Laser Measuring Tools etc

[CPosner]

Hello,

I am currently working on a project that requires a precise grid to be set on a vertical wall appx 10ft tall and 60ft long.

This wall is the exterior of a building and scaffolding prevents a survey to be done normal to the wall. I can only work along the walls 60ft length.

Do any tools exist that quickly and accurately measure distance horizontal and vertically? I have found some hand held laser range finders, but I find it impossible to set the laser in the horizontal and vertical positions. There are some auto-leveling lasers but they do not provide distance measurements.

Does anyone know of a similar tool or something that I can use to achieve this. Aside from the old hose water level.

Thanks in advance!

 

[IRstuff]

You don't say what uncertainty you require. There are laser distance measurement devices that resolve sub-millimeter differences. SICK makes some and one can probably attach a level or inclinometer to them.

TTFN

FAQ731-376

 

[msucog]

you can use most automatic levels for distance measurement too via stadia wires but it might not be practical for your particular layout due to elevation differences or something like that. easiest way would be to get a theodolite with edm to measure distance. that's pretty cheap and gives "good" accuracy. nikon, leica, topcon all make such instruments. be sure you have someone that understands what they are doing when performing the survey to avoid many headaches. quite often, it is much more effective to simply hire a registered surveyor and pay for their services.

and be sure to clarify your definition of accurate when talking with surveyors since IRstuff points out what they might consider accurate.