As-Built Measurements

[Anonymous]

How are you handling as-built measurements? I noticed Hilti came up with a
sub $200 laser measuring device, accurate to within 1/16" or so. Some
similar models, going up in price by a few hundred dollars, include
Bluetooth connectivity. Anybody using those? If so, what kind of software
are you using?

Likewise, I've noticed that GPS based systems keep getting better and
cheaper. Some units can achieve much higher resolutions, in the centimeters
/ sub-meter range, using both GPS and a radio/signal emitter unit. What are
the prices for these and what has your experience been like with them?

I often need to produce as-builts for property management and remodel
purposes. The accuracy I like to track is about 1/4", and I don't like
errors to be greater than 1" in about 100'. However, for a new type of
project I have been working on, called Cost Segregation, it appears as if
the accuracy can drop to within 1 foot in 100 foot, hence GPS based systems
begin to make more sense. I am planning to measure the building perimeters
pretty tightly, using laser devices, and the interior stuff possibly using a
GPS. What is your take, and words of wisdom, on field measurements using GPS
and laser devices?

I have found laptops to be too heavy and their battery lives too short for
comfort, unless I can setup shop in the field. Any luck with PDA's or other
hand held devices?

Regards from Los Angeles,

Emmanuel

[Anonymous]

I'm currently using a Leica Disto to measure (small interior renovations
in my case) and used to have a Compaq iPaq that it fed information to
(using PocketCAD).
But, once my pda died, I never bothered replacing it because the small
screen had been such a pain, and went back to paper markups until I can
talk the bean counters into ponying up for a tablet pc.

Melanie Perry
***not all who wander are lost***
http://mistressofthedorkness.blogspot.com

Emmanuel Garcia wrote:
> How are you handling as-built measurements? I noticed Hilti came up with a
> sub $200 laser measuring device, accurate to within 1/16" or so. Some
> similar models, going up in price by a few hundred dollars, include
> Bluetooth connectivity. Anybody using those? If so, what kind of software
> are you using?
>
> Likewise, I've noticed that GPS based systems keep getting better and
> cheaper. Some units can achieve much higher resolutions, in the centimeters
> / sub-meter range, using both GPS and a radio/signal emitter unit. What are
> the prices for these and what has your experience been like with them?
>
> I often need to produce as-builts for property management and remodel
> purposes. The accuracy I like to track is about 1/4", and I don't like
> errors to be greater than 1" in about 100'. However, for a new type of
> project I have been working on, called Cost Segregation, it appears as if
> the accuracy can drop to within 1 foot in 100 foot, hence GPS based systems
> begin to make more sense. I am planning to measure the building perimeters
> pretty tightly, using laser devices, and the interior stuff possibly using a
> GPS. What is your take, and words of wisdom, on field measurements using GPS
> and laser devices?
>
> I have found laptops to be too heavy and their battery lives too short for
> comfort, unless I can setup shop in the field. Any luck with PDA's or other
> hand held devices?
>
> Regards from Los Angeles,
>
> Emmanuel

[dgorsman]

I wouldn't get to attached to using GPS for accurate measurements. In the event of a major international incident, the signal coding system will be switched on and any commercial receivers will be degraded to very coarse measurements to prevent innappropriate use.

[Anonymous]

Windows Mobile, Windows CE, and Windows Embedded are the marketing terms you
can use to search the web for the latest devices that support the optimal
device OS the OEMs are using for their devices to run what are often
proprietary software applications. The device markets are growing
exponentially resulting in many new or improved devices that can be used for
as-built documentation. Wireless power however continues to be a limiting
factor.

On these newer devices the size of the display can be a determining factor.
You'll observe the user interface is being transitioned to touch-screen
interfaces.

Carrying multiple batteries for the smaller form factors is a lot easier
than those for laptop form factors. And don't forget to carry power cords
anyway. I was in a situation just last night that a spare power cord came to
the rescue.

As an aside, do you think it would be reasonable to use a vehicle as a power
generating source when on a site that has been abandoned or has no power?
There's a lot of wasted energy or potential energy going unused that sits
parked. I remember jobs I was on during the winter that I left the truck
running just so I could jump in every so often to warm up.

--
<%= Clinton Gallagher
NET csgallagher AT metromilwaukee.com
URL http://clintongallagher.metromilwaukee.com/






"Emmanuel Garcia" wrote in message
news:5804774@discussion.autodesk.com...
How are you handling as-built measurements? I noticed Hilti came up with a
sub $200 laser measuring device, accurate to within 1/16" or so. Some
similar models, going up in price by a few hundred dollars, include
Bluetooth connectivity. Anybody using those? If so, what kind of software
are you using?

