Drilling Industry Glossary

Magnetometer

This term has a dual meaning: (1) An instrument that will measure the X, Y,and Z components of the earth's magnetic field relative to the orientation and direction of the tool: (2) An instrument capable of measuring both the components of the earth's magnetic field and the components of the earth's gravitational field relative to the orientation of the instrument. With these two sets of measurements, the azimuth and inclination of the instrument, the wellpath can be determined.