High impedence electrometer low cost

[Mike(Mont)]

I saw this article, looks easy enough to build. Don't know if it will work but I want to try to measure the atmospheric potential gradient. A lower potential gradient means better locating conditions, more air conductivity. So my thinking is to suspend an object totally insulated at one meter above the ground level. Then measure the voltage difference. I don't know, might need to suspend two objects one meter difference in elevation. http://amasci.com/electrom/sas51p1.html#Electro