Likewise, I've noticed that GPS based systems keep getting better and
cheaper. Some units can achieve much higher resolutions, in the centimeters
/ sub-meter range, using both GPS and a radio/signal emitter unit. What are
the prices for these and what has your experience been like with them?

I often need to produce as-builts for property management and remodel
purposes. The accuracy I like to track is about 1/4", and I don't like
errors to be greater than 1" in about 100'. However, for a new type of
project I have been working on, called Cost Segregation, it appears as if
the accuracy can drop to within 1 foot in 100 foot, hence GPS based systems
begin to make more sense. I am planning to measure the building perimeters
pretty tightly, using laser devices, and the interior stuff possibly using a
GPS. What is your take, and words of wisdom, on field measurements using GPS
and laser devices?

I have found laptops to be too heavy and their battery lives too short for
comfort, unless I can setup shop in the field. Any luck with PDA's or other
hand held devices?

Regards from Los Angeles,

Emmanuel

[Anonymous]

We use the Leica Disto and it does a great job. The only problem with it is
you can not measure anything that does not have a surface(out side of a
building). If you are trying to go from corner to corner with nothing for
the laser to bounce off of you will need someone to hold something at the
other end. I believe to max distance is 225 feet it can measure.

"clintonG" wrote in message
news:5804931@discussion.autodesk.com...
Windows Mobile, Windows CE, and Windows Embedded are the marketing terms you
can use to search the web for the latest devices that support the optimal
device OS the OEMs are using for their devices to run what are often
proprietary software applications. The device markets are growing
exponentially resulting in many new or improved devices that can be used for
as-built documentation. Wireless power however continues to be a limiting
factor.

On these newer devices the size of the display can be a determining factor.
You'll observe the user interface is being transitioned to touch-screen
interfaces.

Carrying multiple batteries for the smaller form factors is a lot easier
than those for laptop form factors. And don't forget to carry power cords
anyway. I was in a situation just last night that a spare power cord came to
the rescue.

As an aside, do you think it would be reasonable to use a vehicle as a power
generating source when on a site that has been abandoned or has no power?
There's a lot of wasted energy or potential energy going unused that sits
parked. I remember jobs I was on during the winter that I left the truck
running just so I could jump in every so often to warm up.

--
<%= Clinton Gallagher
NET csgallagher AT metromilwaukee.com
URL http://clintongallagher.metromilwaukee.com/






"Emmanuel Garcia" wrote in message
news:5804774@discussion.autodesk.com...
How are you handling as-built measurements? I noticed Hilti came up with a
sub $200 laser measuring device, accurate to within 1/16" or so. Some
similar models, going up in price by a few hundred dollars, include
Bluetooth connectivity. Anybody using those? If so, what kind of software
are you using?

Likewise, I've noticed that GPS based systems keep getting better and
cheaper. Some units can achieve much higher resolutions, in the centimeters
/ sub-meter range, using both GPS and a radio/signal emitter unit. What are
the prices for these and what has your experience been like with them?

I often need to produce as-builts for property management and remodel
purposes. The accuracy I like to track is about 1/4", and I don't like
errors to be greater than 1" in about 100'. However, for a new type of
project I have been working on, called Cost Segregation, it appears as if
the accuracy can drop to within 1 foot in 100 foot, hence GPS based systems
begin to make more sense. I am planning to measure the building perimeters
pretty tightly, using laser devices, and the interior stuff possibly using a
GPS. What is your take, and words of wisdom, on field measurements using GPS
and laser devices?

I have found laptops to be too heavy and their battery lives too short for
comfort, unless I can setup shop in the field. Any luck with PDA's or other
hand held devices?

Regards from Los Angeles,

Emmanuel Message was edited by: Discussion Admin

[Anonymous]

We use a Hilti we bought a few years ago. That and a good old Stanley 30
footer. Marked up on paper


"Emmanuel Garcia" wrote in message
news:5804774@discussion.autodesk.com...
How are you handling as-built measurements? I noticed Hilti came up with a
sub $200 laser measuring device, accurate to within 1/16" or so. Some
similar models, going up in price by a few hundred dollars, include
Bluetooth connectivity. Anybody using those? If so, what kind of software
are you using?

