Leica DISTOTM D8
Solutions for Forestry and Agriculture
Perfect Features for Outdoor Applications
Digital Pointfinder & Colour Display
The 2.4” Vibrant Color Display with 4x zoom makes finding and aiming targets much
easier and causes less strain to the eyes when using an optical viewfinder or trying
to find or aim the laser dot at the target.
1x
2x
0.000m
4x
0.000m
0.000m
Black and white mode can also e set for enhanced contrast, ideal in where the target
and background is of the same colour.
2
Perfect Features for Outdoor Applications
Long Range, Timer, Tripod Mode
The Long Range Mode (LR Mode) allows for distances to
be measured reliably even in natural lighting conditions
Given the right conditions, the effective range of 200m is
achievable requiring a measuring time of 7 seconds and a
target plate.
Thus it is recommended to mount the unit on a tripod as the
units come with a brass female thread. The tripod changes
the measuring reference to the tripod thread.
Timer function help minimise movement of the unit when
the ON/Off button is pressed.
By holding down the On/Off button to activate the
continuous mode will increase the chances of getting a
reading but will require a longer time.
3
Leica DISTO™ D5
Technical Specifications










4
Range: 0.05 – 200m
Typ. accuracy ± 1.0 mm
Smallest unit displayed 0.0000 m
Digital pointfinder (4x zoom)
2,4” vibrant colour display with 320 x 240 resolution
Inclination sensor ± 45° @ 0.3° accuracy
Long Range (LR) Mode
Flip-out end piece with automatic detection
Tripod thread (metal)
Functions:
Area Volume Trapezium Stake-out Timer
Pythagoras Triangle & Polygon Area Memory
Indirect Horizontal Distance
Improvements over Leica DISTO™ D5
 360o Tilt Sensor
 Bluetooth Connectivity and
Navigation Keys
 0.1o Accuracy to housing
 Advanced Indirect Measurement
Technology
 Real-time Vertical Tracking
Capability
 Horizontal Profiling Capability
Leica DISTOTM
D5
5
Leica DISTOTM
D8
Applications in Measuring Tree Heights
6
Tree Height Measurement
Remote Elevation Function (D8 model only)
Take the reference measurement reading at the base of
the tree.
Real time height is automatically tracked as you move
the digital pointer up.
2nd measurement point does not need a stationary, nor
reflective surface so the movement of the canopy will
not pose a problem
Benefits
• 1 man operation
• Minimum equipment needed
• Measurement from a distance
• Several trees can be measured
from 1 location
• Reliable tree heights results in
better allocation of safety area to
cut down trees
7

Tree Height Measurement

Indirect Vetical Measurement (D5 & D8 modes )
It is common when the base of the tree is hidden from view.
By using the Indirect Horizontal to take 2 measurements, press and hold the
function key, the calculated vertical data will be displayed.
Adding both calculated vertical measurements, the tree height can be derived.
Tree height = A + B
Calculated
Vertical B
Calculated
Vertical A
Note: the reliability of the calculated height depends on
the elevation changes of the ground
8
Monitoring Tree Growth

Remote Elevation Function (D8 model only)
The canopy & trunk heights can be determined by 1
reference point
Starting at the base of the tree, move the Digital
Pointfinder to the top of the trunk and note the Trunk
Height.
Move the Digital Pointfinder to the top of the tree to
determine the Tree Height.
Canopy Height = Tree Height – Trunk Height
Tree
Height
Trunk
Height
Benefits
• Reliable data
• No need for climbing equipments
9
Tree Height Measurement
Measurement of Tilted Trees
Y
X
Double Tilt Measurement (D8 model only)
Where the tree is located on a higher ground and the base
is not visible
Take the first measurement at the foot of the elevated
ground and the second at the top of the tree
Y
Press and hold the function key to display calculated X & Y
data.
The measured tree height is calculated on the assumption
that the 1st measurement point is on the same elevation as
the second
Benefits
• Some locations are impossible to access
• Safety and no need for climbing equipment
Note: the reliability of the calculated height depends on
the elevation changes of the ground
10
X
Tree Height Measurement (Tilted Trees)
Indirect Measurement

Y
X
Double Tilt Measurement (D8 model only)
Take the base and top measurements and the calculated
tree height will automatically displayed.
Y
Press and hold the function key, the angle of the tree’s tilt
will also be displayed.
Calculated
Tree Height
Benefits
• Quick and simple solution to a tree’s true
height
11

