The Essential Guide to Leica Disto Laser Measurers

The Essential Guide to Leica Disto Laser Measurers
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Leica DISTO Laser Measure is the innovative laser measure range from Leica Geosystems. The Leica DISTO™ range is ideal for quick, easy and precise measurements of distances such as length and volumes with the press of a button, even in inaccessible places. The DISTO family will save valuable money and time as well as improve the accuracy of measurement on site. If you are looking for a laser measure that is highly accurate, has good range and high build quality then you will be sure to find the right device in the DISTO.
 
 

Which Leica Disto is best for me?

With so many useful measuring functions it can be difficult to find the best Leica DISTO™ for your needs. This extended essential guide will help visualise some of the unique ways a laser distance measurer can reduce measuring time and lets you see what functions are included with the various DISTO models. To learn more about laser distance measuring from basic functionality to more advanced techniques visit our Video Tutorials and Overviews page here.

Disto Area

Leica Disto Laser Measurers are ideal for:

  • Architects
  • Estimators
  • Contractors
  • Painters and Decorators
  • Fitters
  • Builders
  • Joiners
  • Electricians
  • Plumbers
  • Surveyors
  • Estate Agents
  • and more.
 
Leica Disto on dirty floor
 

Some of the very flexible functions of the Leica DISTO™

Min / Max Function

Minimum/maximum measurements

  • S910
  • D810
  • D510
  • D410
  • X310
  • D210
  • D2
The maximum measurement is very helpful, e.g. for finding out the room diagonal. The minimum measurement can be used to measure at right angles to a wall.

Min / Max Function

Area / Volume

Area and volume measurements

  • S910
  • D810
  • D510
  • D410
  • X310
  • D210
  • D2
  • D110 (area)
With only two or three measurements, you can quickly and precisely calculate the area of a ceiling, floor or wall, or the volume of a room. No need to note down the individual values! The result is calculated automatically and shown on the display.

Area / Volume

Triangle / Room Function

Triangle and room angle function

  • S910
  • D810
  • D510
  • D410
  • X310
The triangle function helps you to calculate, quickly and efficiently, the area of a multicornered room. Divide the room into imaginary triangles. Using only three measurements, determine the area of each triangle, which you can add up cumulatively. Pressing a key gives you a detailed display of the room angle, so that you can e.g. quickly check whether it is a right angle.

Triangle / Room Function

Painter Function

Painter Function

  • S910
  • D810
  • D510
  • D410
  • X310
  • D210
With this function you can determine e.g. the total wall area of a room without having to note down any intermediate results. Simply measure the lengths of the walls, which you can add or subtract as required. Finally measure the room height, which is then automatically multiplied by the previously calculated value.

Painter Function

Trapezium Function

Trapezium Function

  • S910
  • D810
  • D510
The Trapezium Function is useful for determining the length and slope of a roof section, and the area it covers. The DISTO uses the its internal tilt sensor to calculate the angle and the distance between the shots, which means you can measure roofs accurately from the ground.

Trapezium Function

Pythagoras Function

Pythagoras Function

  • S910
  • D810
  • D510
  • D410
  • X310
  • D210
  • D2
Using the tripod, you can measure distances indirectly, horizontally and vertically. The Leica DISTO™ calculates the result automatically for you from three measurements. Functions such as automatic minimum and maximum measurements help you to measure the right point. Partial heights, e.g. balcony or window heights, are determined by Pythagoras

Pythagoras Function

Tilt Sensor

Tilt measurement

  • S910
  • D810
  • D510
  • D410*
  • X310
The tilt sensors in the Leica DISTO™s can measure inclinations up to ±45°, or even have a measurement range of 360°. This means you can also measure inclinations over your head. This is particularly interesting for people who wish to determine roof slopes.

Tilt Sensor

Smart Horizontal™ Mode

Smart Horizontal Mode

  • S910
  • D810
  • D510
  • D410
  • X310
The desired horizontal distance is determined using the tilt measurement, even if the object cannot be directly targeted horizontally. This function is very helpful, e.g. if walls, hedges or people are between the instrument and the target.

Smart Horizontal™ Mode

Height Tracking

Height Tracking

  • S910
  • D810
  • D510
  • X310
You can determine the heights of buildings or trees that have no suitable reflective points by using the height tracking function. Target with the Pointfinder on the bottom point of the height to be measured and take a measurement. Then target on the top point of the object. The display then shows the height.

Height Tracking

Profile Measurement

Height profile measurements

  • S910
  • D810
  • D510
Target the device on a known reference mark and then measure the height differences of other points relative to this. If the measured points are taken all in one direction the profile of the ground can be determined from the measured horizontal distances and the height differences.

Profile Measurement

Stakeout Function

Stake-out function

  • S910
  • D810
  • D510
  • D410
  • X310
  • D210
  • D2
One or two different distances (a and b) can be entered into the device and then used to subtract from defined measured lengths. The display always shows the current stake-out distance and a direction arrow. At a distance of 0.1m to the next stake-out point, an acoustic signal sounds.

