Name: surveying with light and microwave edms
Uploaded: 2025-08-29T12:09:50.000Z
Duration: 1 min 30 s
Channel: JoVE

K12 Standards

Alabama Course of Study Science

9-12

Earth and Space Science

Earth's Systems

9-12.ESS.2.8.a

electronic-distance-measuring-instruments

Electronic Distance Measuring Instruments

Electronic Distance Measuring Instruments (EDM) measure distances precisely using either light waves or microwave signals.&#160;Both methods send an electromagnetic signal from the instrument to a reflector at the target point and back to the device.&#160;The time taken for the signal&#8217;s return allows the EDM to calculate the distance accurately.Instruments using light-based signals are generally effective for shorter, clear-line distances.&#160;These instruments typically use infrared or laser light, which ensures high accuracy when environmental conditions are clear.&#160;On the other hand, microwave-based EDMs are well-suited to longer distances and can operate effectively in challenging weather since microwaves penetrate obstacles like fog and rain.Within these signal types, EDMs measure distances using Phase Shift or Timed-Pulse methods.&#160;Phase Shift EDMs measure the phase difference between the outgoing and incoming signals, achieving high precision over short distances.&#160;Timed-pulse EDMs measure the time it takes for the signal to travel to the target and return, allowing for accurate long-range measurements.&#160;These approaches provide adaptability across various surveying tasks, enhancing accuracy and efficiency in distance measurement.

instrumentos eletrônicos de medição de distância

Instrumentos Eletr&#244;nicos de Medi&#231;&#227;o de Dist&#226;ncia (EDMs) s&#227;o ferramentas essenciais em levantamentos modernos, oferecendo medi&#231;&#245;es precisas de dist&#226;ncia emitindo sinais eletromagn&#233;ticos e calculando o tempo necess&#225;rio para que esses sinais viajem at&#233; um alvo e retornem. Dois tipos principais de sinais s&#227;o usados &#8203;&#8203;em EDMs &#8212; ondas de luz e micro-ondas &#8212; cada um adequado para requisitos ambientais e de dist&#226;ncia espec&#237;ficos. EDMs baseados em ondas de luz utilizam luz infravermelha ou laser, fornecendo alta precis&#227;o em curtas dist&#226;ncias em condi&#231;&#245;es clim&#225;ticas claras. Por outro lado, EDMs baseados em micro-ondas s&#227;o otimizados para medi&#231;&#245;es de longa dist&#226;ncia. Eles podem manter a funcionalidade em condi&#231;&#245;es clim&#225;ticas adversas, pois as micro-ondas s&#227;o menos afetadas por obstru&#231;&#245;es ambientais como neblina, chuva ou poeira.
EDMs de ondas de luz dependem de ondas eletromagn&#233;ticas no espectro infravermelho ou vis&#237;vel, o que permite medi&#231;&#245;es precisas em condi&#231;&#245;es ideais. No entanto, fatores como densidade atmosf&#233;rica e interfer&#234;ncia de part&#237;culas podem afetar a precis&#227;o. EDMs baseados em laser s&#227;o particularmente valiosos em aplica&#231;&#245;es que exigem alta precis&#227;o em ambientes desobstru&#237;dos, como projetos de constru&#231;&#227;o ou engenharia. EDMs baseados em micro-ondas operam dentro da faixa de frequ&#234;ncia de micro-ondas, permitindo que eles atravessem efetivamente interfer&#234;ncias atmosf&#233;ricas, tornando-os ideais para levantamento topogr&#225;fico e avalia&#231;&#245;es de localiza&#231;&#227;o remota.
Os EDMs podem operar usando os m&#233;todos de medi&#231;&#227;o defasagem de fase ou pulso cronometrado. Os EDMs de defasagem de fase determinam dist&#226;ncias comparando a diferen&#231;a de fase entre sinais emitidos e refletidos, alcan&#231;ando alta precis&#227;o para dist&#226;ncias curtas. Este m&#233;todo &#233; particularmente vantajoso quando a precis&#227;o &#233; primordial, como em aplica&#231;&#245;es geod&#233;sicas ou de engenharia. Por outro lado, os EDMs de pulso cronometrado calculam a dist&#226;ncia com base no atraso de tempo entre o sinal de sa&#237;da e o de entrada. Este m&#233;todo &#233; adequado para medi&#231;&#245;es de longo alcance onde a prioridade &#233; a aquisi&#231;&#227;o eficiente de dados em &#225;reas expansivas. As medi&#231;&#245;es de pulso cronometrado s&#227;o frequentemente usadas em mapeamento geoespacial e levantamento de terras.
Juntos, essas tecnologias e m&#233;todos permitem que os EDMs se adaptem a variadas necessidades de levantamento, melhorando a precis&#227;o e a efici&#234;ncia da medi&#231;&#227;o de dist&#226;ncia em v&#225;rias condi&#231;&#245;es ambientais e escopos de projeto.

