Leica DISTO X310 Laser Measure

This month Leica Geosystems has launched an extremely tough version of the Leica DISTO range – Leica DISTO X310.

The Leica DISTO X310 overcomes the most common problem with precision measuring devices, their durability onsite. We all knew that from time to time, that an instrument could be accidentally dropped or utilised in a wet condition.

The Leica DISTO X310 is the only laser distance meter which is IP65 certified - dust tight and jet water protected. Furthermore it has been tested by dropping from heights of up to 2 m. To demonstrate this check out the promotion video!

Thanks to the integrated tilt sensor, precise indirect distance and height measurements are possible. The Leica DISTO X310 guarantees reliable measurements under the most extreme conditions too.

Tough enough
Housing and keypad are specially sealed against water and dust and conform to protection class IP65. This means that cleaning it under running water is no problem. On the inside, the device is strengthened with special fibreglass-reinforced plastic bracing. Solid rubber components protect the measuring elements against damage through dropping. These factors make the Leica DISTO X310 an ideal measuring tool for day to day construction site work.

Tilt Sensor
When developing the Leica DISTO X310, an integrated tilt sensor was incorporated into the design to allow site engineers to determine the angle of measurement. The digital tilt sensor allows the instrument to perform inverted measurements in fact 360 degree measurements.

Smart Horizontal Mode
The combination of angle and distance measuring opens completely new possibilities. If e.g. objects do not allow direct measuring of distance, the horizontal distance can be precisely measured using the Smart Horizontal Mode. Heights can be quickly determined with the height tracking too, even if no suitable reflection point is available.

High functionality
The flip-out end piece allows exact location of the Leica DISTO X310 guaranteeing absolutely accurate measurements from edges or out of corners. At the same time the automatic end-piece detection helps to avoid expensive measuring errors.

The Leica DISTO X310 can also calculate rectangular and triangular areas, volumes, room dimensions and various types of Pythagoras functions. A time delay release and sufficient memory for up to 20 measurements round off the multiple functions – providing a genuine labour saving.

Approved to ISO 16331-1 Standard
For the first time, an international standard has been developed to ensure that instruments perform to the manufactuers specifications. When specifiying an instrument, ensure it is approved to the ISO 16331-1 standard, like the Leica DISTO X310!
Click for more information on ISO 16331-1

Well the Leica DISTO X310 is the toughest instrument featuring the highest IP65 rating, 360 degree digital tilt sensor, highest measuring accuracy, enhanced features and improved operation. Oh yes, it means the ISO standard for laser measuring devices which means you can realy on the Leica DISTO D210!

Click for more information on the Leica DISTO X310

ISO Standard - Laser Measure

Ever since Leica Geosystems created the first hand held laser measuring device, there has never been clear guidance or standard to verify laser measuring devices between manufacturers. On paper, instruments from different manufacturers may feature the same measuring specification, but in practical terms they will not.

Why is this?
The range and accuracy of laser distance meters depend on light conditions and reflectivity of the measuring target. For Leica Geosystems it is important that the instruments not only perform under perfect laboratory conditions, but above all under the kind of everyday working conditions encountered on construction sites.

Working together with external experts, Leica Geosystems have developed a standard by which laser distance meters can be tested and compared with each other.

Differing factors, such as the structure of the surface and the colour of the measuring point, the strength of ambient light and the temperature at which a measurement is taken, have a very significant effect on the accuracy and the maximum range achieved.

These factors have not previously been defined by a standard, each manufacturer has used its own definition. It has therefore become increasingly difficult for the customer to make a comparison between the large and growing number of laser distance meters on the market. However, misunderstandings or imprecise data can result in serious unreliability of measurements or even expensive errors.

The new ISO Standard 16331-1, to which Leica Geosystems has made a significant contribution, defines in detail how information concerning accuracy and range must be presented and describes the necessary measuring procedures. This renders specifications of laser distance meters capable of being tested by independent institutions, thus making direct comparisons possible.

