Ushikata LS-25 Surveying Compass for Forestry & Plantation Sarawak Malaysia
Ushikata LS-25 Surveying Compass for Forestry & Plantation Sarawak Malaysia
Looking for a professional surveying compass for forestry, plantation or remote fieldwork in Sarawak?
The Ushikata LS-25 is a Japanese surveying compass / Level Tracon designed for professional field observations requiring more capability than a basic handheld compass.
It combines:
✓ Magnetic direction & bearing
✓ 12× telescope sighting
✓ Horizontal angle observation
✓ Vertical angle observation
✓ Levelling capability
✓ Stadia measurement
For forestry, plantation, agricultural and environmental field teams working across Sarawak, the LS-25 can be considered where portability, optical observation and directional measurements are important.
Why Consider a Surveying Compass for Sarawak Fieldwork?
Not every field survey begins with detailed coordinate measurement.
Some projects first require:
Site reconnaissance
Terrain observation
Route investigation
Direction checking
Slope observation
Field orientation
Preliminary survey work
For these tasks, carrying a compact professional surveying compass may be practical.
The detailed survey can subsequently use instruments such as:
Total Station
GNSS / RTK
Auto Level
depending on the project requirements.
Ushikata LS-25 for Forestry Survey Sarawak
Forestry work may involve travelling through areas where portability matters.
Potential LS-25 applications include:
Forest reconnaissance
Directional observations
Preliminary route investigation
Terrain observations
Slope observations
Field research
Environmental studies
Preliminary mapping work
The 12× erect-image telescope provides a significant advantage over an ordinary compass when the operator needs to sight a defined field target.
Ushikata LS-25 for Plantation Survey Sarawak
Plantation operations may also require preliminary field observations before detailed engineering surveying begins.
Possible applications include:
Estate reconnaissance
Access-road investigation
Terrain assessment
Direction observations
Slope observations
Preliminary drainage-route investigation
Agricultural field studies
Field orientation
If the requirement progresses to precise road level, drainage elevation or construction setting-out, other surveying instruments should be selected.
LS-25 for Remote Field Survey
Remote fieldwork creates a different equipment-selection problem.
A field team may need equipment that is:
Portable
Relatively compact
Suitable for optical observation
Capable of magnetic direction measurement
Not dependent on electronic coordinate systems for its core observation functions
The LS-25 weighs approximately 1.3 kg including its case.
This makes it relevant where equipment must be physically carried between observation locations.
Key Ushikata LS-25 Specifications
SpecificationUshikata LS-25Telescope12× erect imageHorizontal Graduation5′Horizontal SystemO-BAC zero settingCompass Circle70 mmCompass Graduation1°Vertical CircleFull circle / 1° graduationBubble Sensitivity5′ / 2 mmDistance FunctionStadia capabilityApprox. Weight with Case1.3 kgOriginJapan
Why Is the 12× Telescope Important?
A conventional compass helps establish direction.
The LS-25 goes further by allowing the operator to sight a specific target through a telescope.
Potential field targets include:
Survey markers
Ranging poles
Reference points
Selected trees
Terrain features
Temporary survey targets
This is particularly relevant where several possible targets are visible and the operator needs to identify the intended observation point carefully.
Bearing Measurement in Sarawak Field Conditions
The LS-25 incorporates a 70 mm compass circle with 1° graduation.
However, magnetic measurements always require attention to the surrounding environment.
Avoid taking important magnetic observations immediately beside:
Vehicles
Steel fencing
Heavy machinery
Large steel structures
Electrical installations
Strong magnetic sources
If a bearing appears questionable, move to a suitable location and repeat the observation.
A magnetic disturbance should not automatically be diagnosed as an instrument fault.
Horizontal Angle Measurement
The LS-25 provides a 5′ horizontal graduation with O-BAC zero-setting system.
Horizontal angles can help determine the angular relationship between selected field directions.
Conceptually:
Reference Direction
↓
Establish Required Zero Reference
↓
Sight Second Direction
↓
Observe Horizontal Angle
This is different from reading a magnetic bearing.
Vertical Angle Measurement
Sarawak fieldwork can involve uneven terrain.
The LS-25 incorporates a full-circle vertical scale with 1° graduation.
Vertical-angle observation may be relevant when sighting:
Uphill targets
Downhill targets
Terrain changes
Elevated reference points
Depressed reference points
This is another major distinction between the LS-25 and a basic navigation compass.
