Distance measuring is a central application in most forest measurement jobs: to measure radius of sample plots, distance to trees for height evaluation, distance to border trees when using a factor gauge, etc. Depending on your standards and accuracy demands, the methods and means to measure these distances will vary. In the forest, you will find all from pure estimations, tapes, and thread meters, to ultrasound and laser. Haglöf Sweden offers several solutions to cover the requirements.

The wellknown Walktax thread distance meter is a classic, mechanical measuring device. A cotton thread is tied to the starting point, the thread is pulled out as you walk to the ending point and a precision counter measures and presents the length of the thread as you reach your goal. Haglöf Sweden provides measuring thread for Walktax in 10-pack. The thread is made of 100% biodegradable cotton and does not damage wildlife and nature. The Walktax instrument housing is rugged and durable, the counter is of high quality and available in metric or feet. Walktax is used not only for forestry applications, but also in construction work, garden planning, when building fences, on shooting ranges etc.

Measuring tapes is another common tool that is available in many different brands, sizes and graduations. Tapes usually work well to measure distances, provided that the vegetation is not too thick. The measuring tape needs to be fastened at one end of the distance and this can cause trouble in some situations where branches are thick and the measuring object is more or less obscured by trees and shrubs. 

This is why the ultrasound technology that we use in some of our best-selling instruments is so great in the forest! Haglöf Sweden’s ultrasound instruments work in dense forests, when obstacles are in the way, and when no clear shot can be made to the measuring object. The ultrasonic signals will look for the shortest way to the reference transponder, that can be placed on the measuring object or on a custom monopod staff.

The technology in our ultrasound equipped instruments has been refined for many years and is in operation in forests all around the world. It is proven to work in dense rain forests, in dry high-land, warm and moist tropical jungles and ice-cold and dark spruce forests in Scandinavia. A custom transponder is placed on the monopod staff (for circular sample plot measuring work) or pinned directly onto the tree stem. The transponder receives and bounces back signals to the measuring instrument. Up to 30 meters or 98 feet can be measured, which is usually enough in the forest, and especially for sample plots. The basic ultrasound distance measuring device in our range is called the DME . The DME includes a useful BAF function for basal areas. If you are staking out roads, two DME instrument can be used as a pair to keep track of and measure that the width is constant for the road.

Several more instruments in Haglöf Sweden’s product range include this proven accurate ultrasound technology. For the DP II caliper we offer the very useful add-on the DP DME, that, together with adapted software in the DP II caliper, can form a complete inventory application saving both time and money (and carrying loads!) for the operator. The DME function is also available in the DP GPS DME, that along with measuring of distances in sample plots is a fully equipped GPS with great precision and that can be used to navigate to the plots in the forest. Added value with add-ons!

Our best-selling ultrasound instrument system is the classic Vertex 5 height measurer. The Vertex uses the transponder T3 to measure the distance to a tree. After measuring the distance, two angles are measured on the tree and the tree height is presented with great accuracy in the instrument display. The Vertex 5 is one of the most appreciated and used instruments by foresters everywhere.

If you wish to have the option to work without transponder, and need to measure longer distances in varying terrains, we recommend the Vertex Laser Geo instrument system. The Vertex Laser Geo is our combination instrument that includes both ultrasound and laser. All functions that you find in the Vertex 5 are available in the Vertex Laser Geo, plus a field adapted, super efficient and high precision laser sensor with the capacity to measure distances up to 650-700 meters/yds.

For research purposes and mainly to perform work in permanent sample plots, the Postex Laser is another useful combination instrument system, designed to position individual objects.

If most jobs that you have concern measuring of long distances in open terrain, such as in utility industry and for electricity pole controls, we recommend the pure laser instrument version called the Laser Geo.

DISTANCE MEASURING INSTRUMENTS