EDMs classification based on range - 3.2.2 | 3. Modern Field Survey Systems | Surveying and Geomatics
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High Range EDMs

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Teacher
Teacher

Today, we will explore the classification of EDMs based on range. First, can anyone tell me what high-range EDMs are used for?

Student 1
Student 1

High-range EDMs measure distances up to 100 km, right?

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! They use radio waves to achieve such long-range measurements. This capacity makes them ideal for extensive surveying projects. Can anyone think of a surveying scenario where a high-range EDM would be beneficial?

Student 3
Student 3

Maybe for surveying large land areas or during geodetic measurements?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! They are essential in geodetics. Remember, the acronym 'RANGE' can help you recall this: Radio waves for A long-distance, and Geodetic endeavors efficiently. Let's move on to the next category.

Medium Range EDMs

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Teacher
Teacher

Now, let's talk about medium-range EDMs. Who can summarize their key characteristics?

Student 2
Student 2

They use microwaves and can measure distances up to 25 km.

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! Microwave technology is what sets them apart. This makes them versatile for various engineering tasks. Why might someone choose a medium-range EDM over a high-range one?

Student 4
Student 4

Maybe because medium-range EDMs are more practical for closer projects?

Teacher
Teacher

Spot on! Remember, medium is for practical use, so think 'Medium Equals Efficiency' when considering equipment choices. Now let's shift to short-range EDMs.

Short Range EDMs

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Teacher
Teacher

Lastly, can someone explain what short-range EDMs are and their functions?

Student 1
Student 1

They use infrared or visible light for measurements up to 5 km!

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! These instruments focus on high precision over shorter distances. Can you think of a situation they would excel in?

Student 3
Student 3

For detailed civil engineering projects, like measuring in tight spaces?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! Think of the acronym 'LIGHT' - for Low distances, Infrared or Visible for high-precision Tasks. Understanding these classifications helps surveyors pick the right tool. To recap: high-range EDMs for geodetic, medium for practical engineering, and short for detailed work!

Introduction & Overview

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Quick Overview

The classification of Electronic Distance Measuring (EDM) devices by their operational range is crucial for selecting the appropriate equipment for surveying tasks.

Standard

EDMs are categorized based on the type of electromagnetic waves they use and their measurement range. High-range EDMs utilize radio waves for distances up to 100 km, medium-range EDMs employ microwave technology for distances up to 25 km, and short-range EDMs utilize infrared or visible light for distances up to 5 km. Understanding these classifications allows surveyors to select the right tool for specific surveying conditions.

Detailed

EDM Classification Based on Range

Electronic Distance Measuring (EDM) devices are vital tools in modern surveying, allowing for precise measurements over various ranges. The classification of EDMs is determined by the type of electromagnetic (EM) waves they use and their effective operational range:

  1. High Range: Utilizes radio wave equipment, capable of measuring distances up to 100 km. This type is typically used in extensive surveying projects, where long-range measurement is essential.
  2. Medium Range: Employs microwave technology with frequency modulation for ranges up to 25 km. These instruments strike a balance between performance and practicality, suitable for numerous engineering tasks.
  3. Short Range: Utilizes electro-optical equipment that employs amplitude-modulated infrared or visible light for ranges up to 5 km. They are beneficial in tasks requiring high precision over shorter distances.

Together, these classifications of EDMs facilitate better planning and execution of surveying tasks, depending on the environmental and project-specific requirements.

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Classification of EDMs by Range

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The EDMs are also classified on the basis of their range of electro-magnetic (EM) waves (Subramanian, 2012), as:
(a) High range- radio wave equipment for ranges up to 100 km
(b) Medium range- microwave equipment with frequency modulation for ranges up to 25 km
(c) Short range- electro-optical equipment using amplitude modulated infra-red or visible light for ranges up to 5 km

Detailed Explanation

EDMs are categorized based on the type of electromagnetic waves they use and their respective measurement ranges.
- High range equipment, which utilizes radio waves, can measure distances up to 100 km. This is useful for large-scale projects where long distances need to be measured quickly and accurately.
- Medium range devices employ microwaves and are capable of measuring distances up to 25 km, suitable for medium-scale surveys.
- Short range EDMs use infra-red or visible light for distances up to 5 km, typically used in more localized projects. This range makes them ideal for detailed construction and engineering work in confined areas.

Examples & Analogies

Think of measuring the distance from your home to a distant city - you would need a different tool than measuring the distance to your neighbor's house. For long distances, like the city, a tool that can reach far away is essential (high range). For your neighbor, a simpler tool would suffice (short range). Similarly, engineers choose specialized EDMs for the task at hand, depending on how far they need to survey.

Electromagnetic Spectrum and Its Application

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Sunlight or electromagnetic spectrum consists of different wavelengths at different frequency. Various wavelength regions of EM waves are shown in Figure 3.4. The EDMs are now-a-days incorporated in electronic theodolites (or Total Stations) that can automatically measure vertical angle to compute horizontal and vertical distances. The present EDM instruments have several other useful features; laser plummet, 30x magnification, high resolution LCD display, upload and transfer of data, data editing and exchange, and bluetooth connectivity.