LS-25 vs Ordinary Compass for Forestry
RequirementOrdinary CompassUshikata LS-25Direction✓✓Magnetic Bearing✓✓12× TelescopeNo✓Horizontal Angle SystemLimited✓Vertical AngleUsually No✓Levelling CapabilityNo✓Stadia CapabilityNo✓Professional Survey ObservationLimited✓
If your requirement is only basic navigation, a simpler compass may be sufficient.
The LS-25 makes more sense when surveying functions are actually required.
LS-25 vs Total Station
A common question is:
Can the LS-25 replace a Total Station?
No.
A Total Station is appropriate when the project requires:
Electronic Distance Measurement
Precise electronic angles
Coordinates
Topographic surveying
Construction setting-out
Digital survey data
The LS-25 serves a different purpose.
Think of it primarily as a portable professional surveying compass for field observation and reconnaissance.
LS-25 vs GNSS / RTK
For large-area positioning and coordinate survey, GNSS / RTK is generally the relevant technology.
GNSS/RTK provides capabilities such as:
Coordinate positioning
Georeferenced survey points
Digital mapping workflows
Large-area survey coverage
The LS-25 does not provide GNSS coordinates.
The two technologies can therefore serve different stages of a project rather than competing directly.
LS-25 vs Auto Level
If the project requirement is:
Benchmark transfer
Road elevation
Drainage level
Platform level
Construction height difference
then use an Auto Level and Levelling Staff rather than a surveying compass.
MTM Precision supplies surveying solutions including:
Myzox CL-28
Myzox CL-36
Topcon Auto Levels
5 m Levelling Staffs
for dedicated levelling applications.
Which Instrument Should a Sarawak Field Team Choose?
RequirementSuitable Instrument CategoryBasic DirectionCompassBearing + Telescope + AnglesUshikata LS-25Precise ElevationAuto LevelElectronic Angle + DistanceTotal StationCoordinates / Large-Area PositioningGNSS / RTK
The best approach is to describe the actual field measurement requirement before selecting equipment.
Applications in Sarawak
The LS-25 may be considered for relevant work in areas such as:
Kuching
Sibu
Bintulu
Miri
and other locations across Sarawak where forestry, plantation, agricultural, environmental or remote field activities require portable surveying observations.
Instrument selection should always be based on the required measurement and accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ushikata LS-25 suitable for forestry work?
It can be considered for direction, bearing, optical target sighting and relevant angle observations during forestry and reconnaissance work.
Is it suitable for oil palm plantations?
It may be useful for relevant plantation reconnaissance, terrain and directional observations, depending on the required accuracy and measurement.
Does it require GNSS signal?
The LS-25's core optical-mechanical and magnetic observation functions are not GNSS positioning functions.
Can it provide GPS coordinates?
No. Use appropriate GNSS/RTK equipment when coordinates are required.
Can it measure precise electronic distance?
No. For EDM measurement, consider a Total Station.
Can LS-25 replace an Auto Level?
No. For dedicated precision levelling work, use an Auto Level with the appropriate levelling staff.
Where can I buy an Ushikata LS-25 for Sarawak?
Contact MTM Precision in Malaysia for quotation, availability and technical enquiries.
Buying Guide for Sarawak Customers
Before requesting a quotation, tell us:
1. Your application — Forestry / Plantation / Land / Research / Other
2. Whether you require bearing
3. Whether you require horizontal angle
4. Whether you require vertical angle
5. Whether you require distance
6. Whether you require coordinates
7. Your required accuracy
This allows us to determine whether the LS-25 is appropriate or whether another surveying instrument would better match the job.
Ushikata LS-25 Supplier for Sarawak Malaysia
MTM Precision supplies professional surveying instruments and accessories to customers in Malaysia.
Our surveying range includes:
Ushikata Surveying Compass
Myzox Surveying Equipment
Topcon Surveying Instruments
Auto Levels
Digital Theodolites
Total Stations
Rotating Lasers
5 m Levelling Staffs
Surveying Prisms
Monitoring Prisms
Tripods & Accessories
We also operate a Showroom & Service Centre in Puchong, Selangor for supported surveying-equipment checking, calibration and repair requirements.
Contact MTM Precision
MTM Precision Sdn. Bhd. (744811-A)
Telephone: +603-8080 7172
WhatsApp: +6016-660 7346
Email: mtmpre@yahoo.com / enquiry@mtmpre.com.my
Website: www.mtmpre.com.my
Showroom & Service Centre
No. 29-1 & 29-2, Jalan Bandar 18,
Pusat Bandar Puchong,
47160 Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia.
For Ushikata LS-25 surveying compass, forestry survey, plantation survey and remote field equipment enquiries in Sarawak, contact MTM Precision for price, quotation, availability and technical assistance.
16 Sep 2026
