Laser Sketch Apps

[Joe Del Greco]

Ive been using tape with paper and my supervisor uses the same, but while its slow, i'm looking into the benefits of laser. I see that the laser has some obvious benefts, but for functional utility it seems very limited unless it utilizes the sketch app.

Does anyone use the sketch apps with the lasers? Do they integrate with your appraisal software?

It seems that if Bosch or Leica can create the sketch and be editable by ACI or another software to add labels later it would save alot of data entry at the inspection.

 

[Thomas Holding]

I just purchased Apex 7 and paired it with my Disto D8. It was able to transmit the laser measurements to Apex (by Bluetooth), however it was a very awkward and slow process. I am faster measuring and sketching with paper and just inputting the results with the pen. Unless you are drawing a square or a rectangle, you won't really save any time. Just upgrading from Apex 5 to version 7 gave me the biggest productivity jump.

 

[NachoPerito]

Speed is the biggest benefit of the laser..... and not getting dirt all over your hands.

anything else is a bonus.

 

[Joe Del Greco]

I just purchased Apex 7 and paired it with my Disto D8. It was able to transmit the laser measurements to Apex (by Bluetooth), however it was a very awkward and slow process. I am faster measuring and sketching with paper and just inputting the results with the pen. Unless you are drawing a square or a rectangle, you won't really save any time. Just upgrading from Apex 5 to version 7 gave me the biggest productivity jump.

Thanks, too bad to hear. That would be a great time saver.

 

[Deleted member 152047]

Speed and accuracy. Also, if you ever work on any industrial properties and need to measure clear heights, clear spans, ceiling heights, door width x height, etc. it is very useful. Ditto for other commercial.

Just do it, the $100 will pay for itself on the first inspection.

 

[Overimprovement]

Laser is great just for interiors-cape COD 2nd levels, basements etc. I use simple alamode sketch on my iphone. Bit of a learning curve but it's a time saver for me especially those homes with foliage around the perimeter. Red glasses do help in bright sunlight, though still a couple times a month I need to use my roller.

 

[NachoPerito]

One of the most mind-boggling things I have come across is that after almost 20 years of the laser being mainstream there are still people that still need to be convinced that it is an improvement. I guess it is generational. It makes me think of when people had light bulbs in the house and the neighbors were like "I have these candles that work just fine, why would I change?"

I have to imagine that companies like Leica are frustrated that there are still tape users in the market, but change takes time.

 

[Deleted member 152047]

One of the most mind-boggling things I have come across is that after almost 20 years of the laser being mainstream there are still people that still need to be convinced that it is an improvement. I guess it is generational. It makes me think of when people had light bulbs in the house and the neighbors were like "I have these candles that work just fine, why would I change?"

I have to imagine that companies like Leica are frustrated that there are still tape users in the market, but change takes time.

 

[Tom Woolford]

I've been using a Laser for at least 15 years with mobile data collection. You have to give it a chance. You're not going to just pick it up and be an expert. After a month or so of genuine effort you should be able to start seeing the time savings both in the field and in the office (no retyping). You have to have a well developed quicklist. I type very little on an inspection except for additional features and the software actually learns your typical responses. I haven't drug a tape in 15-17 years, or carried a pad.

 

[Tom Woolford]

One of the most mind-boggling things I have come across is that after almost 20 years of the laser being mainstream there are still people that still need to be convinced that it is an improvement. I guess it is generational. It makes me think of when people had light bulbs in the house and the neighbors were like "I have these candles that work just fine, why would I change?"

I have to imagine that companies like Leica are frustrated that there are still tape users in the market, but change takes time.

Hey, I'm an old foggy and still stay current on tech. You have to if you want to make money these days. No room for Luddites anymore.