Likewise, I've noticed that GPS based systems keep getting better and
cheaper. Some units can achieve much higher resolutions, in the centimeters
/ sub-meter range, using both GPS and a radio/signal emitter unit. What are
the prices for these and what has your experience been like with them?

I often need to produce as-builts for property management and remodel
purposes. The accuracy I like to track is about 1/4", and I don't like
errors to be greater than 1" in about 100'. However, for a new type of
project I have been working on, called Cost Segregation, it appears as if
the accuracy can drop to within 1 foot in 100 foot, hence GPS based systems
begin to make more sense. I am planning to measure the building perimeters
pretty tightly, using laser devices, and the interior stuff possibly using a
GPS. What is your take, and words of wisdom, on field measurements using GPS
and laser devices?

I have found laptops to be too heavy and their battery lives too short for
comfort, unless I can setup shop in the field. Any luck with PDA's or other
hand held devices?

Regards from Los Angeles,

Emmanuel

[Anonymous]

inside I use post-it notes stuck to corners, etc... but, I could see
where that wouldn't work as well outside (size of target to attempt to
'hit', stickability of the surface, etc)... once when the post-it note
wouldn't stick on the shag-carpeted or whatever walls, I just used my
purse. ~shrug~

Bobby wrote:
> We use the Leica Disto and it does a great job. The only problem with it is
> you can not measure anything that does not have a surface(out side of a
> building). If you are trying to go from corner to corner with nothing for
> the laser to bounce off of you will need someone to hold something at the
> other end. I believe to max distance is 225 feet it can measure. Message was edited by: Discussion Admin

[dgorsman]

Noted for future reference (the post-it, not the purse... still, never know who is going out to the field these days).

[Anonymous]

It's all about using the tools you've got...
http://windsormedia.blogs.com/lipsticking/images/women_screwdrivers.jpg

I carry my 'gear' in my bag on site visits... the disto, a pack of
brightly colored post-it's, extra pencils (er, at least extra erasers),
and tape measure for when I can't use the disto.

But, I'm sure one of those 'man-bags' from AU or the like would work as
well as my purse...
http://bp3.blogger.com/_EMUvhLkBORE/R0sVYdLNukI/AAAAAAAAAGE/_os-Omrz5HA/s1600-h/2007-11-26_1377BagBadges.jpg

Melanie Perry
***not all who wander are lost***
http://mistressofthedorkness.blogspot.com

dgorsman wrote:
> Noted for future reference (the post-it, not the purse... still, never know who is going out to the field these days).

[Anonymous]

Hi Melanie,

How was it using PocketCAD? Does the Leica Disto have Bluetooth
connectivity? Say hi to Mike. It was nice to finally meet you in person at
AU.

--
Regards from Los Angeles,

Emmanuel
"Wanderer" wrote in message
news:5804748@discussion.autodesk.com...
I'm currently using a Leica Disto to measure (small interior renovations
in my case) and used to have a Compaq iPaq that it fed information to
(using PocketCAD).
But, once my pda died, I never bothered replacing it because the small
screen had been such a pain, and went back to paper markups until I can
talk the bean counters into ponying up for a tablet pc.

Melanie Perry
***not all who wander are lost***
http://mistressofthedorkness.blogspot.com

Emmanuel Garcia wrote:
> How are you handling as-built measurements? I noticed Hilti came up with a
> sub $200 laser measuring device, accurate to within 1/16" or so. Some
> similar models, going up in price by a few hundred dollars, include
> Bluetooth connectivity. Anybody using those? If so, what kind of software
> are you using?
>
> Likewise, I've noticed that GPS based systems keep getting better and
> cheaper. Some units can achieve much higher resolutions, in the
> centimeters
> / sub-meter range, using both GPS and a radio/signal emitter unit. What
> are
> the prices for these and what has your experience been like with them?
>
> I often need to produce as-builts for property management and remodel
> purposes. The accuracy I like to track is about 1/4", and I don't like
> errors to be greater than 1" in about 100'. However, for a new type of
> project I have been working on, called Cost Segregation, it appears as if
> the accuracy can drop to within 1 foot in 100 foot, hence GPS based
> systems
> begin to make more sense. I am planning to measure the building perimeters
> pretty tightly, using laser devices, and the interior stuff possibly using
> a
> GPS. What is your take, and words of wisdom, on field measurements using
> GPS
> and laser devices?
>
> I have found laptops to be too heavy and their battery lives too short for
> comfort, unless I can setup shop in the field. Any luck with PDA's or
> other
> hand held devices?
>
> Regards from Los Angeles,
>
> Emmanuel

[Anonymous]

It appears the quality keeps increasing and the prices decreasing... it will
only be a matter of time and money.

