EDM /Total Station

Topic Learning Outcomes

At the end of this topic, student should be able to:
(refer to CLO1)
1. Describe basic principles of distance measurement by
electronic method
2. Discuss two types of EDM systems
3. Explain briefly the latest development of EDM/Total Station
instrument
4. Usage of EDM/TS in civil engineering works
5. Interpret EDM/TS errors and the effects
 Principle is a
fundamental source
or basis of something
An electronic communications system using electronic signals
• An EDM uses electromagnetic (EM) energy to determine
the length of a line.
• The energy originates at an instrument at one end of a
line and is transmitted to a "reflector" at the other
end from where it is returned to the originating
instrument.
• The nature of the "reflector" is dependant on the type of
EM. If electro-optical (infrared or laser) EM is used then
the "reflector" is typically a passive medium which
bounces the signal back.
• If the EM is microwave, then the reflector is a second
instrument which captures the incoming energy and re-
transits it back to the originating instrument.
Among these waves microwaves, infrared waves and visible light waves are useful for
the distance measurement.
In EDM instruments these waves are generated, modulated and then propagated. They are
reflected at the point up to which distance is to be measured from the instrument station and
again received by the instrument. The time taken by the wave to travel this 2x distance may
be measured and knowing the velocity of wave, the distance may be calculated.
However time is too short, measuring the time taken is difficult.
The improved techniques use phase difference method in which the number of completed
wave and incomplete wave is measured.
Knowing the length of wave, distances are calculated.
Principle of distance measurement by
electronic method (Electro Optical)

Fig 1 - Electro-optical System

Electro-optics is a branch of electrical engineering and material physics
involving components, devices (e.g. Lasers, LEDs, waveguides etc.) and
systems which operate by the propagation and interaction of light with
various tailored materials. It is essentially the same, as what is popularly
described today as photonics.
Electro Optical: Infrared Wave Instruments
• In this instrument amplitude modulated infrared waves
are used.
• Prism reflectors are used at the end of line to be
measured. These instruments are light and economical
and can be mounted on theodolite.
• With these instruments accuracy achieved is ± 10 mm.
The range of these instruments is up to 3 km.
• These instruments are useful for most of the civil
engineering works.
 Electro Optical: Light Wave Instruments

• These instruments rely on propagation of modulated light

waves.
• This type of instrument was first developed in Sweden and
was named as Geodimeter.
• During night its range is up to 2.5 km while in day its range is
up to 3 km.
• Accuracy of these instruments varies from 0.5 mm to 5
mm/km distance. These instruments are also very useful for
civil engineering projects.

• The advantage of using EDM instruments is the speed and

accuracy in measurement. Several obstacles to chaining are
automatically overcome when these instruments are used.
Built up microprocessors provided in the
instrument calculate the distances and
display it by liquid crystal display (LCD).
 Principle of distance measurement by
electronic method (Microwave System)

Geodimeter

Fig 2 - Microwave System

Tellurometer
 Micro Wave Instruments
• These instruments make use of micro waves. Such instruments
were invented as early as 1950 in South Africa by Dr. T.L. Wadley
and named them as Tellurometers.
• The instrument needs only 12 to 24 V batteries.
Hence they are light and highly portable.
• Tellurometers can be used in day as well as in night.
• The range of these instruments is up to 100 km.
• It consists of two identical units.
One unit is used as master unit and the other as remote unit.
• Just by pressing a button, a master unit can be converted into a
remote unit and a remote unit into a master unit.
• It needs two skilled persons to operate.
• A speech facility is provided to each operator to interact during
measurements.
Electro-optical EDMs use the velocity of
light waves (visible light) to determine
the distance between two points. The
earliest of these instruments, typified by
the Geodimeter, was developed during
the same decade as the electromagnetic
EDMs. Like the electromagnetic
instruments, the first generation of
electro-optical instruments were heavy,
bulky, and not well suited to the needs of
the practicing surveyor;
however, through later development, modern electro-optical EDMs are smaller,
lighter, easier to use, and require less power. Modern short-range instruments
have ranges from 0.3 miles to 3 miles. Longer range instruments,
using coherent laser light, have ranges from 50 feet to 36 miles.
Uses of EDM / Total Station in civil engineering works