100m Distance Measurement

[SoftwareWiz]

My company is looking to replace a medium cost mechanical distance measuring system with a non-contact system. The range would be up to 100 meters, an update rate of at least twice per second, better than 0.5% accuracy, and it is used outdoors. The target position is somewhat mobile, so a fixed laser system would not work easily. We have considered radar, IR, GPS, and ultrasonic systems. Any suggestions on sensors or systems that might be used?

 

[jimbo]

Surveyors use them everyday, some with the accuracy you require. Called EDM (Electronic Distance Measurement).

 

[IRstuff]

EDM's seem to fit your requirements:

http://www.youna.com/ProductHL.asp?reqCat=RangeFinders&reqPage=1&reqItem=1

TTFN