INTRODUCTION

Nowadays, in surveying the use electronic distance measurement (EDM) is widespread

that it would make surveying work faster and accurate. EDM is a method of determining the
length between two points using phase changes that occur as electromagnetic energy waves
travels from one end of the line to the other end. Using EDM, for example in the application
of traversing and combined networks in control surveys covering large area will be more
efficient in order to produce maps and plan and many modern setting-out techniques would
be impossible without EDM equipment.

EDM was first introduced in the late 1950’s in South Africa. At first EDM were
complicated, large, heavy and suited primarily for long distances. But now, infrared or
microwaves are use in EDM. The first EDM instrument was called geodimeter and it was
developed in Sweden in the year 1948. Geodimeter is geodetic distance meter developed
based on a modulated light beam. The second instrument of EDM was developed in Africa in
the year 1957 named tellurometer. This instrument employs modulated microwaves.
Nowadays, we already have modern EDM that displays distance in digital form and many
gains microcomputers that calculates horizontal and vertical distance and also show sloped
distance. EDM equipment are incorporated along with theodolites. These record distance and
angles simultaneously. The data obtained from EDM is stored in a data collector and later
downloaded for processing using computer software.

Figure 1 : EDM
 CONTENT

Electronic distance measurement in general term used as a method for distance

measurement by electronic means. In this method instruments are used to measure distance
that rely on propagation, reflection and reception of electromagnetic waves like radio, visible
light or infrared waves.

EDM instruments are classified based on the type of carrier waves as a

microwave instruments, infrared wave instruments and light wave instruments. Microwave
instruments were invented as early 1950 in South Africa by Dr. T.L. Wadley and named them
as tellurometer. In infrared wave instruments, amplitude modulated are used. Prism reflectors
are used at the end of line to be measured. These instruments are light and economica and can
be mounted on theodolite. Visible light wave instruments rely on propagation of modulated
light waves. This type of instrument was first developed in Sweden and was named as
geodimeter.

Principle of Electronic Distance Measurement

1. Electromagnetic Waves

An EDM uses electromagnetic waves to determine the length of a line. The energy originates
at an instrument at one end of a line and it is transmitted to a reflector at the other end from
where it is returned to the originating instrument. Although electromagnetic waves are
extremely complex in nature, they can be represented in periodic sinusoidal waves.

Figure 2 : sinusoidal wave

2. Distance Determination
An EDM uses the EM signal signature and determines distance sing a phase shift. The
EM signal has a sinusoidal wave form.
 3. Distance Reduction
An EDM measures the line of sight distance between the instrument and reflector.
This is a slope distance. In order to determine horizontal or vertical distance
additional information is needed. Combining an EDM with a digital theodolite results
in a Total Station Instrument (TSI)

4. Reflector
Any surface capable of reflecting the electro-optical signal will allow distance
measurement. However, the more efficient the reflector, the stronger the returned
signal and the longer distance which can be measured.

Characteristic of Electronic Distance Measurement

1. Distance Range
Distance can be measured up to 1 km using a single prism under average
atmospheric conditions. Short range EDM instruments can measure up to 1250 m
using a ssingle prism. Long range EDM instruments can be used for the
measurement up to 15km using prisms

2. Measuring time
The time measuring required is 1.5 sec for short range measurements and up to 4
sec for long range measurement. Both accuracy and time are considerably reduced
for tracking mode measurements.

3. Slope Reduction
Manual or automatic in some models. The average of repeated measurements is
available on some models.

4. Battery Capability
1500-5000 measurement depending on the power of the battery and the
temperature.

5. Non-prism Measurements
Non-prism measurements are available with some models. They can measure up
to 100-350 m in the case of non-prism measurements.
 Error in Electronic Distance Measurement Instruments

Personal Errors
o Inaccuracy in initial setups of EDMs and the reflectors over the preferred stations

o Instrument and reflector measurements going wrong

o Atmospheric pressures and temperature determination errors

Instrumental Errors
o Calibration errors

o Chances of getting maladjusted time to time generating frequent errors

o Errors shown by the reflectors

Natural Errors
o Atmospheric variations in temperature, pressure as well as humidity. Micro wave EDM
instruments are more susceptible to these.

o Multiple refraction of the signals.

 CONCLUSION

There are many advantages of using Electronic Measurement such as most of the
quantities can be converted by transducers into the electrical or electronicsignals, The
measurement can easily be obtained in or converted into digital form for automaticanalysis
and recording. The measured signals can be transmitted over long distances with the help of
cables orradio links, without any loss of information. EDM also have disadvantage which is it
might be expensive.

Errors can also be produced using EDM even this instrument required high technology.
The errors are calibration errors, atmospheric pressure, temperature and many more. So we as
a surveyor must avoid the error.
 REFERENCES

 Surveying for engineers ( J.Uren and W.F. Price, third edition )

 https://theconstructor.org/surveying/electronic-distance-measurement-
instrument/6576/
 https://prezi.com/hvfwvz5olo1g/electronic-distance-measurement-edm/
 https://www.coursehero.com/file/p3hrh7/Advantages-of-Electronic-
Measurement-The-advantages-of-an-electronic/
ASSIGNMENT 2 : HISTORY OF ELECTRONIC DISTANCE MEASUREMENT

FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, PLANNING AND SURVEYING

UITM SHAH ALAM SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN

BACHELOR OF SURVEYING SCIENCE AND GEOMATICS (HONOURS)

GLS458 BASIC ENGINEERING SURVEYING

NAME : NUR NADIA SYAZNEE BT MOHD ZUKI

ID : 2017643098

CLASS : AP2202B

PREPARED FOR :

Assoc. Prof. Sr Dr. Hj. Abd. Manan Hj. Samad

ASSIGNMENT 2 : HISTORY OF ELECTRONIC DISTANCE MEASUREMENT

FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, PLANNING AND SURVEYING

UITM SHAH ALAM SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN

BACHELOR OF SURVEYING SCIENCE AND GEOMATICS (HONOURS)

GLS458 BASIC ENGINEERING SURVEYING

NAME : SITI ZULAIKHA BINTI NORIZAN

ID : 2017643132

CLASS : AP2202B

PREPARED FOR :

Assoc. Prof. Sr Dr. Hj. Abd. Manan Hj. Samad