Tree Height Measurement

All our laser rangefinders have a filter mode that forces the distance sensor to only recognize highly reflective material. Use this function when obstructing foliage is extremly dense. Farthest mode found in the TruPulse or a gating feature found in the Impulse can also be used to shoot through brush, if the impeding foliage is not as dense.

No matter what the model, you can depend on any LTI laser to perform without worrying about your surroundings, such as climate or pressure changes, high-wind conditions, or just being alongside loud rushing water. Only our reflectorless laser technology has been enabling timber cruisers to work more efficiently in the field.

Accurate Tree Heights = Reliable Timber Inventory

The most significant attribute for determining accurate tree volume is tree height. The percent error in volume is equal to or greater than the percent error in estimating tree heights. Most tree volumes are established by equation expansion based on tree DBH, total height (or height to a specific diameter- merchantable height) and a measure of form or taper.

Proper Methods for Measuring Tree Heights

Best Practice: Select a location where you have a clear view of the top and the base of a tree. Acquiring a measurement to the terminal leader provides the horizontal distance to the center axis of the tree, which is critical in the case of more common leaning trees. Aiming the laser at the base of the tree and then to the top of the tree computes two vertical angles. The LTI laser calculates the combination of these measurements and displays the tree height.

Limited Obstructions: Our exclusive "gating feature" and/or "Farthest mode" can be used for cases where you do not have a clear view of the tree top. Obtaining a distance measurement to intervening foliage or branches will provide you with a known range that the laser needs to shoot past. Simply by setting a minimum range gate on the Impulse, it will ignore any obstructions within that distance and acquire the desired target. You can also set the TruPulse into Farthest mode to accomplish the same task.  You can now follow the standard height measurement routine to obtain an accurate height value.

Obstructed View: There may be conditions where the foliage is far too dense to even use the "gating feature" or "Farthest mode." In this instance, turning on the electronic "Filter mode" in either the Impulse or TruPulse, will enable the laser to accurately measure a distance to only reflective material. Place a reflector at a location on or near the tree that is directly under the top. You can now scan through the dense brush until the laser captures a measurement from the reflective target. After the horizontal distance is acquired, the angles can be measured and a tree height can be calculated.