Finding building heights

guest · March 1st, 2000, 01:11 PM

I just wanted to some good tips on how to obtain buiding heights. Can you get a rough estimate by # of floors? I know things need to be more precise but as a starter I was curious how other more experienced BASE jumpers go about this. I only have 1 B so far and knew the height because we had a copy of the blue prints. If ya got some info you are willing to share on the board please do...smart ass BASE gods you know where you can put your advice!

guest · March 1st, 2000, 02:55 PM

Here's a couple of ways to determine a building's actual height or ASL (Above Sidewalk Level).

By Phone - If the building is under construction make a phone call to the real estate agent leasing the building. Asking about the height of the building would seem pretty normal to them. If you are really into the undercover aspects of BASE jumping ask them if tours of the building are available.

Height Limits - Some cities (like San Diego, CA) have a limit on the height of any new building. In this case it is 500 feet. We found however, that every building's finished height is really 499 feet. (I suppose they didn't want to come out over and have to lop off a floor).

In General - I'm not sure how true this is anymore or if it applies only to America but the general rule of thumb used to be if the building is a office tower the floors are about 10 feet apart. Apartment buildings and hotels are a bit more at 12 - 13 feet apart. (Again, this is a very "rough" way to determine height).

A Range finder - may work, but I've always trusted more in the Mark One Eyeball method and have never used a rangefinder.

Mark Twain Style - my friend, the late Mike Allen used to love this method. He had a plumb bob and a whole lot of string. Difficult, but accurate. (He would say, "If it’s too winding to plumb bob, it’s too windy to jump!")

Timing that Spitball - Sending a lugie over the side and timing it is something we've all done. However, all this does is give you something to do instead of just standing there looking nervous.

Check the Web - I don't have the URLs in front of me, but there are a few web sites that deal with this sort of information. Try typing "Tallest Buildings" into any search engine and you should get something back. Your particular building may even be listed. There is also an organization called the "Tall Building Council" somewhere, however I’ve forgotten where I saw that.

Sectionals - If the building is tall and located close to an airport it may be represented on a sectional map (the maps pilots use) as an obstruction and the height given. (Make sure it’s an up to date sectional). You can also use these to find Antenna towers. (Caution - most obstructions are marked with two altitudes, MSL and AGL, so make sure you know the difference).

In the End - The most accurate way is probably the easiest way, call the construction company that built the building and ask.

Good Luck,
Nick_BR

guest · March 1st, 2000, 03:49 PM

LASERS! Go to a hunting store and get a range finding laser. Always keep it with you. Buildings are difficult to judge by the number of stories. I have jumped a 39 story at 370' and scoped a 36 story at a hight of 420.' }> I have straight up asked about the hight of a building akting as though I was an impressed passer-bye or tourist. But, dude, IM getting a LASER! Actually, my girlfriend is getting it for me, she insists. }> OK!

Be safe!
Peace Out, "Curious"

guest · March 2nd, 2000, 05:40 AM

Okay, you're going to think this is really goofy, but here's what I've done. If you're too cheap to get a range finder, you can always count the steps in the stair wells. Measure the height of a few steps to determine what to multiply by and there you go. This is obviously a huge pain in the ass, and becomes more of a pain exponentially with increasing height of the building! The margin of error is minimal. The error will be smaller on lower buildings, and more on higher buildings. But it will be an acceptable error no matter what the height is. Were talking give or take a few feet for buildings that are a few hundred feet high (unless your measurements really suck).