Best Rangefinders for Surveying with Transit Level, Land Mapping and Forestry (2022)

If you are a realtor or plan to invest in a piece of land, it is necessary for you to accurately do the land survey. But how are you going to estimate the accurate distance of your target area? Well, for this purpose, a rangefinder for surveying land should be your go to product.

In just a fraction of seconds, a best rangefinder for surveying land will measure the accurate distance. Through continuous innovation, there are many exceptional technologies adopted on the rangefinder devices. It has to do with the usage of laser rangefinders in various outdoor activities.

On the other hand, if you are a land surveyor, you get to do everything. You get to deal with the property, the laws, the history of the piece of land, deal with other people, you get to work all by yourself, and not all professions can do that. So, of course, you never want to document wrong measurements and estimates. So, to save you from blunders, a digital rangefinder is all you need.

However, finding the best rangefinder for surveying land is a hassle. From all the options in the market, narrowing down the one for you can be overwhelming. To save you from the trouble, we have got your back. 

Best Rangefinders for Surveying Land and Laser Measurers for Mapping and Forestry

Below, we have listed the best rangefinders for surveying land. And also, best beginner rangefinders for mapping and best rangefinders for forestry. Throughout, we have also discussed the pros and cons of each product, and, most importantly- its features and specifications. 

• Nikon Forestry Pro II Rangefinder – Best for Forestry
• TruPulse 200 Laser Rangefinder – Best for Measuring in Feet
• Bosch Blaze GLM 50 C – Best Indoor Precision Laser Measuring Tool
• Leica 838725 DISTO D2 – Best for Indoor Construction Surveying
• Bosch GML20 Blaze 65 Ft – Best for Measuring Distance with Laser Inside Building
• Spectra Precision LL500 – Self Leveling Laser Land Survey Rangefinder
• DEWALT Builder Level Tool – Best for Land Survey & Easy Set Up
• BOSCH 26X Automatic Optical Level – Lightest Land Survey Rangefinder
• Leica Geosystems 840381 NA320 – Land Survey Rangefinder in Lower Price

But that’s not all. To make it was easy as possible we’ve also included a buying guide as well.

1. Nikon Forestry Pro II Rangefinder – Best for Forestry

If you have been in search of the best rangefinder for surveying land, it is no wonder you must have heard of the popular Nikon Forestry Pro II. 

As far as design and sturdiness go, It is coated with fillings inside to prevent any damage. The Nikon Forestry Pro laser rangefinder is capable of measuring the height between two points which normal rangefinders can’t. 

The device is simple and small, but it has a high quality body that makes it long lasting. To ensure protection, the product is well packed in a box. It gives the highest accurate calculations of trees, power lines, and everything at a distance.

What sets the Nikon Forestry Pro II apart from its opponents is the features and the price. The lens has a multilayer coating, and it uses a target priority switch system to display the results. The measurement range is 25 to 5250 feet. 

Nikon Forestry Pro II is water resistant and uses a single battery. Moreover, one compelling trait is that it has two display screens. On the left side of the rangefinder, the screen displays the measurements. On the other hand, the LCD in the digital rangefinders’ eyepiece is used to set up the mode of function.

The Nikon forestry pro II laser rangefinder is designed for forestry but is also used in business and other commercial applications. The Nikon Forestry Pro II is quite affordable for all that it offers. Similarly, You can have a prefect unit to target deer in one shot with best rangefinder for deer hunting.

Pros

• You can even move around while still focusing for up to 8 seconds. 
• It has anti-reflection multi-coated optics which enhances color rendition and contrast.
• It has a backlit for easy visibility in darkness.
• The log 18mm eye relief gives comfort in viewing and reduces eye strain.

Cons

• It is difficult to hold steady to get the readings on smaller objects.
• Not 100% waterproof.

2. Laser Technology Trupulse 200 Rangefinder – Best for Measuring in feet

The Trupulse 200 digital is survey laser rangefinder measures slope, inclination and horizontal and vertical distance with high accuracy so you can get maximum precision in your calculations. 

Take a moment and appreciate the revamped design which is far better than its previous models. It is compact and has features that enhance target acquisition and higher range resolution. Additionally, thanks to its Bluetooth connectivity, it now pairs perfectly with multi wave smart aligners. It is a digital rangefinder that measures in feet, inches, and cm. 

Did you know the Trupulse 200 rangefinder does far more than you would expect? Yes, it encompasses slope inclination and measures slope distance in degrees or percentages, just like you would like it to be. If you need something that provides distance and abgles in low light conditions, check out best low light hunting rangefinder with better night vision.

Out of all the products, this rangefinder is one of the most expensive ones. For all that it offers, the price seems to be fair enough. However, we will recommend you to get this laser rangefinder only if you are a professional land surveyor.

