Measuring instruments - cross lasers and rangefinders. How to measure precisely?

Specialized measuring instruments allow you to perform works with an accuracy of up to a millimeter. How to precisely measure with a rangefinder and mark lines or points with a cross laser? Find out how to use all functions and possibilities of modern measuring instruments in practice.

Measuring instruments using a laser

Measuring instruments using a laser are truly revolutionary devices. It is hard to imagine that until recently, for measurements, both short and long distances, only measuring tapes were used, where the error always arises when the surface is not perfectly even. The precision of measurements obtained by using a laser beam in rangefinders or laser levels is incomparable to traditional tapes. Unfortunately, the greater the accuracy, the greater the cost of purchasing measuring devices. Nevertheless, it is often worth the investment, because the more accurate the measurements, the fewer unpleasant surprises during work.

Important
Each manufacturer that offers technologically advanced digital and laser measuring devices should have a laser device calibration center. The calibration process consists in carefully checking the devices for possible mechanical damage, and then assessing the degree of laser deviation from the pattern, i.e. precise calibration of all elements of the device. An in-depth procedure is carried out by specialized personnel using precise control and diagnostic equipment.

Laser rangefinder, i.e. precise distance measurement

The laser rangefinder is one of the most frequently used devices in geodesy and construction. It is a tool for measuring distance, but not only. Thanks to the extensive software, the device can calculate the surface area and volume on the basis of several measurements. More advanced models will use the Pythagorean theorem. Rangefinders are equipped with clear displays, from which you can quickly read the measurement. Most professional models have a built-in memory function so you can save more results. This is an extremely useful option, e.g. when collecting more data for calculations or comparisons. The undoubted advantage of the rangefinder is its size. Usually, it is a device with small dimensions, it can be successfully hidden in a pocket.

How to measure with a laser rangefinder?

  • We choose the units of measurement (meters, feet, or inches) with which the rangefinder will convert the results.
  • We aim the laser spot at the target and press the activation button. The measured distance is shown on the main display line.
  • If we want the rangefinder to calculate the area, we switch it to the area measurement mode and direct the laser dot to the first target, e.g. a room wall, and then press the measurement button. Then we direct the beam to the second target (perpendicular wall) and press the measurement button again. The area in m2 will be displayed in the main line and the length of individual walls in the following lines.
  • When we want to measure the cubature of a room, we put the rangefinder in the cubature measurement mode. We direct the laser and measure successively the first wall, the perpendicular wall, and the height from floor to ceiling. The rangefinder will automatically calculate the capacity of the room. The volume in m3 will be displayed on the main line, while the lengths of individual walls and the height will be displayed on the following lines.


Ważne
A common mistake is to use the rangefinder too quickly after changing the ambient temperature. A sudden jump from a cold to a warm room may affect the correctness of the obtained results.

Precise measuring devices in determining lines and points

Automatic cross, line, and multi-line self-leveling lasers are devices that will improve the performance of many construction works. Thanks to the cross laser, you can get a perfectly vertical and horizontal line on the plane on which you want to work. In this way, we can work without holding the spirit level in our hands, which is very useful. Laser spirit levels are used to determine vertical and horizontal planes, and right angles, but also after blocking the compensator of oblique lines. Compared to a traditional water level, the laser level is much more convenient to use and much more accurate. There are many models and types of these devices on the market. They are often sold in sets with a tripod, pole, or detector.


How does a cross-line laser work?

  • Before starting the measurement, attach the device to the surface using special grips or place it on a tripod.
  • Then we turn on the device, which immediately emits a laser beam visible to the naked eye.
  • The device draws a point or two horizontally and vertically that connect at right angles. Thanks to this, we can set the appropriate level or a specific point.
  • The designated levels, vertical lines, or points can be marked on the wall with painter's tape.