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Electronic Distance Measurements: Edms and Total Stations

Electronic distance measurements (EDMs) provide more accurate distance measurements than traditional tape measurements. EDMs use electromagnetic waves to determine distance between the EDM and a reflector. The distance is calculated based on the phase difference between the transmitted and received signals, accounting for the wavelength and speed of the electromagnetic waves. Total stations integrate EDMs and theodolites into a single unit, allowing for simultaneous measurement of distance, horizontal and vertical angles to determine x, y, z coordinates. Total stations offer advantages like ease of use, onboard software, and digital data storage compared to traditional measurement methods.

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61 views13 pages

Electronic Distance Measurements: Edms and Total Stations

Electronic distance measurements (EDMs) provide more accurate distance measurements than traditional tape measurements. EDMs use electromagnetic waves to determine distance between the EDM and a reflector. The distance is calculated based on the phase difference between the transmitted and received signals, accounting for the wavelength and speed of the electromagnetic waves. Total stations integrate EDMs and theodolites into a single unit, allowing for simultaneous measurement of distance, horizontal and vertical angles to determine x, y, z coordinates. Total stations offer advantages like ease of use, onboard software, and digital data storage compared to traditional measurement methods.

Uploaded by

haggai ngosa
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Electronic distance

measurements
EDMs and Total stations
Why EDMs?

 Distance measurement using chains and tapes is a very


challenging task
 Tape of limited length and many tape lengths combined
 Huge field party required
• Need several corrections for accurate measurements
• requires a lot of experience
 Difficult to use in inaccessible terrain
 Hilly areas
 Water logged areas
 Gorges

 Need for equipment that provides accurate distance


measurements at a press of a button
Challenges in tape measurements

A A1 A2 A3 A4 B

Plumb bob

D1
A
D2

D3
B

D = D1 + D2 + D3
How it works
EDM Reflector
Electromagnetic waves
 EM wave modeled as sinusoidal wave
 Have predictable properties by which all EM radiation is defined

One wavelength
or cycle

Wave travels at
Speed V

Wavelength (λ m) is distance covered by a wave in one cycle


Frequency (f Herz or 1 cycle per second) is number of times a
wave completes a cycle in one second
Speed (v) of EM in a vacuum (c) is 299 792 458 m s-1
Properties of EM is related by: v=fλ
Phase of the wave

Amax
Amplitude

A0
0 90 180 270 360/0 90 φ°

Sinusoidal wave as function of phase angle

Instantaneous amplitude of sinusoidal wave is expressed


by:A = A sinφ + A
max 0

Amax – is the maximum amplitude developed by source


A0 – is the reference amplitude
Φ is the phase angle
Angular degrees or radians are used to measure the
phase angle up to maximum of 360° or 2Л radians
Phase differences and distances

 Distance determined by difference in phase between


transmitted and received signal
 Phase difference expressed as fraction of cycle that can be
converted into distance if velocity and frequency of wave
are known

B A’
A

Φ1 = 0° Φ2 = 90°

∆λm
nλm

D D

2D  nm  m
Phase difference and distance

2D  nm  m
Distance D made up of two elements

 The phase difference ∆λ,


• which is determined using electrical phase
detectors built into the instrument
 The ambiguity nλ which can be resolved using
one of the three methods
a) Varying wavelength in multiples of 10 so that a coarse
measurement of D is made enabling n is to be deduced
b) Using different but closely related wavelengths and solving
simultaneous equations of the form D
c) Using electronic devices to solve the problem automatically
EDM System

 Many EDM systems exist on the market


 Those that use reflectors
 Those that are reflector less
 Theodolite mounted systems
 Total stations
Manual total stations
Robotic systems
Servo motor systems
Spatial stations
 distancers
Theodolite Mounted EDMs

 Optical theodolite mounted EDMs


Theodolite Mounted EDMs

 Digital theodolite mounted EDMs


 Separate systems
 Integrated systems
Total Stations

 Many types depending on requirements and budget


Advantages of total stations

 EDM and Theodolite integrated in one unit


 Easier and lighter to carry
 X,Y, Z coordinates can be determined simultaneously
 Has onboard software for survey computations and
operations
 All measurements can be stored on the system
 Fully digital - eliminates booking and reading errors
 Data downloaded on the computer for further processing
 Latest versions are integrated with digital cameras
 Gives the pictorial view of the surveyed areas

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