Laser deflectometer for trees
Measurement technology for pulling tests and wind response measurements.
LOFOR® – the first laser-based deflectometer for tree load testing
Advantages
New: precise determination of the bending line
The LOFOR laser deflectometer captures trunk bending under load as the integral response of all structurally relevant properties. The measured deformation reflects the sum of all contributing factors: wood type variations such as heartwood, reaction wood and sapwood, the actual cross-section, and existing defects such as cavities, decay and cracks.
Pulling tests and wind response measurements with minimal hardware effort
Stable readings at low force levels. In certain situations, manual force (300–400 N) is sufficient.
For force measurement during pulling tests, the LOFOR-compatible lineScale3 load cell is recommended.
High resolution with less force
Measurement results with virtually unlimited accuracy. Through optical signal amplification, the smallest movements can be detected – ideal for trees with large diameters.
Thanks to the low force required, habitat tree torsos and trees with graft unions can also be tested.
Dynamic wind response
Individual wind gusts (from approximately 40 km/h) are already sufficient to measure the bending line and root plate inclination – under dynamic wind conditions.
Data export to Arbostat
Arbostat files can be read and written: laser angles are inserted as inclino values.
Distinguish and identify failure patterns early
LOFOR measurement reveals where and how the trunk bends or twists (torsion around the trunk axis). Root damage manifests as the tree rotating in the ground – with little trunk bending.
Flexible, scalable precision
Sensitivity increases with the distance between lasers and projection surface. Clear line of sight is required; vegetation or infrastructure may obstruct the measurement.
How it works
Simple setup – complex results
01
Capture geometry & mount lasers
Record the trunk geometry using the LOFOR app (LiDAR scan). Then mount the lasers along the trunk axis and align them so that the beams strike the projection surface.
02
Perform measurement
Apply a load or wait for wind gusts. The camera films the movement of the laser dots on the projection surface. This movement corresponds to the angles of the trunk.
03
View results
The LOFOR app displays the bending line and the bending at the stem base. Various charts support the assessment. Data can be exported to Arbostat.
Interactive demo
Tree deflection under wind load
Move the slider to play measurement frames. Each point represents a laser at a different trunk height.
4 – 10+
Lasers
< 0.001°
Resolution (depending on tree-to-camera distance)
24-240
Frames/sec – depending on video settings
2 axes
For wind measurements: second laser direction with mirror redirection
In the field
Simple setup - high accuracy
THE APP
All analyses. In your pocket.
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Who is it for?
For everyone who wants to truly understand trees
Tree experts
Assessing stability along roads, in parks and on private property: how much does the trunk bend under a defined force – and are there weak points along its height?
Research & biomechanics
Investigating the mechanical behaviour of trunks under pulling and wind load – with low-noise data, fibre strain and comparison with the Euler-Bernoulli bending line.
Arborists & tree care
Quickly assessing on site whether a tree responds unusually softly to a rope pull – or analysing its behaviour in wind via video.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about LOFOR®
Do I need a computer in addition to my iPhone or iPad?
No. All data recording and analysis runs on an iPhone or iPad – preferably a model with a LiDAR scanner. There is no need to transfer data to a Mac.
Does every iPhone and iPad work?
In principle, yes. Models with a LiDAR scanner also capture the trunk geometry, which is required for certain analyses. Larger screens make operation easier, as a lot of information is displayed simultaneously during measurement. The iPad mount on the projection surface is currently designed for 11" iPads.
How are the results exported?
Results can be exported as tabular files. Export to the Arbostat file format is available – the laser angles are transferred as inclinometer values.
How robust is the system in the field?
The hardware is deliberately simple: lasers and a power supply – fewer components, fewer things that can fail in the field. The lasers are rated for more than 3,000 operating hours. The development effort has gone mainly into field usability and the software.
What are the limitations of the method?
The laser beams need a clear line of sight between tree and projection surface; slopes, walls or vegetation can make measurement more difficult – a mirror often helps to get around low obstacles. Rain on the projection surface interferes with dot detection, and in bright sunlight it should be shaded. And: higher resolution requires more distance, which may be limited in confined urban sites.
Does LOFOR® give a “keep” or “fell” recommendation?
No. LOFOR® provides precise measurement data on deformation behaviour, not an automatic decision – strictly speaking, hardly any method can do that. LOFOR® is not a certified measuring device; its results do not replace standard-compliant testing, but can serve as a basis for expert reports.
Contact
See LOFOR® in action
Would you like to know whether LOFOR® suits your question? We are happy to advise you and show you the system in the field.
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