The base plate on a height gage, sometimes referred to as the surface plate, is the structure at the base of the instrument that serves as the bottom level of any height measurement taken. The accuracy of any measurement taken with a height gage depends on the flatness and smoothness of the surface plate. Often made of granite or a similarly smooth and hard material, the base plate it used to set the zero level of your height gage. Every base plate must be maintained properly with regular cleaning and regulation. Back to entire glossary
