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

Leica 3D DISTO Laser Scanner

Ever since the launch of the first Leica DISTO, customers have asked if there is a device that could scan a room to develop plans. Customers were shocked to find that at the time laser scanners cost a few hundred thousand and to be truthfull, an over kill for developing room plans.

Leica Geosystems are always looking at progressing technology and introducing new developments into the field that customers can use. With a requirement in mind, they have developed what can truley be the next step in compact measuring.

The Leica 3D DISTO combines the advanced technology of the high specification Leica DISTO with angular measurements to create the first compact laser measure / scanner.

The precise position of each point, targeted with the integrated camera and captured with the laser beam. In short: the Leica 3D DISTO detects the location and height of target points. Data is captured and stored and can be post-processed. The result: an efficient, precise, and fast tool that is revolutionarily easy to handle.

The Leica 3D DISTO records location, height, and distance measurements in XYZ co-ordinates. It has never been easier to create as-built records of ceiling, floor, and roof surfaces; volumes; slopes; height differences; angles; and much more. Plumb points despite obstacles – no problem!

The Leica 3D DISTO is controlled by a robust, hand-held unit or by remote control unit. Full control of the measuring unit is preformed the high resolution touch screen display. The easy to use intuitive user interface allows the operator to control the measuring unit from one location and with the integration of a digital camera, the user cal see where the laser is pointed. The real-time display of measurements as drawings on the screen allow on-site completeness checks. At the press of a button data is recorded in standard tables, photos, DXF, and text files. It is so easy!

Advantages of the Leica 3D DISTO

• Measure and draw simultaneously, on site
• Automatically measure all surfaces, horizontal or vertical: simply define the measurement area and interval and start. No detail is forgotten; all angles and surface irregularities are captured.
• Unfold mode: change from footprint to face view – to measure wall detail, view or check previously measured values/points.
• Helpful tools to measure windows and pipe connections reduce the work involved.
• Automatically create and export drawings with borders and folding marks: data can be printed without the need for further processing.
• Easily measure from room to room, data fits together
• Smart range of accessories makes your life easier
• Perfect for craftsmen, architects, and all professionals, who can benefit from an easy to use measurement solution

Check out the Leica 3D DISTO online and view the demonstration videos

Leica Lino L360 - Perfectly Level All Around

The Leica Lino L360 is the perfect tool for the tradesman. Whether for laying floors or bonding edging, for all interior and exterior levelling and aligning tasks, the line laser projects an exact horizontal laser line all round.

The Leica Lino L360 is therefore an ideal addition to the line and dot lasers of the Leica Lino series.

Continuous and exact 360° laser lines
The Leica Lino L360 projects a laser line all round with millimetre accuracy. Reference points and lines can thus be quickly transferred from one wall to another without having to rotate the instrument. That is a crucial advantage when creating height reference points.

Furthermore, the horizontal laser line can be projected very closely to the ground. This particularly simplifies laying floor coverings and controlling heights. Moreover, the Leica Lino L360 provides an additional 180° vertical laser line for further possible uses.



Self-levelling with simple user interface
The Leica Lino L360 can be set up easily and quickly. The user interface with only two keys is self-explanatory. Thanks to the self-levelling, minor inclinations are automatically compensated for. Where greater tilting occurs, the laser lines blink to indicate that the self-levelling function is no longer active.

The self-levelling function can also be switched off manually using the lock function. On the one hand this serves as transport protection and on the other allows the laser lines to be projected in any position.



Rugged line laser, long battery life, matched accessories
The Leica Lino L360 is a rugged instrument with protection class IP65, i.e. it is dust proof and protected against hose water. So when working on site, the instruments will not be effected by environmental dust or water.

Rechargeable Battery Pack
Thanks to the rechargeable battery pack, its lengthy operating time of up to 20 hours is also a convincing argument.

Click for information on the Leica Lino L360

Click for full Leica Lino Range

Roof Measuring with the Leica DISTO D8

Roof Measuring with the Leica DISTO D8 is safe, accurate and allows you to measure roofs, pitches and roof areas all from the safety of the ground.

There is nothing worse than getting inaccurate measurements, this results in return visits, the wrong number of panels being determined, incorrect customer return on investment calculations and poor customer service. Traditional roof measuring methods such as hiring expensive platforms, climbing onto roofs, trying to measure with tape measures all adds to costly mistakes and health and safety issues when working at heights.

The Leica DISTO D8 allows you to measure roof lengths – gutter to ridge and the roof pitch safely and accurately from the ground with no additional health and safety risks from climbing and accurate measurements without costly errors.

The Leica DISTO D8 is fast becoming the professionals tool for measuring for the installation of solar / PV panels. All you need is a Leica DISTO D8, a tripod and an adaptor to obtain all the measurements you require. Even in hard to reach places the Leica DISTO D8 is the perfect partner to assist you.

The Leica DISTO D8 has various functions that allow you to measure a roof safely. The Leica DISTO D8 incorporates a 360° tilt sensor which allows measurements to be taken that were previously impossible. You can measure the slope distance of the roof by taking just two measurements. Further useful information can be obtained, including the height of the roof, the pitch of the roof in angles and the length distance from the edge of the roof to under the apex. The D8 will also allow you to measure the width of the roof. Using the length of the pitch and the width you can then obtain the area of the roof.