The ISO Standard 16331-1 takes the following measuring conditions into account:

Measurement under favourable conditions

Measurement under favourable conditions which often apply for interior use:
• Weak ambient light (3k lux)
• Measuring to white painted wall
• Room temperature


Measurement under unfavourable conditions

Measurement under unfavourable conditions which often apply for exterior use:
• Bright sunshine (30k lux)
• Measuring to white painted wall
• Total operating temperature range


Other measuring conditions can also be specified, for example:

• Measuring to a defined target plate
• Measuring to unfavourable measuring points with strong or weak reflectivity (metal surface or wet concrete)


A customer who purchases a laser distance meter which conforms to the ISO standard can arrive at reliable conclusions with respect to the maximum range and accuracy achievable under defined measuring conditions. This is crucial for assessing the advantages for everyday use on the construction site.


Check out the Leica DISTO range

Bosch GLM 80 Professional Laser Measure

Introducing the new Bosch GLM 80 Professional laser measuring instrument incorporating a digital tilt sensor and rechargeable battery pack.

• Bosch GLM 80 Professional is a laser rangefinder with integrated tilt sensor



• Makes it easier to perform indirect height and distance measurement



• Including lithium-ion battery, which is charged using a micro USB cable

For professionals who want to measure distances, heights and inclines the easy way, there is now the Bosch GLM 80 Professional from Bosch.

It combines the functions of a rangefinder and an inclinometer in one tool, and it can be turned into a digital spirit level by clicking it into the measuring rail R 60 Professional, which has been specially designed for this purpose. As a result, this all-rounder covers a very wide range of applications and sets new standards in the measuring technology segment.

The Bosch GLM 80 Professional measures distances of up to 80 meters and has a typical accuracy of ± 1.5 millimetres. All data can be read on the large, illuminated display, which turns automatically as soon as the tool is moved from a vertical to a horizontal position.

Digital Incline Sensor
The Bosch GLM 80 features a digital incline sensor allowing the user to record the instruments angle and undertake advanced measurements like indirect height measuring with the Pythagorean function.

Rechargeable Battery Pack
The Bosch GLM80 is equipment with a rechargeable battery pack as standard. A standard micro USB port allows the lithium-ion battery to be charged for up to 25,000 measurements per charge.

Rotating Screen
The Bosch GLM 80 is the first laser measuring instrument to feature an automatic display rotation. The contents of the display turn depending upon the position of the instrument to ensure that the values can be read in any position.

Tilt Sensor
Obtain the result faster thanks to easier height and distance measurement
The Bosch GLM 80 features a digital incline sensor allowing the user to record the instruments angle and undertake advanced measurements like indirect height measuring with the Pythagorean function.

It works on both axes of the tool and covers a radius of 120 or 360 degrees depending on the reference side. This sensor makes it possible, for example, to calculate the height of a building with a single measurement.

A completely new application with only one click
When clicked into the measuring rail R 60 Professional, which has been specially developed for this purpose, the Bosch GLM 80 Professional becomes a digital spirit level. The integrated rail detection system ensures that when the tool is switched on, it automatically switches to the inclination measuring mode and the display turns accordingly. This enables, for example, the inclines of rafters and stringers to be checked or sanitary objects such as shower tubs to be aligned, all with an accuracy of ± 0.2 degrees. An audio signal is emitted at 0 and 90 degrees to help with this.

For more information on Bosch GLM 80 Professional laser measure

Which DISTO Is Best For Me?

Choosing a Leica DISTO can be confusing. With the largest range of any manufacturer, there is a Leica DISTO for all applications.

But which DISTO is better for you.

Do you measure outdoors?
Do you require a digital zoom?
Do you need a digital tilt sensor?
Do you need to download the measurements?

Well don't panic. Our simple chart guides through the decision making process.


I have just found out that I need a Leica DISTO X310 (the heavy duty instrument) because I tend to drop things.

So which is best for your?

Click to view our simple flow chart

How Does a Leica DISTO Measure?

This article will explain in a simple way how a Leica DISTO take a measurement & how accurate the measurements are.

Two types of length measurement
See a lightning flash and start counting the seconds. If you get to 15, divide by three – and you know that the storm is still five kilometres away. This measuring principle, which is also used by laser devices, is known as the “running time procedure”.

