Along with the typical day-to-day tasks that today’s forester tackles comes the responsibility of designating Streamside Management Areas (SMAs) or Streamside Management Zones (SMZs). These buffers help keep moving water and surrounding areas protected from human activity. Respecting these minimum distances helps prevent excessive erosion, unnatural sun exposure, and other potentially destructive changes to the habitat.
When foresters mark these protected zones, Laser Tech’s TruPulse® i-Series laser rangefinders, the TruPulse 200i and TruPulse 360i, can be especially useful tools.
These next-generation professional measurement devices boast a rugged IP67 water-proof, dust-proof design. Their newly refined targeting capabilities make it easy to quickly capture accurate height, distance, and angle measurements. The TruPulse 360i’s built-in compass expands user capabilities with azimuth data. Both i-Series rangefinders can achieve up to 0.1-meter distance accuracy within a 1,000-meter range. Measurement data is readily available for instant relay to smart devices via Bluetooth connection, eliminating the need to carry pen and paper.
Process for Marking Buffers
Two individuals work together to mark an SMA buffer zone. One, designated the lead forester, is equipped with a TruPulse rangefinder and a working knowledge of how to gauge high water marks. The other, the forester’s assistant, carries tree marking materials, such as spray paint or flagging tape. This can be an intern or someone new to the forestry realm in general.
Both carry two-way, hand-held radios. The lead forester works stream-side. Splashes of water or even dropping their forestry rangefinder into the stream is not a worry thanks to the rugged and waterproof design. The assistant heads into the forest, staying within the approximate distance required by state regulations for an SMA.
The lead forester uses the TruPulse laser to direct the assistant into this range. Ideally, and most likely, the assistant remains in sight of the lead forester.
With the rangefinder attached to a survey pole or tripod, the lead forester uses the first high water mark as a point of origin. From there he uses the rangefinder’s 5x optical zoom to shoot out into the forest. It doesn’t take long to capture a distance measurement to a winning tree. This tree’s distance from the high water mark is close to, but not less than, the SMA’s minimum required distance. Using the radio, the lead forester directs the assistant toward the tree to mark it. The pair works their way down the stream, repeating this process with full confidence in their measurements and markings.
If enough personnel are available, a four-person team could split into groups of two. Each group would have their own TruPulse rangefinder. Working both sides of the stream at the same time would be more efficient.
If tasked with marking SMAs on your own, you can stay in the forest, select trees to stand next to, and aim the forestry rangefinder to the adjacent high water line, marking winning trees along the way.
It is easy to keep a record of each tree’s geospatial location and distance from the bank. There is no need to write anything down by hand. The lead forester utilizes the rangefinder’s Bluetooth capabilities to relay measurement data to their preferred data collection app on a tablet or smart device. If using a TruPulse 360i, they can even keep track of the distance between each marked tree.
Help with Everyday Tasks
The catalog of TruPulse-compatible data collection solutions is large and ever-growing. Some key examples include Esri ArcGIS Survey123 and ArcGIS Field Maps, along with Laser Tech’s own LaserSoft® MapSmart® app. In any case, a user will have the ability to build digital forms for each new project. Once out on the job, just tap on a customized field value (an example could be ‘Distance from Bank’), use the forestry rangefinder to obtain a measurement, watch the app auto-populate with rangefinder data, and repeat. These modernized workflows boost efficiency and consistency in all sorts of data collection and mapping projects.
Along with a TruPulse laser’s simplified point-and-shoot capabilities for horizontal, vertical, and slope distance values come built-in routines for measuring heights and point-to-point missing lines. Neither routine requires the user to occupy any object locations; in each case, targets only need to be within a clear line of sight.
The three-shot routine only requires users to capture one distance measurement to the target object itself. After this, the inclinometer sensor comes into play as angle measurements complete the workflow. This is particularly helpful when brush, trees, or other visual obstructions partially block a target object’s base or top. Just aim to the base, then to the top, and disregard any obstructions.
Three-Shot Height Routine Workflow
- Shot 1: Horizontal distance measurement to anywhere on the target object
- Shot 2: Angle measurement to the target object’s base
- Shot 3: Angle measurement to the target object’s top
Result: Height of the target object
With a TruPulse 360i, foresters can utilize the missing line routine to capture the distances between marked trees with two quick shots. This can help achieve consistent spacing and make sure that all distances between markers fall into regulation. The same feature can also determine slope grades, which is helpful since some states require adjusted minimum distances based on the steepness of surrounding terrain.
Two-Shot Missing Line
Routine Workflow
- Shot 1: Distance measurement to Point A
- Shot 2: Distance measurement to Point B
Results: Horizontal, vertical, and slope distance values between Points A and B
Too many assets make it difficult to capture coordinates via traditional methods, which require users to physically occupy an asset’s location with a GNSS receiver and survey pole in hand. In situations like these, your safety and efficiency can get a boost thanks to LaserGIS® workflows. By adding TruPulse rangefinders into the mix, you can pick safe and convenient locations to remotely position assets from. With a TruPulse 360i in your toolkit, this process can be as simple as standing at a chosen location and firing the laser at your target object(s). Your GNSS receiver and forestry rangefinder will work together to do the rest.
Range-Azimuth Offset Mapping Method Workflow
- Step 1: Occupy a convenient location and log your GPS location
- Step 2: Use your TruPulse 360i to start mapping all assets within a clear line of sight
For more information about Laser Tech and Laser Tech products, visit www.lasertech.com/laser-distance-measurement. Dive into LaserGIS workflows, training, and compatible solutions by visiting www.lasertech.com/gis-laser-offsets.
Check out Laser Tech product information and training videos that will help you get ready for new levels of efficiency in the field at youtube.com/@LaserTechPro.