Also with the Leica DISTO D8 you can measure heights of chimneys, trees or other obstacles that cause shading onto the roof.

When using laser distance meters outside, the biggest problem is seeing the laser dot and knowing that you are pin-pointing directly onto the surface or target that you are trying to aim at With the Leica DISTO D8 you can clearly see this through the digital screen which shows you in colour exactly where you are aiming. No problem on bright sunny days or over distances. No other laser distance meter allows you to do this on the market.

The only equipment that you need is the Leica DISTO D8, the Tri100 tripod and the TA360 adaptor.

The Leica DISTO D8 can also be used inside for measuring rooms, lengths for cable trunking and with a measuring distance of upto 200 metres the Leica DISTO D8 is your complete partner for all measuring applications. You can also transfer your data to Microsoft office packages, AutoCad and other specific third party software. Not only does this save complete time and money but also prevents inaccurate copying of data when writing measurements down.

For more information please visit the replacement to the Leica DISTO D8, the Leica DISTO D810

Simple Way To Improve Utility Detection

We are all aware that there is a high risk of series injury or death from striking a buried utility whilst digging. So naturally we utilise a Cable Avoidance Tool (C.A.T) to search for the presence of buried cables, pipes and other utilities.

Like all safety related equipment, operators should undertake training to understand the correct use of cable avoidance tools. How the equipment is operated will directly affect the performance of the instrument and on occasions cause the C.A.T not to pick up the presence of a buried utility.

The following simple points highlight ways improve the search for buried utilities.



When undertaking a search, we should sweep not only the excavation area but the surrounding terrain to determine the route or path of any utilises that may be present. The sweep should be steady and deliberate, ensuring the whole area is covered by adopting a grid pattern.

How the C.A.T is held can affect the performance of the instrument. If the operator privets their arms and swings the C.A.T, the base of the instrument is lifted into the air and will not be searching for a signal in the ground.

The correct way to hold a C.A.T, is with the instrument vertical and the bottom end just above the ground.

By adopting the correct method of use, will help improve the performance of any instrument. However, there will be occasions where buried cables may not radiate a signal or are too weak.


The perfect example is locating the power cable running to a street light or sign. If the main light is off, the cable may not generate a live signal.

By utilising a Signal Generator (Genny) with the C.A.T, will enhance the search capability. The Genny will apply a tone to a buried cable which can be picked up by the C.A.T locator switched to the Genny mode.

There are two ways the Genny can apply a signal. The first is to directly connect to the service and the second to place the Genny in the area of the utility and ‘induce’ a signal.



The direct connection method is an ideal solution for checking a street light power cable. The connection lead is clipped to the metal cover of the street lamp with the second part clipped to the earth stake. Once plugged in, the Genny will transmit a signal to the metal street light frame which in turn is earth through the power cable.

With the operator standing approximately 10 paces away from the Genny (to avoid any chance of picking it up directly), the operator sweeps the area around the street light.

When the C.A.T is passed over the ‘induced’ utility, the display will indicate a peak signal. By moving slowly backwards and forwards, the operator will reduce the sensitivity to narrow the response.

Once the signal has been identified, the operator can turn the instrument on it’s axis until the signal reduces. This indicates that the C.A.T is above and in line with the target.

This procedure is then replicated until the length of the line has been traced.



When inducing a signal through the Induction method, the Genny is placed over the utility. A signal is applied to the utility, allowing the operator to trace with the C.A.T. But in congested areas, multiple services can be induced with the same signal.



If this is the case, the Genny can be placed on its side over the second utility to screen its signal, allowing the operator to trace the original service without interference.

By utilising a C.A.T and Genny together, you will dramatically improve your search capabilities.

For further details of correct Genny use and how it improves chances of locating services please contact 0800 069 9533.


Many thanks to Radiodetection for their help in compiling this article.

Always refer to the specific Manufactures manual and training guides for use of all cable avoidance tools.


Click for Radiodetection cable avoidance range

Click for more information on the Cable Avoidance Tools (C.A.T)

Click for more information on the Signal Generators (Genny)

Sabre Elsa Escape Apparatus

Survey Express Services are pleased to announce that we are now offer the renown range of Sabre Elsa range of emergency escape apparatus from Scott Safety.

 Since 1935, Scott Safety have been pioneering safety equipment for professional services. Today they are one of the world's leading manufacturers, spearheaded by the Sabre Elsa range.

  

Sabre Elsa Sprint                                      Sabre Elsa

Click for more information on the Sabre Elsa

Click for more information on the Sabre Elsa Sprint

What is a QR Tag?

You may have seen a small black and white bar code that resembles a maze on the side of a box, book or magazine. What are they? And what do they do?

These digital bar codes are Quick Response (QR) Tags which allow customers to quickly interact with a website or even call a number without tapping a single key.

Mobile phones have become an essential part of daily life, enabling every one to make a call, store information and search the internet. So it would be of now surprise that your mobile phone can scan a digital bar code and instantly call upon relevant information.

Survey Express has developed a range of QR Tags which will feature within our ‘offline’ marketing materials like brochures, catalogues and offer sheets. The QR Tags provides an easy way to search our extensive websites for the relevant information associated to an instrument. Or simply telephone our offices without keying in their details.

Simply scan the QR Tag through a smartphone and the information contained within the tag will redirect you or call our office.

Featured below are two QR Tags which will redirect you to our websites. Give them go and you will find how easy it is.