantly.
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Use the result to support tasks in maritime or architectural contexts requiring unit reconciliation.
Key Features
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Converts length values from fathom (US survey) to ken based on standardized conversion rates.
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Ideal for applications in maritime surveying, hydrography, and traditional Japanese building design.
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Supports understanding and integrating legacy nautical data with Japanese architectural measurements.
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Simple, browser-based interface suitable for quick conversions without installation.
Examples
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5 fathom (US survey) converts to approximately 4.3165553955 ken.
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10 fathom (US survey) converts to approximately 8.633110791 ken.
Common Use Cases
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Recording water depths and line lengths in hydrographic and nautical surveys.
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Specifying bay widths and room dimensions in traditional Japanese architecture.
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Converting legacy maritime measurements for application in Japanese building layouts.
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Supporting carpentry and historical construction records with modular measurement units.
Tips & Best Practices
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Verify which fathom definition is used since US survey fathom differs slightly from the international fathom.
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Consider regional variations of the ken when applying results to architectural plans.
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Use this tool as a guide when integrating legacy nautical data with traditional building measurements.
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Avoid relying solely on non-SI conversions in contexts requiring metric standard precision.
Limitations
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The fathom (US survey) differs subtly from the international fathom, affecting conversion precision.
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The ken varies regionally as a traditional unit, which may influence accuracy.
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Non-SI units may not seamlessly integrate with metric-only workflows or environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the fathom (US survey) used for?
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It is primarily used in nautical and hydrographic settings to measure water depths, line lengths, and in maritime operations involving anchor cables or sounding lines.
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What does the ken measure in Japanese architecture?
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The ken serves as a modular length unit representing bay widths between structural pillars and is used for room and tatami sizing as well as building proportions.
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Why convert fathoms to ken?
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This conversion helps in integrating maritime survey data with traditional Japanese architectural measurements, facilitating historical and practical reconciliation between different unit systems.
Key Terminology
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Fathom (US survey)
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A non-SI length unit equal to six US survey feet, used mainly in nautical and hydrographic measurements.
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Ken
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A traditional Japanese length unit equal to six shaku, used in architecture to measure bay widths and room proportions.
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US survey foot
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A unit of length used in surveying in the United States, slightly different from the international foot.