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can you survey property with a laser level?

First pic doesn't work.

There are laser surveying systems so it can work, but using a laser level like that might not be bright enough on your stick.
 
Again first pic not working but if your talking about laser levels they are useless outside until dusk. Plus what do you want the topo of your property for. If your looking for rough topo, a line level and string should work. Alternately there may be old topo maps of your area done at or before development.
 
Originally posted by: mattpegher
Again first pic not working but if your talking about laser levels they are useless outside until dusk.
Click to expand...

What kind of cheap laser levels are you using? A quality laser level will work in just about any non-precipitating environment if there isn't any interference.

 
Originally posted by: mattpegher
Again first pic not working but if your talking about laser levels they are useless outside until dusk. Plus what do you want the topo of your property for. If your looking for rough topo, a line level and string should work. Alternately there may be old topo maps of your area done at or before development.
Click to expand...

I want to put in a 70' driveway and want to find what kind of elevation difference I have from the garage to the road that the drive will connect to).
 
Uhm, I would think if you knew how to survey, then you could do it. It isn't just about having a ruler, or rod, a laser, and you are set.
 
Originally posted by: daniel1113
Originally posted by: mattpegher
Again first pic not working but if your talking about laser levels they are useless outside until dusk.
Click to expand...

What kind of cheap laser levels are you using? A quality laser level will work in just about any non-precipitating environment if there isn't any interference.
Click to expand...

got a basic dewalt but it only works inside. Do you know of any particular brand and model that will work outside in bright sun, I could really use it.
 
You can rent a telescope level and measuring stick from your local rental place much cheaper for that kind of distance.
 
Originally posted by: SilthDraeth
Uhm, I would think if you knew how to survey, then you could do it. It isn't just about having a ruler, or rod, a laser, and you are set.
Click to expand...

I know how to survey for grade but I've sold my $14k LaserPlane and I'm wondering if I could get away with a cheap laser for a quick job. I'm only survey about 70' for grade.
 
Originally posted by: mattpegher
Originally posted by: daniel1113
Originally posted by: mattpegher
Again first pic not working but if your talking about laser levels they are useless outside until dusk.
Click to expand...

What kind of cheap laser levels are you using? A quality laser level will work in just about any non-precipitating environment if there isn't any interference.
Click to expand...

got a basic dewalt but it only works inside. Do you know of any particular brand and model that will work outside in bright sun, I could really use it.
Click to expand...

I've used professional laser surveying equipment in the past and oddly the laser was not visible in darkness either.
 
Ughh... Just came back from a "Survey Camp." Topo'd a whole chunk of forest with a Total Station (Sokkia) and Prism (PC=-30). Get(rent) one of those, easy to use and pretty cool. Just watch for the class III laser, someone shot the pointer laser in my eye at night:|, hope that one was Class I. That or get an ancient Automatic level (Wild), but you'll need a stick man, I mean rod boy. Also, the laser from the Sokkia went through branches, rain, dark and sun (I got burned skn to show), don't see how some don't work all the time <scratch this part, just understood the 'reading', non LCD display leveling. Just get one with crosshairs🙂.>.
 
Originally posted by: MS Dawn
You need a bigger laser. So big it's scary.

:laugh:
Click to expand...

ha ha. :thumbsup:

There're lots of ways to measure distance. If u're really willing and really care then there are lots of ways.
 
Originally posted by: TTM77
Originally posted by: MS Dawn
You need a bigger laser. So big it's scary.

:laugh:
Click to expand...

ha ha. :thumbsup:

There're lots of ways to measure distance. If u're really willing and really care then there are lots of ways.
Click to expand...

I don't want to measure distance, I want to measure grade.
 
ed, I am an operating engineer and do all types of construction and grade work. On the job we use lasers and transits, but they are by no means the only methods.
There are myriad ways to do a grade survey and calculation for a '70 distance.
One of the ancient and novel ways to do it invloves filling a garden hose with water. Fill it from the lower elevation to the higher, to ensure that all the bubbles are out of it. Elevate the higher end in a curve until the hose is vertical. you can tape it to a chair leg for example. fill it untill the water comes over the top.
Elevate the lower end at the joint where you have it hooked to the filling hose, until it apeears to be on the same level. unscrew it and tape that end vertically to a ladder or whatever works for your apparent grade change. Raise or lower the hose untill the water appears to be at the same level inside each end. Fill it with a pitcher and adjust. Measure the difference from the end of the hose to the ground for your grade changes. This method will work for any distance you have hose for, and is quite accurate.
I have used purpose-built water levels using clear tubing, a blowgun on the end for a valve, and a 5 gallon container filled with an antifreeze solution for both visiblility and all weather usage. Set the fluid level in the bucket at the desired grade with wedges, clear the hose of bubbles, and open the valve to allow the fluid to equalize. It works under houses, around corners, and many places where a transit or laser is impossible to use.
 
It just hit me...it's too cold for me to put water in my garden hose. It will probably freeze and crack the hose.

Back to sqaure 1.

 
If all you are wanting is elevation, then sure, you could do with the level rod and a cheap laser system. The hardest part would be seeing the laser in the daylight.

If you move the laser, then you'll have to take a shot on the new setup spot before moving, and be sure to measure the height of the laser with each setup.
 
Originally posted by: skyking
ed, I am an operating engineer and do all types of construction and grade work. On the job we use lasers and transits, but they are by no means the only methods.
There are myriad ways to do a grade survey and calculation for a '70 distance.
One of the ancient and novel ways to do it invloves filling a garden hose with water. Fill it from the lower elevation to the higher, to ensure that all the bubbles are out of it. Elevate the higher end in a curve until the hose is vertical. you can tape it to a chair leg for example. fill it untill the water comes over the top.
Elevate the lower end at the joint where you have it hooked to the filling hose, until it apeears to be on the same level. unscrew it and tape that end vertically to a ladder or whatever works for your apparent grade change. Raise or lower the hose untill the water appears to be at the same level inside each end. Fill it with a pitcher and adjust. Measure the difference from the end of the hose to the ground for your grade changes. This method will work for any distance you have hose for, and is quite accurate.
I have used purpose-built water levels using clear tubing, a blowgun on the end for a valve, and a 5 gallon container filled with an antifreeze solution for both visiblility and all weather usage. Set the fluid level in the bucket at the desired grade with wedges, clear the hose of bubbles, and open the valve to allow the fluid to equalize. It works under houses, around corners, and many places where a transit or laser is impossible to use.
Click to expand...

Here in India, where lasers levels are not so common .... the water-leveling method is standard for small constructions...

P.s. Try getting a transparent Silicone Rubber Pipe/Hose. It will work for all weather conditions and will provide excellent visibility.
 
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