One of the most common questions I see regarding laser measures is if you can use one outdoors effectively. The truth is that there is some really bad information out there.
There are certain types of laser measures that are more suited to measuring outdoors than others. There are also accessories that can improve your ability to measure outdoors.
So if you already own a laser measure or are planning on buying one in the future, this article with give you some practical guidance on how to use a laser measure outdoors successfully.
Do all laser distance meters work outdoors?
All laser distance meters are capable of measuring outdoors. But (yes there’s a but, a big BUT) the distance that can be measured outside can be significantly limited by a number of factors.
These are some of the challenges when attempting to use a laser measure outdoors:
- Any small movement in the laser measure causes a large movement in the laser pointer, particularly when measuring over long distances
- In bright sunlight, the visibility of the laser dot can be significantly reduced.
- There are generally more obstacles outdoors that may inhibit measurements over longer distances.
So, it is possible for any laser measure to operate outside. The big difference between cheaper, less powerful laser measures and more expensive models is the visibility of the laser dot.
What types of laser distance meters reliably operate outdoors?
There a two main types of laser distance meters that are specifically designed to allow accurate outdoor laser measurement. The features of these laser measures enhance the visibility of the target, enabling measurements when the laser dot is not visible to the naked eye.
Laser Measures with on-screen display
When I was researching which laser measure to buy for my surveying group, this type of laser measure really stood out to me. I decided to go all out and purchase a Leica Disto D810 Touch (more details of this model are available on Amazon AU) which is a high-end laser measure by Leica Geosystems.
The digital viewfinder features an adjustable zoom with an integrated camera so that you can tell what you are aiming at by looking at the screen. This is really handy in situations where the laser dot is not visible to the naked eye due to bright light conditions or observing over long distances.
Green dot laser measures
Green laser technology is becoming more popular in laser measuring devices. Some manufacturers claim that green lasers are up to four times more visible than red lasers. There is currently not a huge range of green dot laser measures available on the market when compared to cross line laser levels, but this may change in the future.
How do you accurately measure a target over a long distance?
Even if you are using a laser measure with on-screen targeting or a green laser spot, sighting over long distances can be difficult.
The good news is that there are accessories available that can make a significant difference to how far and how accurately you can measure outdoors.
What accessories assist with using laser measures outdoors?
For precise outdoor measurement, it is important to be able to hold the laser measure very still when making measurements. The direct sunlight of outdoor environments can also make it very difficult to see the laser dot. There are a number of accessories that are available to assist with measuring outside.
Laser Measure Tripod
It can be difficult to hold a laser measure completely still when shooting to a target, particularly when you are outdoor measuring. For accurate pointing of the laser measure, securing it on a tripod can make a huge difference.
The main advantage of using a tripod with a laser measure is the increased pointing accuracy. This is achieved through the stability of the tripod and the ability to make fine adjustments with more advanced tripods.
The main considerations when choosing a laser measure tripod are :
- Stability – How stable does the tripod feel during operation? Is it easy to adjust? Does it wobble around too much?
- Weight – What weight is the tripod itself? Do you need a heavy-duty tripod for outdoor construction work?
- Size – How big is the tripod? Will it fit inside your vehicle? Can you easily transport it from place to place?
- Price – How expensive is the tripod? Are there any extras included such as carrying cases etc.?
There are a variety of different tripods available for use with laser measures. Some models come with a built-in mount while others require additional adapters. You may also find some models that include both mounts and adapters.
Leica Disto Tripod adaptor
For high precision applications that require not only accurate pointing but also the ability to fine-tune the horizontal and vertical adjustment of the pointer, Leica has developed a tripod adaptor. This particular adaptor can be used with Leica Disto laser measures to enable extreme accuracy. The adaptor features a horizontal level bubble and vertical and horizontal adjustment knobs for fine accurate pointing.
Laser Enhancement Glasses
Specially designed laser enhancement glasses can assist in making sure your laser beam hits its intended target. These glasses work by improving the visibility of the laser beam, particularly when working in bright conditions. The glasses below are a relatively inexpensive Bosch brand of glasses that can be used not only when making measurements with a laser measure but can also be used with a rotary laser level or straight-line laser.
If you are planning on regularly measuring outside I would suggest getting some laser enhancement glasses.
Laser Measure Target Plate
Another factor that influences the ability to use a laser measure outside is having a reliable target to sight to. In many cases, it is simply not possible to obtain a good quality measurement to an object because of the uneven surface. In these cases, a laser measure target plate can be used to not only provide a definite point to sight to but also enhance the visibility of the laser point in bright sunlight conditions.
These target plates can be used not only with laser measures, but are also suitable for laser levels, cross line and rotary lasers.