Stakeout Function

Stakeout Function

Sloped object measurement

  • S910
  • D810
  • D510
With this function, you can e.g. determine the roof slope of a house, even from a long distance away. To do this you take two distance measurements and the Leica DISTO™ determines the tilt at the same time. Additional detailed information, e.g. the distances and the inclination between the measured points, is also provided.

Stakeout Function

 
Leica Disto X310 waterproof
 

Comparison Table for Leica Disto Laser Measurers

Functions and Technical Specifications
 
Leica DISTO D1
Leica DISTO D110
Leica DISTO D2
Leica DISTO D210
Leica DISTO X310
Leica DISTO X310
Leica DISTO D510
Leica DISTO D510
Leica DISTO S910
Hover over icon for details
Leica Disto Sketch
Leica Disto Sketch

Leica Disto Sketch

The Leica DISTO™ sketch app simplifies everyday measuring tasks, by allowing you to create a photo-referenced layout or sketch including distance measurements. The Leica DISTO™ sketch can be downloaded for free and allows you to create a sketch or photograph on your smartphone and then easily transfer the measurements from the Leica DISTO™ via Bluetooth® technology. This ensures that measurements are documented and can be sent to the office via e-mail. Or you can add a fully dimensioned sketch to your bid package to show your customers how real professionals measure.
Leica Disto Sketch
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
Accuracy (mm) / Range (m)

Accuracy (mm) / Range (m)

The measuring accuracy (measured in mm) and measuring range (measured in m).
Accuracy (mm) / Range (m)
2mm • 40m
1.5mm • 60m
1mm • 100m
1.5mm • 100m
1mm • 120m
1mm • 150m
1mm • 200m
1mm • 200m
1mm • 300m
Intelligent Endpiece
Intelligent Endpiece

Intelligent Endpiece

The endpiece is an integral part of the tool, connected to the circuit board. In the closed position the DISTO knows to measure from its base. Flip it open 90 degrees to align the base perfectly on an edge or corner. Flip it out all the way and you can accurately measure diagonals.
Intelligent Endpiece
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Smart Horizontal
Smart Horizontal

Smart Horizontal Mode

The desired horizontal distance is determined using the tilt measurement, even if the object cannot be directly targeted horizontally. This function is very helpful, e.g. if walls, hedges or people are between the instrument and the target.
Smart Horizontal
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Bluetooth

Bluetooth

Send measurements directly to your apps such as Leica Disto Sketch and Transfer using Bluetooth Smart.
Bluetooth
V4.0 Smart
V4.0 Smart
V4.0 Smart
No
No
No
V4.0 Smart
V4.0 Smart
V4.0 Smart
Outdoor Pointfinder
Outdoor Pointfinder

Outdoor Pointfinder

The onboard digital camera features a 4x digital zoom "point finder" that shows you where the dot is even if you can't see it with the naked eye. Put the crosshairs on the spot you are measuring to and hit the button. It's that simple.
Outdoor Pointfinder
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Measure within Picture

Measure within Picture

The Measure in Picture (MIP) technology can determine the height, width, area, diameter, or circumference of an object in a picture taken by the Disto. Bracket your target using pointers on the touch screen to remotely measure the width of a second story window, the area of a billboard, or the diameter of an above-ground tank.
Measure within Picture
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Min/Max Function
Min/Max Function

Minimum/maximum measurements

The maximum measurement is very helpful, e.g. for finding out the room diagonal. The minimum measurement can be used to measure at right angles to a wall.
Min/Max Function
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Area/Volume
Area and volume measurements

Area and volume measurements

With only two or three measurements, you can quickly and precisely calculate the area of a ceiling, floor or wall, or the volume of a room. No need to note down the individual values! The result is calculated automatically and shown on the display.
Area/Volume
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Triangle Room
Triangle and room angle function

Triangle and room angle function

The triangle function helps you to calculate, quickly and efficiently, the area of a multicornered room. Divide the room into imaginary triangles. Using only three measurements, determine the area of each triangle, which you can add up cumulatively. Pressing a key gives you a detailed display of the room angle, so that you can e.g. quickly check whether it is a right angle.
Triangle Room
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Painter Function
Painter Function

Painter Function

With this function you can determine e.g. the total wall area of a room without having to note down any intermediate results. Simply measure the lengths of the walls, which you can add or subtract as required. Finally measure the room height, which is then automatically multiplied by the previously calculated value.
Painter Function
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Pythgoras Function
Pythgoras Function

Pythagoras Function

Using the tripod, you can measure distances indirectly, horizontally and vertically. The Leica DISTO™ calculates the result automatically for you from three measurements. Functions such as automatic minimum and maximum measurements help you to measure the right point. Partial heights, e.g. balcony or window heights, are determined by Pythagoras.
Pythgoras Function
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Trapezium Function
Trapezium Function