Pros

• It has 5 different target modes, including single shot, closest, filter, farthest, and continuous.
• The maximum range is 2000 meters for reflective targets and 1000 meters for non reflective targets.
• It is Bluetooth compatible with Android and Windows devices

Cons

• Not 100% waterproof and weather-resistant
• It is an expensive product for some users.

https://youtu.be/jErpb5Wjdrs

3. BOSCH 165 ft Laser Distance Measurer – Best Indoor Precision Laser Measuring Tool

The BOSCH Blaze GLM502 use bluetooth wireless technology, it displays functions on the monitor screen. The animations are useful, and by using them, you can work on their settings. Moreover, it features landscape as well as portrait mode. Thanks to the inclinometer within, the BOSCH blaze GML502 has a flip display screen. 

And what’s so cool about a rangefinder with an inclinometer? Well, firstly, it gives continuous measurements. It means whether it is double indirect, indirect height, indirect distance, or double indirect measurements, the BOSCH blaze GML502 has got it all in control. 

As far as price is concerned, it is pretty low for what all it offers. Additionally, the previous model, BOSCH Blaze GLM 100X is somewhat similar to this but except for a low price. 

The BOSCH Blaze GLM 50 C is mainly used in surveying, land mapping, control work, and taking live measurements, levelling, storing, analyzing and transferring data to other digital devices. 

Pros

• What’s better than easily transferring all your records and data? Yes, the bosch blaze precision laser measuring tool offers flexible data transfers through Bluetooth or by USB cable. So all you need to do is take linear and angular measurements and transfer the data easily. 
• It supports Android and IOS applications. 
• The compact nature and flip screen are something we look forward to. 

Cons

• One of the drawbacks is it doesn’t have a missing pin for measurements from corners. 
• It also doesn’t support missing time stamps on data stored in memory. 
• Small nylon case. 

4. Leica DISTO D2 330 ft Laser Distance Measurer – Best for Indoor Construction Survey

Out of all the products we have reviewed, it would be fair to say, the casing of the Leica DISTO D2 precision laser measuring tool is the best one so far. The storage pouch is highly functional yet simple. It comes with a velcro strap at the back of it, so you can quickly hang it around on your jeans. 

But that’s not it! Let us uncover another fascinating feature. That is the flip-out end piece. Mind you- the Leica Disto D2 is the only distance measure device that composes it. The flip-out end piece is extremely handy when you want to measure an outside corner. Because of this, it gives 100% accurate results. 

Additionally, the device incorporates 7 different functions, including distance measuring, memory, beep sounds, Bluetooth, illuminated display, and much more. The device is extremely easy to use. All you need to do is switch it on, locate the red spot, push the button again, and there you go. You have your results!

Even Though the price is a bit high, trust us when we say this. It’s worth it. It has a range of 0.16 to 330 feet. Another engaging function is the painter function. It has the additional and subtraction capability to combine measurements and get the total area of a room. 

Moreover, the Pythagoras function is used for measuring indirect height or width. Also, we recommend using the Pythagoras function to get rough measurements. It’s always better to tilt the sensor a bit for your best bet. This precision laser measuring tool is best for measuring room circumference, ceilings, and for commercial activities.

Pros

• Simple and precise targeting.
• Unlimited measuring functions.
• X range Power technology- 0.5 to 100 m.
• It gives audible feedback when measurements are completed. 

Cons

• The sketch app is not user-friendly.
• The application does not integrate with the device to transfer data easily.
• The buttons are hard to press.

5. Bosch GLM20 Blaze 65 Ft Laser Distance Meausure – Best for Measuring Distance with Laser inside Building

If you have been looking for infrared digital laser rangefinders or precision laser measuring tools, you must have come across the products of Bosch. Well, it’s no surprise, the popular company has been famous for producing remarkable optic devices.

With a wide variety of precision laser measuring tools and survey rangefinder, another precision laser measuring tool that has been the talk of the town is the Bosch GLM20 Blaze. Encompassing a simple delicate design, the optic device calculates square footage automatically, so you don’t have to worry about the accuracy of the results as it is a digital rangefinder that measures in feet, inches, and cm. 

It can measure up to ⅛ inch and has various measurement tools. It comes with a one-button operation and uses 2 AAA double power batteries. In a nutshell, compact size, speed, and simplicity, all these concepts are behind the development of bosch GLM20 blaze measure. 

Of course, with the new branding and new model number, you surely can expect some upgrades and there are several. One of the most significant features this model has is the backlit screen. It ranges up to 50 feet to 65. We loved how it still features a one button operation and how the price has still the same. 