--
Regards from Los Angeles,

Emmanuel
"dgorsman" wrote in message news:5804861@discussion.autodesk.com...
I wouldn't get to attached to using GPS for accurate measurements. In the
event of a major international incident, the signal coding system will be
switched on and any commercial receivers will be degraded to very coarse
measurements to prevent innappropriate use.

[Anonymous]

Hi Clinton,

My Tungsten E2 PDA has excellent battery life. Unfortunately, the Palm OS
isn't as widely supported and I cracked the screen, by foolishly sticking a
blot and my PDA in my jeans front left pocket. Ouch. Now the cost to replace
it or repair are so similar, I've been waiting to upgrade my cell phone to
something that runs a Pocket Windows version.

Actually, it would be great if somebody created an iphone interface program,
although typing in the iphone is a kind of pain, and you can't use a stylus.
One has to use one's fat finger, even the little finger feels fat, that's
how close the on screen keys are.

Using vehicle power is something I've done. In fact, I remember years ago
working on a project near downtown LA around 1986. It rained for what felt
like two weeks straight, while the time was ticking for a rush project. I
ended up using plastic lead on mylar for the field notes. It works
beautifully, since no ink or lead will run. You can even write underwater.
God, it was cold that Winter, by LA standards, in the low 40's. 😉

--
Regards from Los Angeles,

Emmanuel
"clintonG" wrote in message
news:5804931@discussion.autodesk.com...
Windows Mobile, Windows CE, and Windows Embedded are the marketing terms you
can use to search the web for the latest devices that support the optimal
device OS the OEMs are using for their devices to run what are often
proprietary software applications. The device markets are growing
exponentially resulting in many new or improved devices that can be used for
as-built documentation. Wireless power however continues to be a limiting
factor.

On these newer devices the size of the display can be a determining factor.
You'll observe the user interface is being transitioned to touch-screen
interfaces.

Carrying multiple batteries for the smaller form factors is a lot easier
than those for laptop form factors. And don't forget to carry power cords
anyway. I was in a situation just last night that a spare power cord came to
the rescue.

As an aside, do you think it would be reasonable to use a vehicle as a power
generating source when on a site that has been abandoned or has no power?
There's a lot of wasted energy or potential energy going unused that sits
parked. I remember jobs I was on during the winter that I left the truck
running just so I could jump in every so often to warm up.

--
<%= Clinton Gallagher
NET csgallagher AT metromilwaukee.com
URL http://clintongallagher.metromilwaukee.com/






"Emmanuel Garcia" wrote in message
news:5804774@discussion.autodesk.com...
How are you handling as-built measurements? I noticed Hilti came up with a
sub $200 laser measuring device, accurate to within 1/16" or so. Some
similar models, going up in price by a few hundred dollars, include
Bluetooth connectivity. Anybody using those? If so, what kind of software
are you using?

Likewise, I've noticed that GPS based systems keep getting better and
cheaper. Some units can achieve much higher resolutions, in the centimeters
/ sub-meter range, using both GPS and a radio/signal emitter unit. What are
the prices for these and what has your experience been like with them?

I often need to produce as-builts for property management and remodel
purposes. The accuracy I like to track is about 1/4", and I don't like
errors to be greater than 1" in about 100'. However, for a new type of
project I have been working on, called Cost Segregation, it appears as if
the accuracy can drop to within 1 foot in 100 foot, hence GPS based systems
begin to make more sense. I am planning to measure the building perimeters
pretty tightly, using laser devices, and the interior stuff possibly using a
GPS. What is your take, and words of wisdom, on field measurements using GPS
and laser devices?

I have found laptops to be too heavy and their battery lives too short for
comfort, unless I can setup shop in the field. Any luck with PDA's or other
hand held devices?

Regards from Los Angeles,

Emmanuel

[Anonymous]

Bobby,

I bought a stumping (sp?) tool at the Home Despot that has a heavy, 9 x 9
inch metal base, then a 3 foot wood handle, that you can use as a target and
avoid having to bring a helper, something I've hated about using measuring
tapes. That can save you from having to use glue around corners, or other
gizmos.

How much does the Leica models cost?

