Laser measuring devices are pocket-sized, digital instruments that can measure from a few inches to over one hundred feet.
Using a laser measuring device is very easy and involves very few steps. Just point to a target, press a button, and the device immediately displays on the screen the distance to the target. This can be done by one person since there is nothing to hold at the other end, as was the case with old-fashioned tape measure, and even using one hand since the keypad is small and within finger reach. It is easy for a single person to make multiple measurements involving large dimensions that would have required a team using standard tape measure.
The mathematics involved is straight forward. A narrow laser beam is sent towards a target and the time taken for the pulse to be reflected back to the sensor is measured. This number is divided by two times the speed of light to give the one-way distance. Measurements are very accurate. The precision is extremely high for ordinary spatial measurements although accuracy falls at the sub-millimeter level due to time delays in the circuit.
Many models accept two different distances (A and B) that can be entered into the instrument and then subtracted from specific measured lengths. This enables the user to see the direction in which the device must be moved since the display shows a direction arrow with the current staking-out distance. One meter to the next staking-out point the instrument gives an audible signal.
If you need to make repetitive measurements quickly, then laser measuring devices that can operate in continuous laser mode are necessary. This mode minimizes the number of key strokes so you are able of focus more on taking measurements instead of fidgeting with the panel. With all those perfect capabilities, measuring distance of two separate objects is something that can be mastered easily.
The bigger the measuring range of the device, the more expensive it is. Many laser distance meters even have a swing out pin for measuring corners. Other useful features to look for are area and volume calculations, a built-in calculator allowing addition and subtraction of measurements, tripod mounts, water-resistant casing, hand strap and an LED display that can vary its brightness depending on the surrounding illumination.
Laser measuring devices are commonly used by architects, surveyors, engineers, real estate agents, insurance brokers, golfers and police officers. Professional models permit the calculation of length, width, height, distance, and compute area and volume quickly and accurately. The high portability of these units is a big advantage. Most laser measuring devices have ergonomic designs and are also secure against dust, jet water and 6-foot drops for durability in rough and abusive environments.
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