Distance Measurement: EDM and Total Stations

Abstract

In civil engineering and construction the use of electromagnetic distance measurement (EDM) is now so widespread that it would be difficult to imagine contemporary site surveying without it. The rapid development of EDM equipment in recent years has enabled the surveyor and engineer to measure distances much more easily and to a higher precision than is possible using taping or optical methods. As a result of these technical advances, many changes have taken place in surveying techniques. For example, the application of traversing and combined networks in control surveys covering large areas is commonplace; detail surveying using theodolite-mounted EDM and total stations gives rise to more efficient methods of producing maps and plans and many modern setting-out techniques would be impossible without EDM equipment.