Link (unit) facts for kids
A link was a special unit of length used a long time ago. It was part of the imperial and US customary systems of measurement. People mostly used links to measure land in English-speaking countries before the 1900s. You won't find them used much today! The word link can be shortened to ln.
The link was invented by Edmund Gunter, a smart professor of astronomy in London. He also created the "chain," which was another measuring tool. Gunter designed the link as a simple tool to measure small areas of land very carefully. The chain, on the other hand, was better for measuring bigger areas like towns.
Contents
What is a Link?
A link was a very specific length. Here's how it compared to other units:
- 1 link = 1⁄100 chain
- 1 link = 7.92 inches (that's seven and ninety-two hundredths of an inch)
- 1 link = 201.168 millimetres (or about 20.12 centimetres)
This means a link was a bit shorter than a standard ruler (which is 12 inches or about 30 centimeters).
Who Invented the Link?
The link was invented by a clever man named Edmund Gunter (1581–1626). He was a professor at Gresham College in London, England. Gunter was a mathematician and astronomer. He created several useful tools for surveying and navigation. The link was one of his inventions, designed to make land measurement more accurate and easier for people to do.
Why Was the Link Used?
The link was very useful for surveying land. Surveying is the process of measuring and mapping out land. Before modern technology, people used physical tools like chains and links to do this. The link was especially good for small, detailed measurements. It helped people draw accurate maps and divide land fairly.
Why Don't We Use Links Anymore?
Over time, as technology improved, new and more precise ways of measuring land were developed. Also, many countries switched to the metric system, which uses meters and kilometers. Because of these changes, the link, along with the chain, became less common. Today, surveyors use advanced tools like GPS and laser technology, so old units like the link are no longer needed.
Images for kids
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A Gunter's chain showing the individual links. A link was one of these small sections.
See also
In Spanish: Link (unidad) para niños
