Gather data faster in the field or lab
Durable and self-contained, the CI-202 Portable Laser Leaf Area Meter measures virtually any type of leaf, needle, or seed.
Plant physiology
Analyzing precise leaf area measurements to track and relate changes in shape characteristics to physiological function.

Forestry & environmental applications
Taking measurements non-destructively, the CI-202 allows forestry and climate researchers to collect essential data without disturbing the environments they study.

Crop research & agronomy
Agronomists optimize crop production using leaf area measurements to track crop health in response to environmental and nutrition changes.

Plant physiology
Analyzing precise leaf area measurements to track and relate changes in shape characteristics to physiological function.
Forestry & environmental applications
Taking measurements non-destructively, the CI-202 allows forestry and climate researchers to collect essential data without disturbing the environments they study.
Crop research & agronomy
Agronomists optimize crop production using leaf area measurements to track crop health in response to environmental and nutrition changes.


Modeling ecosystem functioning with precise plant data
In conjunction with LECA, PhyloAlps Project and Swiss Federal Research Institute, Amélie Saillard and her team use the CI-202 Portable Laser Leaf Area Meter to measure functional traits throughout the Alps, gathering vital information on each of the nearly 3500 alpine vegetal species.
View the full story here....
Measure & communicate with ease
Precise laser scanner measurements, on-board data logger, and simple USB transfer make the CI-202 a must-have for researchers who want to work confidently and efficiently.

Highly precise laser measurements
The handheld scan head is capable of measuring leaf area with a resolution of 0.01cm2.
Durable and field-ready
Highly durable, but lightweight aluminum alloy construction.
High-capacity measurement storage
Store up to 8000 measurements in-situ with the built-in data logger.
Ready to use
The CI-202 allows you to begin taking measurements right out of the box, no user calibration required.
6 measurements with one scan
Measures area, length, width, and perimeter & calculates shape factor and aspect ratio.
1
Highly precise laser measurements
The handheld scan head is capable of measuring leaf area with a resolution of 0.01cm2.
2
Durable and field-ready
Highly durable, but lightweight aluminum alloy construction.
3
High-capacity measurement storage
Store up to 8000 measurements in-situ with the built-in data logger.
4
Ready to use
The CI-202 allows you to begin taking measurements right out of the box, no user calibration required.
5
6 measurements with one scan
Measures area, length, width, and perimeter & calculates shape factor and aspect ratio.
More than 670+ published
research papers
using leaf area measurement
Disruption of lysosomal targeting is associated with insecticidal potency of juvenile hormone esterase
Date: 1997
Publication: Applied Physical Sciences: volume 94, pages 6007-6012
Author(s): Bryony C. Bonning, Vernon K. Ward, Marnix M. M. van MEER, Tim F. Booth, and Bruce D. Hammock
Country:
Relationships between Leaf Area Index and Landsat TM Spectral Vegetation Indices across Three Temperate Zone Sites
Date: 1999
Publication: Remote Sensing of Environment: volume 70, issue 1, pages 52-68
Author(s): David P. Turner, Warren B. Cohen, Robert E. Kennedy, Karin S. Fassnacht, John M. Briggs
Country:
Foliar application of pyraclostrobin fungicide enhances the growth, rhizobial-nodule formation and nitrogenase activity in soybean (var. JS-335)
Date: 2014
Publication: Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology
Author(s): Joshi, J., Sharma, S., Guruprasad, K.
Country:
Request a live demonstration
High precision leaf area measurement in the field or lab

One scan,
6 measurements
The Leaf Area Meter measures leaf area, length, width, and perimeter &
calculates shape factor and aspect ratio.

No calibration
required
Ready to use right out of the box, the Leaf Area Meter allows you to begin
taking measurements immediately.

Easy data transfer &
charging
Transfer data and charge the device with a straightforward USB interface.

Accurate measurements of challenging leaf types
The built-in, transparent protective sheath allows for accurate measurements of
even curled leaves by carefully flattening them during the scanning process.

Painless to
pack
The handheld scan head and detachable pallet design allow for easy
transportation to any field location.

Instant measurement
verification
Verify measurements in real-time with the built-in, high-contrast LCD screen.




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How does the Portable Laser Leaf Area Meter work?
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- The CI-202 is a laser scanner. While over the scan area, the laser light is reflected back to a photodiode which measures the light intensity. The light intensity is compared with the threshold voltage to generate a digital output that is ready to be processed by the micro controller unit.
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What improvements were made with the latest product redesign?
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Providing users with accurate measurements in an easy-to-use form factor are our primary goals. To achieve this objective, the Plant Canopy Imager went through a complete overhaul in 2018. Major improvements included the addition of an on-board touchscreen for easy measurement visualization and the combination of all device parts into one, easily hand-held device.
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Is the CI-202 waterproof?
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The CI-202 is not designed to be waterproof and should not be used underwater. The CI-202 is designed to be water-resistant. Use in light rain is fine, however, there are electronics that can be damaged from water entering the instrument, so it is not recommended to use the CI-202 during heavy rainfall.
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Does this product come with a warranty?
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All CID instruments come with a 12-month warranty from the point of sale. The warranty covers repairing and replacing defective parts of the instrument that were manufactured directly by CID Bio-Science. The warranty does not cover wear and tear, neglect, misuse, accident, or excessive deterioration. Further, repair and alteration by an unauthorized party voids the warranty. More information can be found in the operation manual of your instrument.
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What different types of researchers use the Portable Laser Leaf Area Meter?
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Plant physiology, forestry, environmental, and crop researchers all benefit enormously from the metrics that the Portable Laser Leaf Area Meter provides.

Have additional questions?
Click the link below to speak with one of our staff scientists about your specific application.
Specifications
Measuring Thickness | 1.5 cm maximum | |
Measuring Width | 15 cm maximum | |
Measuring Length | 36 cm | |
Scanner | 670 nm laser | |
Resolution | 0.01 cm2 | |
Accuracy | ±1% for samples >10 cm² | |
Interface | USB 2.0 | |
Memory Size | 8,000 measurements |
Dimensions | 38.5L x 29W x 12.5H cm | |
Weight | 1,500 g | |
Display | 16 characters x 2 lines LCD | |
Scanning Speed | 200 mm/second | |
Battery | 7.2 volt rechargeable NiMH | |
Battery Capacity | Over 250 scans per charge | |
Operating Temperature | 0-50 °C |
Theory of operation
The CI-202 measures length, width, area, and perimeter, and calculates ratio and shape factor once a measurement is completed.
Each time the control unit detects that the laser scanner has progressed 1 mm, the computer checks to see if the width reading is non-zero. If the width measurement is non-zero, the computer takes the following actions:
- The length measurement is increased by 1 mm.
- The width measurement is added to the area accumulator.
- If the width measurement is greater than the currently stored maximum width, the maximum width is updated.
Aspect ratio is the ratio of the leaf length to its maximum width:
Shape factor is the ratio of the leaf area to the leaf perimeter, corrected so that the shape factor of a circle is equal to 1:
Get to know the CI-202 Portable Laser Leaf Area Meter
The CI-202 Portable Laser Area Meter uses advanced laser technology to allow researchers a precise and convenient way to measure leaf area (or the areas of leaf-like objects).
Durable and field-ready
Store more than 8000 data points on the device and export for further statistical analysis.
Product support
At CID Bio-Science we are committed to delivering the highest level of customer support and service. Need help? Click the button below to browse our resources and help guides or get in touch with our expert support staff.
Request a quote for a CI-202 Portable Laser Leaf Area Meter
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