How is level communicated to a machine operator from the ground?

In construction and heavy machinery contexts, lath serves as a physical and visual guide to communicate level to a machine operator. It consists of a straight, rigid object that can be placed at specific elevations or angles to indicate the desired level of work being performed. By utilizing lath, ground personnel can set a clear reference point that the operator can see and align their machine accordingly. This method is particularly effective in situations where visibility may be challenging or when distances are too great for audio communication.

While signals, radio communication, and hand gestures are useful communication methods in many scenarios, they often depend on line of sight or can be subject to misunderstandings. Lath, as a physical marker, eliminates ambiguity and helps ensure that the operator is accurately informed about the level requirements of the task.