Laser Levels on construction sites

What is the Camera-Like Device Used on a Construction Site?

We’ve all seen it at one time or another: a tall, skinny instrument that towers above a construction site, seemingly a king looking out over its domain. Contrary to what it might look like, this device isn’t being used to keep an eye on potential trespassers or shoot scenes for Hollywood’s next blockbuster film. It’s actually a device called a laser level, and it’s used by surveyors and architects to take digital measurements that aid the construction process. Let’s take a look at what laser levels do and how they make life easier for all of us!

What is a Laser Level?

A laser level is an electronic device that emits a laser beam and can be placed atop a tripod to take measurements of a plot of land. The data from a laser level’s reading is used to determine the height and depth of large or small stretches of terrain. This information is an essential piece of the construction process, assisting in irrigation, the growing of crops, and filling trenches with sand.

What Do I Need to Know About Laser Level Technology?

Laser levels have been around since the early 1970s, and the first one was patented in the late 1980s. But it goes without saying that the surveying equipment on the market has improved by leaps and bounds since then! Rotary laser levels are a more advanced form of the technology, illuminating a 360-degree vertical or horizontal plane instead of just a single line. Engineer Supply offers a wide variety of automatic levels at the forefront of the industry’s technological capabilities.

How Do I Know Which Laser Level is Right for Me?

Engineer Supply offers a wide variety of laser levels from leading brands such as Leica, Bosch, and GeoMax. While these levels are alike in their high-quality manufacturing and ability to take accurate terrain readings conveniently, each user will find that they have their own preferences for the ideal piece of equipment. The experts at Engineer Supply are happy to work with you in finding the laser level that’s perfect for your project!

Using Laser Levels on Construction Sites

Construction crews use many tools during their project, but one of the most important is the tall, camera-like device that can often overlook the construction site. Levels have been used for hundreds of years to ensure accuracy during a building project, but laser levels have brought new capabilities to the worksite. These instruments allow contractors to establish horizontal and vertical planes, square reference points and define plum lines.

Models of Laser Levels Used

There are several types of levels used on a job site, and each one has features or abilities that make it ideal for certain projects. Lasers are categorized according to Class 1 or 2, although there are some allowances for Class 3R levels, and this relates to the safety of operating or observing the laser beam.

Dot Lasers

These are lasers that will project two, three or five beams of light. These are good for projects where a point is needed from the floor to the ceiling, a 90-degree reference or a level reference point.

Line Levels

This level uses a single beam of light to project 180-degree either vertically or horizontally. When a vertical plan is needed, these levels are ideal for a construction site.

Rotary Levels

These levels expand the options to 360-degree rotations with a single beam of light. These are useful for both vertical and horizontal plane measurements, and since they are technology-advanced, they are self-leveling.

Projects for Levels

Construction sites have a variety of projects, some that require measurements across a large area while interior measurements may not need to span a huge distance. A builders level helps take digital measurements to keep track of the accuracy of a project and aid in construction. These are highly efficient and can survey large areas of property or plots of land. It can be difficult to see a beam at a certain distance or during bright light conditions, so there are models of rotary levels that don’t bend the beam but rather rotate a diode above the center point for clarity at long distances. Potential uses on a construction site include:

• Site layouts
• Basic land survey
• Establish grade or check elevations
• Align masonry
• Create drainage plans

To achieve accuracy, it’s important to remember that lasers are application specific. Opting for a higher quality laser increases accuracy and ease of use, making it easier to cater the laser to your project.

Types of Laser Levels

While all levels will measure endpoints or lines, there are different features that make your construction project easier. These are broken down into types:

• Manuel-leveling laser
• Automatic or self-leveling laser
• Horizontal beam
• Split-beam laser
• Fixed or variable rotation speed
• Laser receiver/detector

These features can determine how much effort the operator needs to put into aligning the level or detecting the beam. Horizontal and vertical reference points are only produced at the same time with a dual-beam laser.

For an industry-leading selection of levels, check out the selection at Engineer Supply. Whether you need a survey level or require something smaller, we have models from highly rated manufacturers. Order yours today.

Frequently Asked Questions