Instrumentos Eletrônicos de Medição de Distância

Electronic Distance Measuring Instruments (EDMs) are essential tools in modern surveying, offering precise distance measurements by emitting ...

Education

JoVE Core

Civil Engineering

Engenharia Civil

Unit 1

Unidade 1

Introduction to Surveying

Introdução ao Levantamento Topográfico

KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS

TERMOS-CHAVE E CONCEITOS

surveying with light and microwave edms

Electronic distance measuring instruments, or EDMs, help surveyors measure distance with electromagnetic signals. The instrument sends a signal to a target and then calculates how long it takes to return. This makes EDMs a precise tool for modern surveying.

EDMs use two main signal types: light waves and microwaves. Light-wave EDMs use infrared or laser light, so they work well over short distances in clear weather. They give high accuracy, but atmospheric density and particles in the air can reduce their precision.

Laser-based EDMs are especially useful when very exact measurements are needed in open, unobstructed settings. They are often used in construction and engineering projects. Microwave-based EDMs are better for long-distance measurements and can still work in fog, rain, or dust because microwaves are less affected by those conditions. That makes them useful for topographic surveying and remote location assessments.

EDMs also use two measurement methods: phase shift and timed pulse. Phase shift EDMs compare the phase difference between the outgoing and reflected signals. This method is highly accurate for short distances and is useful in geodetic and engineering work. Timed-pulse EDMs measure the delay between the outgoing and incoming signal, which makes them a strong choice for long-range surveying and geospatial mapping.

Surveying With Light and Microwave EDMs

introduction to surveying, plane surveying and geodetic surveys

introduction-to-surveying-plane-surveying-and-geodetic-surveys

Surveying Methods for Land and Construction

Surveying is the art and science of mapping the earth's surface. It uses measurements of distance, horizontal and vertical angles, and levels to describe the shape and size of land features. Surveying is also used to find the level of a land area with reference to a chosen point. It helps map land undulations and water bodies. These measurements give clear data for planning and field work. Two main surveying methods are plane surveying and geodetic surveying. Plane surveying treats the earth...

types of surveys

Survey Methods for Land and Water

Survey methods for land and water help define property boundaries and map features near water bodies. Each survey type has a different job. Together, they give accurate information for land-related projects and development. Land surveys mark property lines. Route surveys show the position of properties along nearby highways. Topographic surveys create maps by recording the three-dimensional features of the land. Hydrographic surveys examine underwater shapes and the movement of streams...

survey safety

Surveying Field Hazards and Protection

Surveying in the field can bring hazards from roads, rough ground, and nearby power lines. Safety starts with planning the work area and avoiding direct work on roads whenever possible. Surveyors often use offsets instead. An offset means measuring from a safer spot away from traffic. Highway work is especially dangerous and must include warning signs and flagmen. If surveyors must work along a road, they need to follow all safety guidelines. Bright clothing, such as orange reflective vests,...

errors and mistakes in surveying

Survey Measurement Errors and Common Mistakes

Survey measurements can be affected by errors and mistakes. These issues create inaccuracies in measured values and in the way data is recorded. In surveying, errors are unintentional deviations from the true value. They can come from human sensory limits, imperfect equipment, or outside conditions. Mistakes are different from errors. They happen when the surveyor loses attention, misunderstands a procedure, or makes a bad judgment call. Common examples include writing down the wrong value,...