Detailed Explanation

The electromagnetic spectrum encompasses a range of wavelengths from sunlight, which forms the foundation of how EDMs operate. Different EDM devices utilize various parts of this spectrum to measure distances. Modern EDMs are integrated into Total Stations for enhanced functionality, allowing automatic measurement of angles and distances. They also come with useful features such as laser plummets for precise alignment, high magnification for better visibility, and capabilities to engage with digital platforms for data management. This integration improves efficiency and accuracy in surveying operations.

Examples & Analogies

Just as a smartphone combines multiple features like a camera, GPS, and a communications device into one handy gadget, modern EDMs combine distance measurement with various technological features. Imagine trying to navigate a new city with only a paper map versus having a GPS-enabled device that guides you with real-time directions and traffic updates—EDMs are the advanced navigators for surveyors, enabling them to work efficiently on site.

Microwave-Based EDMs

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The microwave-based EDMs make use of microwaves, such as Tellurometers, in the wavelength from 10 cm and 3 cm. The range of these instruments is up to 100 km with an error of ±5 to 15 mm/km. They can also be used in night and in adverse weather conditions. They consist of two identical units; where one unit is used as master unit and the other as remote unit. The master unit can be converted into a remote unit and a remote unit into a master unit, if required. Each unit is kept at two ends of a line to determine the distance. For long distance measurement, a communication facility is provided with each unit to interact with survey team members during the measurements.

Detailed Explanation

Microwave-based EDMs, like the Tellurometer, use specific wavelengths of microwaves for accurate long-distance measurements. These instruments can measure distances up to 100 km with a small margin for error, which is crucial for precision in surveying. One unique feature is the ability to switch roles between the master and remote units, allowing flexibility during surveys. Communication capabilities further enhance coordination among the surveying team during measurements, making these tools effective for various conditions, including nighttime or inclement weather.

Examples & Analogies

Consider using walkie-talkies to communicate with a friend while you’re both racing each other across a large field. Excellent for long distances, but you need to stay in touch to make sure you’re both on the same page—this is similar to how microwave-based EDMs operate, with one unit acting as the leader (master) sending signals to the follower (remote), allowing for accurate and coordinated distance measurements across vast areas.

Infrared and Visible Light EDMs

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Visible light or infrared wave-based EDMs rely on propagation of modulated waves, such as Geodimeter or Distomat (Gopi et.al., 2017). The instrument is kept at one end and the reflecting prism at the other end of a line. These instruments are light and economical, and can also be mounted on the top of a theodolite. Such EDMs are very useful for civil engineering projects, as the accuracy of these measurements varies from 0.2 mm/km to 1 mm/km distance. They can be used to measure distance up to 5 km.

Detailed Explanation

Infrared and visible light EDMs utilize light waves to facilitate distance measurement. Instruments like the Geodimeter or Distomat reflect light off a prism to calculate distances, making them lightweight and cost-effective options for surveyors. They possess high accuracy, typically ranging from 0.2 mm/km to 1 mm/km, and are effective for distances up to 5 km, making them particularly suitable for civil engineering applications where precision is crucial.

Examples & Analogies

Think of how a flashlight works; it sends out a beam of light that can reflect off a surface leading you to know how far away something is in a dark room. Similarly, infrared EDMs shine a light (literally!) that bounces back from a prism, allowing surveyors to measure distances with impressive accuracy without needing heavy equipment.

Definitions & Key Concepts

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Key Concepts

  • High Range EDM: Uses radio waves for distances up to 100 km.

  • Medium Range EDM: Employs microwaves for up to 25 km.

  • Short Range EDM: Utilizes infrared/visible light for up to 5 km.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

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Examples

  • High-range EDMs are used in geodetic projects like national boundary surveying.

  • Medium-range EDMs are utilized in urban engineering and construction site surveying.

  • Short-range EDMs are perfect for high-precision measurements in civil engineering projects.

Memory Aids

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🎵 Rhymes Time

  • For distances that are high, choose radio waves to fly.

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Imagine a surveyor needing to measure a vast distance across layers of fog. They choose a high-range EDM that uses radio waves, clearing the misty obstacles ahead.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • R-M-S: Radio for High, Microwave for Medium, and Short for Infrared.

🎯 Super Acronyms

MEMBER

  • Medium EDM for Efficient Measurement in Building Engineering Requirements.

Flash Cards

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Glossary of Terms

Review the Definitions for terms.

  • Term: EDM

    Definition:

    Electronic Distance Measuring device used for measuring distances using electromagnetic waves.

  • Term: High Range EDM

    Definition:

    EDMs that utilize radio waves to measure distances up to 100 km.

  • Term: Medium Range EDM

    Definition:

    EDMs that use microwave technology for distances up to 25 km.

  • Term: Short Range EDM

    Definition:

    EDMs that use infrared or visible light for distances up to 5 km.