: what would the name of this tool be?

: Sage

The only way I know to take automatic measurements is with a Cartesian Measuring Machine (CMM). Essentially a robot with a precise touch sensor and programmed to move along a (3 dimensional [x,y,z]) cartesian coordinate system (often multiple coordinate systems overlayed or offset on/from each other). I have thought about trying to come up with something much less expensive to measure curves, etc. but I have two problems with giving it more development time; moral and market.

I have been wanting to identify the waterline on my AT14 to see if I am out of trim but Pygmy won't give out particulars. In order to do this I am planning to mark a 2 dimensional x-y grid on a wall adjacent to the hull and then use a laser 'tape' measure to get the distances from the wall to the hull at each appropriate xy intersection (x would relate to section positions and y to waterlines, the distance readings would define the sectional shape). Subtrack each measurement from the wall to centerline distance to get the offset. Plug these offsets into something like Carlson's Hulls program, set the displacement and I've got a waterline! There's a possibility of error when setting up the hull for measurement, i.e. the trim angle. For my AT14 I am making an assumption that the 5 feet of straight keel amidships is horizontal (while building Pygmy has you temporarily attach this 5 foot section to a hand picked very straight 2x4 so the keel stays straight when you glue it).