The speed of light is much higher than that of sound, and the times involved are extremely short where distances are limited. It thus follows that short distances of just a few metres cannot be measured with any great accuracy using the running time procedure.

Leica DISTO devices therefore operate on the phase-shift principle, and are especially accurate over short distances – as you would indeed expect from a device known popularly as a “laser rule”.

A wave on a lake, for example, is measured from crest to crest. If the wind pushes such a wave against a jetty, we can see how a new wave runs back into the water. A comparison of the crests of the incoming and outgoing waves illustrates the phase-shift principle.

A wave of light
We must start off with a wave. But how can we create one out of light?




The light actually goes on and off 50 times per second, as we use an AC power supply to light up the bulb. The Leica DISTO is fitted not with a bulb, but with a semiconductor diode, which emits a guided laser beam. This light is switched on and off 200 million times per second with “alternating current”.

We use these millions of waves (on the same principle as the water lapping against the bank of the lake) to measure the distance concerned.


How many wave crests can fit into a given space?


We hang a length of rope from an object such as a house wall and stand holding the other end at a distance of about 15 metres from the wall (i.e. the distance that we wish to measure).




We then raise and lower the rope with regular up-and-down arm movements. The rope begins to oscillate and forms waves (like water).

A slowing of the arm movement causes the size of the wave to increase, until the 15 metres available is filled with a single wave.

An increase in the speed of the up-and-down arm movement decreases the size of the waves (e.g. to three metres each). The same distance to the house wall is now occupied by various waves.

This is exactly how the Leica DISTO works.


A laser beam is used to emit various different waves simultaneously. With a frequency of 200 million waves (their speed regulated by the equivalent of the arm movements in the above example), it is possible to be accurate to the millimeter, while lower frequencies determine the higher fractions of a metre and the lowest frequency measures the number of metres.

As the crests and troughs of a laser wave are, unlike the oscillating length of rope, invisible to the naked eye, we have to resort to some technological trickery – which brings us back to the example of waves lapping against a jetty: the difference between the incoming and outgoing waves of light (i.e. the phase shift) can be measured by means of sophisticated electronics, allowing the distance to be determined to the nearest millimeter.

As you can see, where distance measurement is concerned, quite a lot goes on behind the scenes.

Tough Leica DISTO

During a recent telephone conversion with a customer, a question was raised. How tough are the Leica DISTO range?

Well in short, very.

With the introduction of the Leica DISTO X310 model, there is no tougher instrument. Built to with stand any knocks and falls commonly encountered on a building or construction site.

Although the standard range of instruments have been designed with a strong magnesium housing encasing the laser and receive lens, they are precision instruments so will not be too happy if dropped into water.

So Leica Geosystems have incorporated several new features into the Leica DISTO X310 design.

The impact-resistant housing has been strengthened with special fibreglass-reinforced plastic bracing.

Passes drop tests from 2m height thanks to the thick rubber housing on the outside which protects the module against possible damage.

A special rubber sealing strip protects all components – even the battery compartment.

The Leica DISTO X310 is the only laser measuring instrument to pass rigorous tests according to IP 65. That means it can be jet washed to remove dirt without affecting the internal components and submerged in water.

The internal components have been design with abuse in mind. Less parts to go wrong and more importantly components that works better under arduous conditions.

OK, the Leica DISTO X310 will not be able to measure complicated architectural structures like the Leica DISTO D210 or Leica DISTO D510 models. But if you work on a building site or require a heavy duty instrument, then this is the instrument for you.

For more information - Leica DISTO X310

For more information - Leica DISTO Range

Leica Disto D3a

The new Leica DISTO D3a has recently been launched, providing an enhanced laser measuring package, more functions and a better looking design.

Leica Geosystems are the leading manufacturer of precision measuring instruments and originally developed the Leica Disto range over 15 years ago. Now into the 6th generation, Leica has always been striving to improve the models proving cutting edge technology with user friendly functions.

Precision at the torch of a button
The Leica DISTO D3a features a measuring accuracy of ±1mm with an enhanced measuring range of 100m. The Power Range Technology boosts the measuring performance, allowing long range measurements to be taken.