--
Regards from Los Angeles,

Emmanuel
"Bobby" wrote in message
news:5804956@discussion.autodesk.com...
Clinton do you just talk to try and make yourself sound smart? You totally
missed the OP question, you would make a great president with your talk
around!
We use the Leica Disto and it does a great job. The only problem with it is
you can not measure anything that does not have a surface(out side of a
building). If you are trying to go from corner to corner with nothing for
the laser to bounce off of you will need someone to hold something at the
other end. I believe to max distance is 225 feet it can measure.

"clintonG" wrote in message
news:5804931@discussion.autodesk.com...
Windows Mobile, Windows CE, and Windows Embedded are the marketing terms you
can use to search the web for the latest devices that support the optimal
device OS the OEMs are using for their devices to run what are often
proprietary software applications. The device markets are growing
exponentially resulting in many new or improved devices that can be used for
as-built documentation. Wireless power however continues to be a limiting
factor.

On these newer devices the size of the display can be a determining factor.
You'll observe the user interface is being transitioned to touch-screen
interfaces.

Carrying multiple batteries for the smaller form factors is a lot easier
than those for laptop form factors. And don't forget to carry power cords
anyway. I was in a situation just last night that a spare power cord came to
the rescue.

As an aside, do you think it would be reasonable to use a vehicle as a power
generating source when on a site that has been abandoned or has no power?
There's a lot of wasted energy or potential energy going unused that sits
parked. I remember jobs I was on during the winter that I left the truck
running just so I could jump in every so often to warm up.

--
<%= Clinton Gallagher
NET csgallagher AT metromilwaukee.com
URL http://clintongallagher.metromilwaukee.com/






"Emmanuel Garcia" wrote in message
news:5804774@discussion.autodesk.com...
How are you handling as-built measurements? I noticed Hilti came up with a
sub $200 laser measuring device, accurate to within 1/16" or so. Some
similar models, going up in price by a few hundred dollars, include
Bluetooth connectivity. Anybody using those? If so, what kind of software
are you using?

Likewise, I've noticed that GPS based systems keep getting better and
cheaper. Some units can achieve much higher resolutions, in the centimeters
/ sub-meter range, using both GPS and a radio/signal emitter unit. What are
the prices for these and what has your experience been like with them?

I often need to produce as-builts for property management and remodel
purposes. The accuracy I like to track is about 1/4", and I don't like
errors to be greater than 1" in about 100'. However, for a new type of
project I have been working on, called Cost Segregation, it appears as if
the accuracy can drop to within 1 foot in 100 foot, hence GPS based systems
begin to make more sense. I am planning to measure the building perimeters
pretty tightly, using laser devices, and the interior stuff possibly using a
GPS. What is your take, and words of wisdom, on field measurements using GPS
and laser devices?

I have found laptops to be too heavy and their battery lives too short for
comfort, unless I can setup shop in the field. Any luck with PDA's or other
hand held devices?

Regards from Los Angeles,

Emmanuel

[Anonymous]

Hi Ric,

I also use an extra thick and wide measuring tape, FatMax or something like
that, by Stanley. It is 33' or 35' long, and when you open it up it remains
rigid for about 11 to 13 feet, before it bends. My youngest son has ruined a
couple, playing with them, and letting them roll back too harshly. My fault,
I know. They're worth it.

I can't wait till I can justify buying a laser distance measuring device for
myself. You're all giving me good ammunition.

BTW, someone told me yesterday he usually budgets 50,000 SF per day of
office building data gathering. This is for Cost Segregation projects, not
architectural as-builts. But even then, I can't imagine walking a building
that fast, even if I was to record no data. I'd have to run like Carl Lewis.
I think 10,000 SF is still a lot.

How do you project the duration of as-builts and what accuracy are you happy
with?

--
Regards from Los Angeles,

Emmanuel
"Ric Hammond" wrote in message
news:5804984@discussion.autodesk.com...
We use a Hilti we bought a few years ago. That and a good old Stanley 30
footer. Marked up on paper


"Emmanuel Garcia" wrote in message
news:5804774@discussion.autodesk.com...
How are you handling as-built measurements? I noticed Hilti came up with a
sub $200 laser measuring device, accurate to within 1/16" or so. Some
similar models, going up in price by a few hundred dollars, include
Bluetooth connectivity. Anybody using those? If so, what kind of software
are you using?

Likewise, I've noticed that GPS based systems keep getting better and
cheaper. Some units can achieve much higher resolutions, in the centimeters
/ sub-meter range, using both GPS and a radio/signal emitter unit. What are
the prices for these and what has your experience been like with them?