Is it time to say goodbye to those measuring tapes? Well, not yet. For standard measurement like measuring the room walls or calculating the ceiling height, nope. The bosch GLM20 is certainly not made for that. 

However, the cheap survey rangefinder is excellent for land mapping, and land surveying. So if you are a beginner, out of all the products we have listed so far, we highly recommend you to invest in this one as it has all the necessary features and it wouldn’t cost you a fortune. 

All in all, the Bosch Blaze GLM 20 laser measure excels the smart design and real-time measurement. The device features ease and accuracy for a good value of money. One thing most buyers are amazed at is the fact that the surveying rangefinder offers a plethora of features and can be a real bargain. Yes, the bosch blaze GLM 20 is pretty cheap for all that it offers. So without a second thought, this is a must-buy. 

Pros

• Easy to use
• It is readable in the darkness
• Fits in your pocket

Cons

• The backlight doesn’t stay on for a longer time. 

Looking to buy rangefinders for hunting or golf? Check out our budget field tested units costing less than 150$ at best rangefinder under 150.

6. Spectra Precision LL500 – Self Leveling Laser Land Survey Rangefinder

Getting the right levelling tool when you are a realtor and leading a big venture is important. Precise measurements really matter and for that, we tested an impressive tool, survey rangefinder Spectra Precision LL500. It stands out because of its durability in rough terrain and ease of use.

In Spectra precision LL500, there are several features that can’t be ignored. It has a range of 1650 ft and also a high accuracy of 1/16 in every 100 feet. This means it will give you an accuracy of as much as 1.5 mm. Not only that, there is temperature compensation to check repeatedly. Moreover, the weight of this package is 17.16 pounds with dimensions of 16.2 x 10.5 x 20 inches. With this size and area, it is easy to carry around.

The HL700 receiver makes it fairly easy to use because either it can be used in a handheld position or it can be placed anywhere with the help of a rod. This one person rangefinder works best for measurements of longer ranges because 1650 ft is not an ignorable working diameter.

However, sometimes the rod mounted receiver might irk you but apart from that, if you are working for the construction of foundations and excavation and any other stuff like that, this design and laser are the most durable for you.

We have heard about this product from quite many realtors and it has been in our use for many years. We have not for once felt any sort of issues with its laser, its accuracy, or the whole tripod.

Pros:

• Comes with a warranty of 90 days and a whole year of service.
• Works best for longer ranges.
• Extremely durable for long hour surveys.
• High accuracy. 

Cons:

• Often, digital receiver might bother when in rod mounted position.
• A bit heavy and might cause trouble while moving it from place to place.

7. DEWALT Builder Level Tool – Best For Land Survey & Easy Set Up

From setting up a rangefinder to finding the levels, it is all so easy with DEWALT Builder Levelling Tool. When we talk of it, the instant thought is the decent features that it comes with. It has a magnification of 20x and an accuracy of 1/4 in every 100 feet. Also, the range that it covers is 200 feet, which is not so bad. It weighs only 5.84 pounds with dimensions of 15.5 x 9.63 x 41 inches.

Another nice thing to note is its precision in horizontal angles because it has a 360 degree circle with a vernier scale. So needless to say, it does a great job throughout. Us and a bunch of realtors were quite happy with it, one because it was so easy to set up. Second, it works wonders even in bumpy or muddy areas. So constructing a swimming pool with accuracy or even big buildings, is all so easy if you are using DEWALT.  

There are just a few drawbacks that can be a trouble for some surveyors and one thing that bothered us too was its flimsy plastic on and off switch. If you want that switch to last, you might want to use it with care. Also, the height of the tripod is concerning.

Apart from these drawbacks, this levelling tool works best and can be a part of your surveying equipment. Since it is lightweight and comes with a great case, carrying it would not bother you at all.

Pros:

• Has a warranty of satisfaction for 90 days and a year of free service.
• Quite easy to set up.
• Easy to level.
• Comes in a nice case that makes it fairly portable.
• Great help for leveling even in any kind of land.

Cons: 

• Sometimes, It is hard to see through it.
• The tripod may be too short in height for some people.

8. BOSCH 26X Automatic Optical Level – Lightest Land Survey Rangefinder

All the folks out there working on their yards and doing construction need a Bosch Optical Level. Bosch is yet another nice survey rangefinder mainly because it has a 26x magnification. Moreover, the 330 feet range is great and accuracy of 1/16 in every 100 feet is a significant upgrade compared to other units in the market at this price.

The feature that stands out in Bosch Optical Level is a 3.7 pounds weight. Having so many other qualities and yet being the lightest is a remarkable trait in itself. The dimensions that it comes in are ‎10.75 x 10.75 x 20 inches and its body is made up of both plastic and metal. 

