[Acoustics] Laser Range Finders - Advice Please

[Nick j Everard]

All

I am shortly to receive a remote controlled boat for deploying my Rio
Grande and am planning to buy a laser range finder to help me estimate,
ahem, measure bank distances accurately.

The two units I have had recommended to me are the Impulse 200 Standard
laser and the Trupulse 200, both from a company named Laser Technology.

The price differences are quite significant (one is 2.5 times the cost
of the other!) and reflect the differences in quoted accuracy. 

One unit is quoted as having an accuracy of 30cm (1ft) while the other
claims typical accuracy of 3-5cm (1-2 inches).

I am inclined  to go for the better unit, but wonder if anyone can
advise from experience, will I be wasting my money on the more expensive
laser? 

Is it actually possible/practical to achieve anything like 3-5cm
accuracy when making a measurement? Bearing in mind that the measurement
is only going to be as good as the synchronization with the laptop user,
estimation of bank shape from afar, driving of the boat and ability to
get a fix on a suitable target on the far bank?

Both units also measure inclination.

Are there other applications that these things can be used for that
help justify better units? I'm thinking in terms of surveying borehole
levels, weir dimensions etc. I have no experience to know whether these
things are accurate enough for these kind of applications!

Any advice gratefully received!!

Regards, Nick Everard.

Nick Everard
FMD Officer 1 (Hydrometry)
Environment Agency - W Area
Thames Region 
Windrush House
Howbery Park
Wallingford
Oxon, OX10 8BD
UK

Tel: +44 (0)1491 828400
Mobile: +44 (0)7831 559379
E-mail nick.everard at environment-agency.gov.uk
Internet www.environment-agency.gov.uk


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