Trapezium Function

The Trapezium Function is useful for determining the length and slope of a roof section, and the area it covers. The DISTO uses the its internal tilt sensor to calculate the angle and the distance between the shots, which means you can measure roofs accurately from the ground.
Trapezium Function
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Sloped Object Measurement
Sloped object measurement

Sloped Object Measurement

With this function, you can e.g. determine the roof slope of a house, even from a long distance away. To do this you take two distance measurements and the Leica DISTO™ determines the tilt at the same time. Additional detailed information, e.g. the distances and the inclination between the measured points, is also provided.
Sloped Object Measurement
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Height Tracking
Height Tracking

Height Tracking

You can determine the heights of buildings or trees that have no suitable reflective points by using the height tracking function. Target with the Pointfinder on the bottom point of the height to be measured and take a measurement. Then target on the top point of the object. The display then shows the height.
Height Tracking
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Height Profile Tracking
Height Profile Tracking

Height Profile Measurements

Target the device on a known reference mark and then measure the height differences of other points relative to this. If the measured points are taken all in one direction the profile of the ground can be determined from the measured horizontal distances and the height differences.
Height Profile Tracking
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Touchscreen
Touchscreen

Touchscreen

The extremely responsive touchscreen is easy to use and makes for very intuitive operation. All features are quickly and easily accessed using standard gestures including swipe and zoom using fingers. The touchscreen also allows for measurements to be taken directly.
Touchscreen
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Tilt Measurement
Tilt measurement

Tilt Measurement

The tilt sensors in the Leica DISTO™s can measure inclinations up to ±45°, or even have a measurement range of 360°. This means you can also measure inclinations over your head. This is particularly interesting for people who wish to determine roof slopes.
Tilt Measurement
No
No
No
No
360°
360°
360°
360°
360°
Add/Subtract

Add/Subtract

It's not always so simple as taking one shot to get the measurement you need. Sometimes its handy to add multiple shots together, or subtract a negative space from a measurement. As you use the Add/Subtract function, the final result is displayed in the main line, and the last measurement taken is shown above.
Add/Subtract
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Memory

Memory

Store measurements and images with measurements associated with them.
Memory
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Rechargeable Battery

Rechargeable Battery

This DISTO will take approximately 4000 measurments per charge.
Rechargeable Battery
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
IP Rating

IP Rating

The Ingress Protection (IP) rating was developed by the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC) to create a standard of toughness. The first number, in this case a 5 out of 6, is the rating for protection against dust. The second number, in this case a 4 out of 8, is the rating for protection against liquids.
IP Rating
IP54
dust and splash water
IP54
dust and splash water
IP54
dust and splash water
IP54
dust and splash water
IP65
water jet and dust-tight
IP65
water jet and dust-tight
IP65
water jet and dust-tight
IP54
dust and splash water
IP54
dust and splash water
Compass

Compass

The compass is useful for answering questions like, "Is this the north elevation or the west elevation?" or "Which way am I facing?"
Compass
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Favourites
Personalised Favourites

Personalised Favourites

With over 20 functions, chances are you are going to use one or two more than the rest. This Favourites function lets you bookmark your most-used functions on the tabs at the bottom of the touch screen.
Personalised Favourites
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
 
Leica Disto vs standard tape measure
 

FAQs

Why should I purchase a Leica Disto over a standard tape or other measuring device?

The Leica Disto laser measurer is able to take measurements of up to 200m with an accuracy of ±1mm and in areas where a typical tape measure cannot reach. Each Disto is very easy to understand and use and very tough, especially the X310 model. Every Disto is rugged and suited to harsh working environments with protection against dust and splash water however the Leica X310, D410 and D510 are extremely tough and are dust tight and water-jet protected.

With built in functionality that can include volume, area, triangle/room, Pythagoras, slope and trapezium measurement calculations as well as Bluetooth connectivity that there is quite simply no comparison between a conventional tape measure and a Leica DISTO ™.

Why Leica Disto Laser Measurers?

Leica Geosystem’s are known for their quality and accuracy and continue to develop, test and certify its laser measurers to the highest standards. Other measuring lasers can be found on the market which are of lower quality and deliver less accurate results. The Leica standard guarantees the accuracy by testing against known benchmarks and competitors and provide an accuracy of ±1mm for nearly all Disto’s in the range. In short, Leica are the world leaders when creating laser measuring equipment and when you buy your Leica Disto from SCCS – The Survey Equipment Company you will have the confidence that that your measuring device will work reliably out the box for many years.

I have obstacles in the way. Which Disto do I need?

The Leica Disto function Smart Horizontal Mode™ determines the horizontal distance with ease. If you take a measurement at an inclination of ± 45°, the Leica DISTO always calculates the shortest distance. So you can measure even over the top of objects and people. The Leica Disto’s that have this functionality are the X310, D410, D510, D810 and S910.