X
Applications in Plot Verification, Sampling
12
Tree / Vegetation Density
Area Calculation
Triangle Function (D5 & D8 models )
Triangulate a few small plots and measure the 3 sides of
the triangle to determine the area.
Count the number of trees to derive the density
The average would constitute the density
Benefits
• Near impossible to plot a square or rectangle
without help of instruments
• so the triangle provides the most reliable source of
area calculation
13
Plot Verification
Area Calculation
Triangle Function (D5 & D8 models )
In situations where a plot of forest needs to be verified
against master blueprints, aerial photographs may be a
costly solution
But in a small plot a cost effective solution would be to use
the triangle function
By using the addition function with the triangle angle
function, the area of any plot shape can be systematically
calculated
1
3
2
4
Benefits
• Near impossible to plot a square or rectangle
without help of instruments
• so the triangle provides the most reliable source of
area calculation
14
5
6
Applications in Monitoring Slopes, Erosion
15
Monitoring Soil Movements

Indirect Measurement
Y
X
Double Tilt Measurement ( D8 model only )
In areas of potential erosion or landslides, monitoring the
movement of the ground is conducted on a periodical basis
The calculated data provides the user with a 3 dimensional
data base to which to better monitor the rate of erosion or
movement:
- Diagonal Distance between posts (Z)
- Slope angle ()
Y
Z

- Horizontal Spacing (X)
- Vertical Spacing (Y)
The use of Bluetooth, the measured data can be wireless transmitted onto
an Excel file to eliminate data entry errors
16
X
Monitoring Soil Movements
Changes in Height between Points
Horizontal Profiling ( D8 model only )
In monitoring erosion, several posts/markers would be set
in the area.
Using the Horizontal Profiling Function, the height
difference between each marker and the first is recorded
periodically
The use of Bluetooth, the measured data can be wireless transmitted onto
an Excel file to eliminate data entry errors
17
H
Applications in Reforestation
18
Planting / Seeding
Stakeout Function (D5 & D8 models )
In Reforestation there is a need to ensure every
seedling/tree will have sufficient space to grow.
In the case of Agriculture; the importance of optimal use
of the land.
The stakeout function ensures that equal space between
the plants / crops.
A
19
A
A
Land Preparation for Agriculture
Horizontal Profiling ( D8 model only )
Studies have shown that a level ground would require less water and minimise weed growth.
Before land leveling can begin, a simple survey of the land helps determine the average height to set
for the leveling.
With several markers on the field, the user can quickly determine the elevation profile of the plot without
the need for a staff
Benefits
• Easy compared to conventional an optical level and staff
• No eye strain from using optical level
• 1 person operation
20
Grain Storage

Verifying Storage Levels
Indirect Vetical Measurement (D8 modes )
In developed countries where grain/wheat is stored
in silos, a measure stick is sometimes used. This
poses a problem when the grain level is low and the
silo very tall.
Indirect
Vertical
In large silos, grain level markers are sometimes
used and the farmer merely has to peer inside with
a torch, giving rise to the risk of a fall into the silo.
Using the indirect measurement with the tilt sensor,
the vertical height B can be measured and the gain
Total Silo
level be quickly calculated.
Height
Grain Level = Total Silo Height – Indirect Vertical
Benefits
• Safety
• no need for different measure stick for dfferent
silos
21
Summary of Applications
Users (Models Used)
• Monitor tree growth rate, maturity and development.
Users : Agriculture and Parks Offices in USA, Europe, Asia (A8, D8)
• Ensure trees along runway do not exceed height limit
User: Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (A8 & D8)
• Plan for safety zone when chopping down a tree
User: Agriculture Office, Baden Wuttemberg, Germany (D8)
• Check for Tree / Shrub density (number / 50m2)
Users : Forestry depts.
• Checking Slopes and Landslide Prevention
Users : Land Authority / Forestry depts
22
Leica DISTOTM Distance Meter
Compared to current methods
• One Person Operation / Measurements
• Indirect Measurements Now Possible from a Distance
• No need for Climbing Equipments
• Multi-Functional Device – heights, lengths, areas, angles
• Wireless Data Transfer to Tablet PC, Laptop for data recording and
collation
Disclaimer:
The applications shown are examples and suggestions for possible solutions.
The reliability, accuracy and ability to use such applications depend on the proper setup, positioning, skill ad ability
of the operator and the conditions of the site.
23