Laser distance meters are easy to use, accurate, and accessible hand-held devices that can measure up to 150-250 metres, making them versatile in everyday use. They are the ideal option for projects where complex measurement capabilities are not always required, such as simple room layouts or quick checks.
They are most often used by contractors, installers, surveyors, and project managers in AEC and adjacent fields, but can be used by anyone who needs quick and accurate distance measurements for building, interior design, DIY, or renovation work. They can also be used to measure entire rooms or even buildings, especially when used in conjunction with connected applications.
Modern laser distance meters, like the new Leica DISTO D2, are very intuitive to use due to their accessible interface. They excel over manual measurement methods, like tape measures, because they can capture and store individual measurements of a building or room, which can then be linked together using software like the DISTO Plan App. This allows building design professionals to see measurements in the broader context of a larger project, making it easier to plan and coordinate complex work.
Precise measurements from edges, corners or grooves
Complex measurement tasks have been made simpler with several new features on the two new hand-held instruments. The first new feature is a fold-out end-piece with automatic position detection, which allows for precise measurements from edges, corners or grooves.
The ability to measure from corners is essential for versatile application with high reliability, especially when measuring diagonals. By flipping out the end-piece once, it forms a right angle that fits perfectly on edges. Flipping it out twice transforms it into a stable, slim extension for measuring tight corners or slots. The device detects the exact position of the end-piece and accounts for any offset, preventing errors and ensuring reliable results. The end-piece is very robust and will not bend during measurement.
Taking non-horizontal measurements
The second new feature is a “Smart Horizontal Mode”, which lets users take a non-horizontal measurement, after which the DISTO automatically calculates the precise horizontal measurement by taking into account the device’s inclination. Smart Horizontal Mode makes long distance measurements easier and guarantees precise performance indoors by measuring exact horizontal distances, even over obstacles.
Floor-plan creation feature
The third new feature is the ‘Smart Room’ feature, which enables quick and accurate creation of floor-plans. With Smart Room measurement, the movement of the device is detected by an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and immediately used to create a floor plan while the measurements are being taken. The plan is saved in the DISTO Plan app and can be easily exported as a PDF, DXF or DWG file.
Both Smart Room Measurement and Smart Horizontal Mode are available on the DISTO D2 and DISTO D2G. Smart Room Measurement requires the DISTO Plan app, which is an application for iOS and Android devices for creating both simple documentation, like transferring measurements to a photo, or comprehensive room plans.
Near-field communication (NFC) for data transfer
The final new feature consists of near-field communication (NFC), which transfers data automatically to the DISTO Plan app, streamlining visualization and documentation. The laser distance meter can connect to the app via Bluetooth or near-field communication (NFC). NFC has the advantage that no connection between the distance meter and the mobile device needs to be established in advance. In the app, the measured plans are automatically scaled, and the angles can be corrected precisely using the new diagonal function. This results in true-to-scale room plans that can then be exported to CAD software.
Additional improvements and features
In addition to these new features, a series of small improvements boost the performance of both devices. For example, the DISTO D2 can measure up to 50% further than the previous model, boasting a range of up to 150 meters at 1.5 mm accuracy, with a battery life of up to 7,000 measurements. The long-lasting and durable design protects against dust and splash water with glass-fiber reinforced components. Furthermore, measuring complex room layouts and corners is easier with the new “triangular area” functions.
For professionals working in bright indoor areas, like window fitters, door fitters, and facility managers, the new DISTO D2G includes all of the features of the new DISTO D2 but with a highly visible green laser. This is four times more visible than the classic red laser, and capable of measuring distances of up to 120 meters.
