What Is This Tool?
This tool enables the conversion of length values from the historic English unit called link (li), used primarily in 18th and 19th century land surveying, into the modern metric unit decimeter (dm). It is designed to help translate old surveying and cadastral data into contemporary measurements.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the length value in links (li) that you want to convert.
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Select the conversion option from link (li) to decimeter (dm).
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Click the convert button to get the equivalent length in decimeters.
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Use the results to understand or digitize historical land surveying data.
Key Features
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Converts link (li) units to decimeters (dm) based on a precise defined rate.
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Supports interpretation of historic surveying measurements and cadastral records.
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Helps translate legacy land measurement data into modern metric units.
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Browser-based tool allowing easy access without installation.
Examples
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5 Links [li] equals 10.0584 Decimeters [dm].
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10 Links [li] equals 20.1168 Decimeters [dm].
Common Use Cases
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Converting lengths in historical land surveys to metric units for analysis.
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Reconstructing old property boundaries and cadastral maps using modern measurements.
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Interpreting land dimensions mentioned in historic deeds during heritage research.
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Applying metric conversion in scientific, manufacturing, or packaging contexts.
Tips & Best Practices
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Ensure original measurements refer to the defined historical link standard for accuracy.
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Use this conversion when working with legacy surveying data requiring metric interpretation.
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Verify the context of the measurement as the link unit is mostly historical and uncommon today.
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Cross-check converted values when dealing with important land or legal records.
Limitations
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The link (li) is a historical unit and is not widely used in current measurements.
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Minor variations in historical link definitions may affect conversion precision.
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Conversion assumes exact equivalence to 0.201168 metres; slight rounding errors may happen.
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Primarily relevant for legacy data, not suited for modern surveying standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a link (li) unit?
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A link (li) is a historic English unit of length used in surveying, equal to 1/100 of Gunter's chain, mainly utilized in the 18th and 19th centuries.
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Why convert from link to decimeter?
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Converting link units to decimeters helps translate old land measurement records into modern metric units for contemporary analysis and documentation.
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Is the link unit still commonly used?
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No, the link is a historical unit no longer in common use and is primarily relevant only for interpreting legacy surveying data.
Key Terminology
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Link [li]
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A historical English length unit used in land surveying equal to 1/100 of Gunter's chain or 0.201168 metres.
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Decimeter [dm]
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An SI unit of length equal to one tenth of a metre, suitable for moderate-sized measurements and volume relations.
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Gunter's chain
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A measuring device historically used in land surveying, of which a link is one hundredth part.