What Is This Tool?
This tool allows users to convert length values from the historic English unit called the link [li] to the US survey fathom [fath], a unit used primarily in nautical and hydrographic contexts. It helps reconcile and interpret measurements across historical land surveying and maritime data.
How to Use This Tool?
-
Enter the length value in links [li] that you want to convert.
-
Select the target unit as fathom (US survey) [fath] from the unit options.
-
Click the convert button to view the equivalent length in fathoms.
Key Features
-
Converts historic link units used in land surveying to US survey fathoms used in nautical measurements.
-
Simple and browser-based, accessible without installation.
-
Supports legacy data interpretation for cadastral and hydrographic surveys.
Examples
-
10 Links [li] equals 1.0999978 Fathoms [fath].
-
50 Links [li] converts to 5.499989 Fathoms [fath].
Common Use Cases
-
Surveying land using historical records involving Gunter's chain measurements.
-
Analyzing and converting old cadastral and property boundary documents.
-
Measuring water depths and cable lengths in historical or legacy maritime surveys.
-
Reconciling legacy survey data with modern metric or international foot units.
Tips & Best Practices
-
Ensure you understand the context of the historic link unit when converting for land surveys.
-
Account for subtle differences between US survey fathom and the international fathom in precision-critical applications.
-
Use this tool primarily for interpreting and converting legacy or historical measurement data.
Limitations
-
The link unit is historical and rarely used in current measurements, so conversions mostly apply to legacy data.
-
The US survey fathom is not identical to the international fathom, which may cause slight discrepancies.
-
Conversions between survey units and modern metric or international foot units require care due to definition differences.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is a link [li] unit used for?
-
The link is a historic English unit of length used in surveying, mainly in 18th–19th century land measurement and cadastral records.
-
How does the US survey fathom differ from the international fathom?
-
The US survey fathom equals exactly 6 US survey feet and varies slightly from the international fathom, affecting some precision needs.
-
Why convert from link to fathom (US survey)?
-
Converting from link to fathom (US survey) helps interpret historical land measurements in relation to nautical lengths used in hydrographic and maritime data.
Key Terminology
-
Link [li]
-
A historic English unit of length in surveying, equal to 1/100 of Gunter's chain and approximately 0.201168 metres.
-
Fathom (US survey) [fath]
-
A US survey unit of length equal to 6 US survey feet, used mainly in nautical and hydrographic measurement.
-
Gunter's chain
-
A historic surveying chain divided into 100 links, historically used in English land measurement.