|
Laser Rangefinders
A Laser Rangefinder is very useful when collecting GPS data in order to
achieve a GPS Offset (GPS
Offset Brochure). GPS offsets are typically used in the following
conditions:
- A feature is in an area where enough GPS satellites are not visible
(under thick tree canopy or next to a building)
- A feature is in an area where it is difficult for the person in the
field to access (private property, middle of a road, behind a fence)
- Multiple features can be mapped from one location (pole or tree
inventory) assuming the location is within line-of-sight and does not need
to be seen up close for inventory.
- Height measurements are desired.
In order to achieve this, a professional Laser Rangefinder has one or more of
the following features:
- Range (or “distance”). Without a reflector or prism, it is possible to
achieve high levels of distance accuracy. Models vary with regards to their
accuracy and distance they can travel in a shot.
- Inclination (or “tilt”). Most professional lasers have an inclinometer
to account for slope. This makes it possible to get a horizontal distance
that is not skewed by slope. It also makes it possible to get accurate
height readings.
- Azimuth (or “bearing”). Some professional lasers have a digital compass
output that will determine what direction you are facing. This is essential
for GPS Offsets as the GPS receiver does not know what direction you are
facing if you a standing still. The compass needs to be calibrated regularly
and cannot be used around metal (such as in a car) as slight irregularities
can introduce large errors.
- Bluetooth. Some lasers have integrated Bluetooth (or ability to add an
external dongle) in order to send data to the data collector without cables.
Seiler provides three laser solutions which can be used with GPS or by
themselves for a variety of measurement needs:
TruPulse 360 by Laser Technology
NEW ITEM! Laser Technology releases this very small and affordable
laser rangefinder with integrated compass!
- Range and inclination and azimuth…all in one shot! Collect GPS offsets
with ease. A mapping-grade “total station” that can fit in a pocket!
- Compass works at any angle.
- Obtain “missing line”: Shoot to two targets and determine distance from
one to another (perfect for utilities).
- Low price point
- Small and compact (8oz)
- One foot accuracy to high-quality target
- One meter accuracy to low-quality target
- 1000 meter range (typical)
- +/- 1.0 degree azimuth accuracy
- +/- 0.25 degree inclination accuracy
- +/- 90 degrees inclination for efficient height calculations
- AA batteries for easy field use and replacement
- Integrated Bluetooth for wireless communication to field device
- One-year warranty
NOTE: When applying GPS offsets, the accuracy of the offset will be a function of how well reflective the target is and how much distance the shot is. It is recommended to keep GPS offsets under 250 feet. Typical accuracy of a 100 foot GPS offset with the TruPulse 360 is 2 feet (not counting the GPS error). Typical accuracy for a 500 foot GPS offset is 9 feet (not counting the GPS error). Low-reflective targets can increase this error by 1-3 feet. If navigating back to the point, be sure to add the GPS navigation error as well. The compass needs to be calibrated on occasion and the laser should be over the GPS point to ensure stated accuracy. Please consult with Seiler to ensure that this device combined with your GPS meets your accuracy requirements. For higher accuracy offsets, consider the Impulse/MapStar combination mounted on a pole. The TruPulse 360B has the level of accuracy displayed in the chart below as “Competitor B”. The Impulse/MapStar combination is “LTI’s CM II”.
TruPulse 360 Brochure
TruPulse 360 Specifications
Ensuring Quality GPS Offsets
TruPulse 360 Overview Video
TruPulse 360 Application: GPS Offsets for GIS/Mapping
TruPulse 360 Application: Forestry
TruPulse 360 Application: Stockpile Volume Measurements
TruPulse 360 Application: Airfield Inspections
TruPulse 200B by Laser Technology
- Low price-point
- Small and compact (8oz)
- Range and inclination (no compass)
- One foot accuracy to high-quality target
- One meter accuracy to low-quality target
- 1000 meter range (typical)
- +/- 0.25 degree inclination accuracy
- +/- 90 degrees inclination for efficient height calculations
- AA batteries for easy field use and replacement
- Integrated Bluetooth for wireless communication to field device
- One-year warranty
TruPulse Downloads
Impulse 200LR by Laser Technology
- Rugged and durable aluminum housing
- Ergonomic handheld design
- Weight: 2.2lbs
- 0.1-0.2 foot distance accuracy
- Approx 1000 foot range (depends on target)
- Rifle scope for precise targeting
- +/- 0.1 degree inclination accuracy
- +/- 90 degrees inclination for efficient height calculations
- AA batteries for easy field use and replacement
- Built-in routines for height, horizontal distance, slope distance, vertical
distance, and percent slope
- Use range-gating to filter through obstacles such as trees and brush
- Use an attachable MapStar Compass Module for azimuth readings for easy GPS
offsets
- +/- 0.3 degree azimuth accuracy with Compass Module
- One-year warranty
Impulse Downloads
RD 1000 Relascope/Dendrometer by Laser
Technology:
 
- BAF: Visually estimates if trees fall in or out of a given plot as
related to the specified Basal Area Factor.
- In/Out: Internally computes the limiting distance for questionable,
borderline trees and determines if they are in or out of the plot.
- Diameter: Determines the diameter of a tree at any given height.
- Height/Diameter: Provides the ability to determine the height at which a
specific diameter occurs.
- Raw Inclination: Measures inclination in percent slope.
- 2" to 100" diameter range
- Diameter accuracy: +/- 0.25" at 80 ft
- Basal Area Factor: 1 to 127 sq. ft/acre
- Inclination accuracy: 0.1 degree
- Lightweight, rugged construction
- Operates on two AA batteries (typical 20 hours of battery life)
- Integrates with a TruPulse or Impulse laser
TruPulse/RD1000 Brochure
RD 1000 Specifications
|
