Is there a modern replacement for the transit?

Cliff's Notes:

On occasion (today), there is extra water in the basement. It would be helpful to pinpoint the high and low spots. 

In the past, I've always used a transit for such things, but I'm certain that we have evolved to the point where, even though a transit is still foolproof, I'm guessing that there is a faster, simpler, electronic alternative. 
 

What say ye?

There are laser transits that auto-level and transit a beam 360 degrees.  Obviously more expensive than the old units.  

Also the big box lumber stores sell a Bosch unit (~$100) that you can set on a tripod or ladder that shoots a beam about 120 degrees horizontal.  Works great inside.  Not so great in bright sunshine.  I keep one in the truck at all times.

Google this:

BOSCH GLL30 30ft Cross-Line Laser Level Self-Leveling with 360 Degree Flexible Mounting Device

In reply to Purple Frog (Forum Supporter) :

Many years ago, Young Woody was working construction, and we needed to rent a "Laser" Level for a big job. I had never heard of such a thing. It was delivered in a padded case by the two guys who owned the company that we got it from. I remember my boss telling me that it cost $15,000, and repeatedly yelling, "DON'T BUMP THE LASER!!!"

I just ordered the one you mentioned from Amazon for $49. It's probably smaller, easier to set up, and more accurate. 

In reply to Woody (Forum Supportum) :

You will be happy. Those things are so handy.

And then you've already got it lying around, so any silly job can be done with Laser Precision®.

Also, totally came in here thinking "I thought we just got the Transit as a modern replacement for the Econoline..."

In reply to Woody (Forum Supportum) :

With these things, you can either have the cheap kind marketed towards a homeowner, which has a laser that's shot into a prism and split into a line, and the whole contraption can self-level. These are great and cheap, but not bright. Or you have the ones for on a construction site, which have a rotating laser on top that self levels, so it sends a single beam instead of a line. Much brighter, useful further, but more complicated.

In either case, you can also get sensors that pick up the laser at a distance that's further than you can really see it, to use as a transit at a distance.

Jesse Ransom said:

Also, totally came in here thinking "I thought we just got the Transit as a modern replacement for the Econoline..."

And don't get me started again on the Element!

But seriously, laser levels are awesome.

In reply to the_machina :

For now, and the duration of this particular house, it will be for indoor use only. 

Water level....

You just need a transparent piece of hose long enough to reach.

I picked up a construction-style laser level at Goodwill a while back. No split beam, you mount it on a tripod, level it using a bubble, then aim it at whatever you want to check for level. Used it while building my deck a few years ago. It was certainly less messy than water in a hose, but it's almost impossible to get the latter wrong.

Woody, if you have water on the floor of the basement, it seems to me you already know where the low spots are using a self-leveling liquid :)

bentwrench said:

Water level....

You just need a transparent piece of hose long enough to reach.

I love me the simplicity of a water level.  Works around corners and past obstructions in line-of-sight.

Pro-tip:
Use windshield washer fluid and a "t" in the line for 4 position leveling goodness.

This is only slightly related, but I own a cheap laser level, and a digital level.  My friend Doug's wife rolled her eyes and shook her head sadly when I showed them the two decimal places it measured to, because she knew Doug would not accept 89.95 degrees when it should be 90.

She doesn't know that is why I showed it to him.

bentwrench said:

Water level....

You just need a transparent piece of hose long enough to reach.

No. 
 

I owned one for twenty years and recently donated it to the trash. It was good for the original job, but I need something a little less fiddly here. 

I'm looking for no-handed operation here.

In reply to Keith Tanner :

I know where the low-ish spots are, and I can narrow in on them with the shop vac. I can see the water as it back fills.
 

But I need to chisel a shallow channel over a span of 14 feet in order to help the stray water find it's way home, and I'd like to maintain a proper pitch.