Another feature that makes it stand out is its versatility, it comes with vertical and horizontal crosshairs. Not only that, there are stadia lines for measurement of level and to estimate the distance as well. We personally were very happy with its fast setup. For our projects, Bosch’s Optical Level’s contribution was remarkable. 

The setting up process is the easiest yet sometimes focal lines are a little hard to see. Also, getting the perfect level in every direction can be a little troublesome. However, the accuracy works best even on uneven soil and it is overall a great unit.

Pros:

• Gives a great magnification.
• Lightweight and easy to carry. 
• Accuracy is spot on.
• Fast and easy setup.

Cons:

• Has only one bubble that might make it hard to level.

9. Leica Geosystems 840381 NA320 – Land Survey Rangefinder in Lower Price

Just like DEWALT, Leica Geosystem Optical Level gives a 20x magnification, it is known for durability and it greatly helps with surveys. In addition to that, it is water and dust tight which means it will survive even when submerged in water. It comes with 10 x 6 x 6 inches of dimensions and it weighs only 4.4 pounds which is quite light considering other survey rangefinders. 

This Leica’s leveling system comes with a plastic body and like other rangefinders, it has a metric measurement system. Although it doesn’t come with any sort of warranty yet it works just fine. Another interesting thing is that it works perfectly with rudimentary angles and setting it up is very simple. 

It is an essential part of surveys because all it does is wonders. It comes in a plastic body of a yellow color that gives nice survey vibes. Moreover, in topographic surveys, we had Leica with us, and it was a big help. 

For precise results and a lightweight survey rangefinder; that too at an affordable price, Leica Optical Level is a decent option.

Pros:

• Easy to set up.
• Gives precise and accurate results. 
• Levelling is made easy.
• Doesn’t cost so much.
• Lightweight and easy to carry.

Cons:

• Comes with no warranty.

Buying Guide – Best Laser Rangefinder For Surveying Land, Mapping and Forestry

Finding the best laser rangefinder among all the products we have in the market seems like a daunting task. Looking around for a product, then searching its features and specifications, reading its user reviews, its prices, and then checking where and how you can buy the product within your area. Yes, this is how much hard work it requires to find the best rangefinder for land mapping and surveying.

However, to save you from the hassle, apart from reviewing the best digital rangefinders and precision laser measuring tools we found in the market, we have sorted out a checklist of specifications that you need to consider before investing in a digital rangefinder for land mapping. 

Without any further ado, let’s take a look at all the features you need to keep in mind before investing in the best rangefinder for land mapping.

1. Magnification Power

First things first, the foremost element before choosing a rangefinder is to always look for its magnification power. The higher the magnification power, the easier it is to view the target area, and hence, your measurements will be correct.

2. Brand and User Reviews

Instead of tossing darts at a wall, always look for user reviews. Go through what people have to say about the product and how it serves them. Moreover, as they say, brand fame is everything. Never invest in a digital rangefinder or in a surveyor laser that’s not well recognized. A well-known brand always ensures top-quality products. 

3. Durability

During land mapping and forestry, one important aspect to look out for is the durability of the rangefinder. Because let’s be clear. During the process, you are likely to drop it on the floor or in the worst-case scenario in water. Look for digital rangefinders that are weather-resistant and waterproof. 

4. Accuracy and Range

When using a traditional measuring tape, miscalculations in results are common. And so, while purchasing the best laser measuring device, always look for the accuracy level the device guarantees. Always look for devices that guarantee the accuracy of at least 1/16 inches. Or for better results, you can even look for products with a measuring accuracy of 1/32 but not below that. With all the products in the store, it depends on how far you want to look for things. Assume some products measure up to 50 feet while others can measure 320 feet. So it is all on you. 

5. Functionality

Before purchasing, go through the product’s functions. Does it have Pythagoras theorem functionality, or does it measure the volume, distance, and area? Have a fair knowledge of the functions before jumping into the bandwagon. Moreover, it’s always better to invest in devices that have Bluetooth functionality. It makes work so much more manageable by transferring data wirelessly. 

Conclusion

In a nutshell, activities like forestry, land surveying, and land mapping have no room for errors. And so, to avoid any mishaps, it is always better to invest in a digital laser rangefinder and precision laser measuring tool. 

Our field testing concluded that the Nikon Forestry Pro II has topped the list followed by the trupulse 200 laser rangefinder which measures in feet which no other rangefinder does.

Now that you know about the best rangefinders for surveying land, the best beginner rangefinders for mapping, and the best digital rangefinders for forestry, without a second thought, it is the moment you make a purchase that you necessitate. 

You can also read forest department’s guidelines for buying a rangefinder.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)