Tilt Sensor
The instrument's inbuilt tilt sensor quickly and simply determines tilts up to ± 45°. This will allow you to measure the angle of a slope or the angle of a corner in a room.

Smart Horizontal Mode
Thanks to the combination of distance and tilt measurements you can determine the horizontal distance absolutely precisely. At a touch of a bottom the indirect height can be also displayed.

Area - Painter Function
The Leica DISTO D3a features an Area - Painter function allowing the floor, wall and ceiling areas, volumes and circumference to be recorded. Easy to use and saving you valuable time in calculating materials required.

Multi-functional Endpeice
When you need to measure from a corner, simply flip out the end piece and take the measurement. The instrument will automatically sense the position of the bracket and adjust the measurement accordingly.

Room Angle Calculation
The Leica DISTO D3a features a simple function to allow you to measure the room angles. Ideal when fitting work units and kitchem work surfaces.

Multiple functions
The Leica DISTO D3a can also calculate areas, volumes, room dimensions and various types of Pythagorean functions. A time delay release and enough memory for up to 20 measurements finish off the instruments wide range of functions – a concept designed to make your work easier.

For more information -Leica DISTO D3a

Bosch GLM 250 VF Laser Measure

Robert Bosch recently introduced a new long range laser measuring instrument. Bosch GLM 250 VF provides the longest measuring range up to 250 metres to an accuracy of ±1mm. Telescopic Viewfinder When measuring outside or over long distances, it may be difficult to see the red laser dot. The Bosch GLM 250 VF features an integrated telescopic viewfinder, allowing the operator to accurately position the laser dot on to the location they wish to measure.

High measuring accuracy The new Bosch GLM 250 VF incorporates a high accuracy laser providing ±1mm. Impressive when you think of the instruments maximum measuring range.

Multifunctional Adaptor The Bosch GLM 150 features a multifunctional measurement pin for precise measurement from hard-to reach areas and corners. Ideal when under taking building measured surveys where room diagonals are required.

Low Battery Usage Unlike many other laser measuring instruments, the Bosch range has been design to be as energy efficient allowing 30,000 individual measurements from one set of batteries.

Robust construction

Robert Bosch is the leading manufacturer of professional power tools, with all products meeting high standards for use around construction sites. The Bosch GLM 250 VF is no exception featuring high impact case, rubber grips, dust and splash IP54 protection.

Benefits and Features

• Measuring accuracy +/- 1.0MM

• Measuring Range – 250 metres

• Integrated telescopic viewer

• Advanced measuring functions

• Trapezium function

• Multifunctional Adaptor

• 30 Measurement storage

• Small, Pocket size

• Clear display

• Easy to use – one function per button

• Robust – water and dust resistant to IP54

Click for more informatin – Bosch GLM 250 VF Laser Distance Measurer

Click for more information – http://www.surveyexpress.co.uk/

Bosch GLM 150 Laser Measure

Robert Bosch recently introduced the Bosch GLM 150 providing a measuring range up to 150 metres to an accuracy of ±1mm.

High measuring accuracy

The new Bosch GLM 150 incorporates a high accuracy laser providing ±1mm. Impressive when you think of the instruments maximum measuring range.

Multifunctional Adaptor

The Bosch GLM 150 features a multifunctional measurement pin for precise measurement from hard-to-reach areas and corners. Ideal when under taking building measured surveys where room diagionals are required.

Low Battery Usage

Unlike many other laser measuring instruments, the Bosch range has been design to be as energy efficient allowing 30,000 individual measurements from one set of batteries.

Robust construction

Robert Bosch is the leading manufacturer of professional power tools, with all products meeting high standards for use around construction sites. The Bosch GLM 150 is no exception featuring high impact case, rubber grips, dust and splash IP54 protection.

Benefits and Features

• Measuring accuracy +/- 1.0MM

• Measuring Range – 150 metres

• Advanced measuring functions

• Trapezium function

• Multifunctional Adaptor

• 30 Measurement storage

• Small, Pocket size

• Clear display

• Easy to use – one function per button

• Robust – water and dust resistant to IP54

Click for more information - Bosch GLM 150 Laser Distance Measurer

Click for more information - http://www.surveyexpress.co.uk/