I often need to produce as-builts for property management and remodel
purposes. The accuracy I like to track is about 1/4", and I don't like
errors to be greater than 1" in about 100'. However, for a new type of
project I have been working on, called Cost Segregation, it appears as if
the accuracy can drop to within 1 foot in 100 foot, hence GPS based systems
begin to make more sense. I am planning to measure the building perimeters
pretty tightly, using laser devices, and the interior stuff possibly using a
GPS. What is your take, and words of wisdom, on field measurements using GPS
and laser devices?

I have found laptops to be too heavy and their battery lives too short for
comfort, unless I can setup shop in the field. Any luck with PDA's or other
hand held devices?

Regards from Los Angeles,

Emmanuel

[Anonymous]

They have bluetooth now, I was using a cabled version (this was waaay
back in the day ;-p). Even the cabled version was easier than the
alternatives... direct input into the program. Of course, the converting
back and forth with PocketCAD was a bit of a pain.

:-) Will do. It was good to meet you, too.

Emmanuel Garcia wrote:
> Hi Melanie,
>
> How was it using PocketCAD? Does the Leica Disto have Bluetooth
> connectivity? Say hi to Mike. It was nice to finally meet you in person at
> AU.

[Anonymous]

We have a stanley fat max laser measuring tool - I think about $400. It
is said to be good to ~600 feet, but you'd need a target and a tripod to
achieve that. I have used it in the field and it is visible on paler
telephone poles up to 200' away and it works much faster / better than a
measuring wheel. We use two person crews for measuring and ideally one
of us carries a clipboard and a retro-reflective surface from an old
sign, but even a piece of paper helps in a pinch. Retro reflective
surface helps the laser register even in relatively bright light or if
the target is too dark. Ever shine a laser pointer on a street sign?

Works well, but we just do paper markups.


Emmanuel Garcia wrote:
> How are you handling as-built measurements? I noticed Hilti came up with a
> sub $200 laser measuring device, accurate to within 1/16" or so. Some
> similar models, going up in price by a few hundred dollars, include
> Bluetooth connectivity. Anybody using those? If so, what kind of software
> are you using?

[Anonymous]

I went to Lowe's yesterday and found two laser measuring devices. One was by
Stanley, cost $100 and can measure up to 100' with an accuracy of 1/16". The
other is a Bosche, which I bought for about $165, and can measure up to 165'
(50 meters, $1 buck per foot ), with an accuracy of 1/16". It comes
with a one year, no questions asked, return policy. It can calculate areas,
volumes and heights using the Pythagorean theorem based on the horizontal
leg and hypotenuse.

I will be testing it and see how it works. This is the first time I have had
unrestricted, unrushed access to one of these devices. Thus far, I am
concerned about mildly annoying error messages, where I basically have to
restart it. While it measures pretty quickly, I am concerned about the specs
stating that it can take up to four seconds for some measurements. I'm still
interested in in the Hilti model at the Home Despot for $200. I'm sure that
can measure over 200', at less than 1 buck per foot cost, with the same
1/16" accuracy.

At these prices it is difficult to justify using measuring tapes.

Regards from Los Angeles,

Emmanuel
Microsoft Windows Vista
Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU Q6600 @ 2.4 GHz 3GB RAM
NVidia GeForce 8500 GT 512 MB


"Emmanuel Garcia" wrote in message
news:5804774@discussion.autodesk.com...
How are you handling as-built measurements? I noticed Hilti came up with a
sub $200 laser measuring device, accurate to within 1/16" or so. Some
similar models, going up in price by a few hundred dollars, include
Bluetooth connectivity. Anybody using those? If so, what kind of software
are you using?

Likewise, I've noticed that GPS based systems keep getting better and
cheaper. Some units can achieve much higher resolutions, in the centimeters
/ sub-meter range, using both GPS and a radio/signal emitter unit. What are
the prices for these and what has your experience been like with them?

I often need to produce as-builts for property management and remodel
purposes. The accuracy I like to track is about 1/4", and I don't like
errors to be greater than 1" in about 100'. However, for a new type of
project I have been working on, called Cost Segregation, it appears as if
the accuracy can drop to within 1 foot in 100 foot, hence GPS based systems
begin to make more sense. I am planning to measure the building perimeters
pretty tightly, using laser devices, and the interior stuff possibly using a
GPS. What is your take, and words of wisdom, on field measurements using GPS
and laser devices?

I have found laptops to be too heavy and their battery lives too short for
comfort, unless I can setup shop in the field. Any luck with PDA's or other
hand held devices?

Regards from Los Angeles,

Emmanuel