distance measurements by taping

Survey Taping Tools for Accurate Distance

Survey taping tools help measure short distances accurately in the field. Surveyors use tapes because they are durable, flexible, and suited for outdoor work. Many tapes are made from lightweight, nylon-coated steel, which helps protect them from rust and wear. Standard tapes are often about 30 meters long and marked in meters and millimeters for precise readings. Surveyors choose a tape based on the site and the level of accuracy needed. Lightweight nylon-coated tapes are common because they...

taping over different ground profiles

Measuring Tape on Uneven Ground

Measuring tape on uneven ground requires careful setup to keep distance readings accurate. On smooth, level ground with little vegetation, the tape can rest directly on the ground. A taping team usually works with a head tapeman and a rear tapeman. The rear tapeman holds the tape at the start point and helps guide the head tapeman toward a range pole beyond the end point. They use hand signals or voice signals to stay aligned. On sloping ground, uneven terrain, or in dense underbrush, the tape...

distance corrections

Correcting Survey Distance Measurements

Survey distance measurements often need corrections to stay accurate. In surveying and construction, the first step is to adjust for standardization error, temperature changes, and slope. These corrections help turn an initial tape measurement into a more reliable final distance. Standardization error happens when measuring equipment changes over time. Wear, repairs, and weather can all affect the tape or tool. Surveyors compare the equipment readings with a standard to find any difference...

errors in taping

Survey Tape Measurement Mistakes

Survey tape measurements can be affected by several common mistakes that reduce accuracy. Misalignment of the tape is one major source of error. A rear tapeman can use a telescope to guide the head tapeman, but human limits still allow small mistakes in alignment, pin placement, and tape reading. Reading the tape can also be confusing when markings are worn with age. A surveyor may mistake a six for a nine or make other small visual errors. These reading mistakes become more common as the tape...

electronic distance measuring instruments

Electronic distance measuring instruments, or EDMs, help surveyors measure distance with electromagnetic signals. The instrument sends a signal to a target and then calculates how long it takes to return. This makes EDMs a precise tool for modern surveying. EDMs use two main signal types: light waves and microwaves. Light-wave EDMs use infrared or laser light, so they work well over short distances in clear weather. They give high accuracy, but atmospheric density and particles in the air can...

design example: measuring distance between two points with obstructions

design-example-measuring-distance-between-two-points-with-obstructions

Offset Method for Measuring Across Obstructions

The offset method helps surveyors measure distance across an obstruction such as a lake in a field. It is useful when a measuring tape cannot be stretched in a straight line over the blocked area. The method lets surveyors estimate the true length without direct line measurement. A surveyor starts by setting up a baseline that lines up with the side of the area across the lake. A telescope is used to check the alignment from one end of the side to the other. This creates an imaginary line over...

key terms and concepts

Learn how EDMs measure distance using light or microwave signals, plus phase shift and timed-pulse methods used in surveying, mapping, and engineering.

Surveying With Light and Microwave EDMs | JoVE K12

JoVE Core Civil Engineering provides a foundational exploration of essential construction materials in civil engineering, focusing on bricks, stones, steel, wood, and concrete through easy-to-understand animated videos. This collection covers the properties, manufacturing processes, and practical applications of these materials. Additionally, the accompanied science-in-action videos demonstrate the research experiments performed in laboratories.

civil engineering

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Physical Properties Of Minerals I: Crystals and Cleavage

Source: Laboratory of Alan Lester - University of Colorado Boulder
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Physical Properties Of Minerals II: Polymineralic Analysis

Source: Laboratory of Alan Lester - University of Colorado Boulder
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Types of Building Stone

Building stones are sourced by extracting rock from natural rock deposits and shaping it into the specific forms and dimensions needed for building ...

4. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the geologic conditions and processes that form different Earth materials.

9-12.ESS.2.4

Igneous Intrusive Rock

Source: Laboratory of Alan Lester - University of Colorado Boulder
Igneous rocks are products of the cooling and crystallization of high temperature ...

Igneous Volcanic Rock

Source: Laboratory of Alan Lester - University of Colorado Boulder
Igneous rocks are the products of cooling and crystallization of magma. Volcanic rocks ...

Quarrying of Stone

Quarrying involves the meticulous extraction of stone from a quarry by either using controlled explosions or precision cutting techniques to remove the ...

a. Plan and carry out investigations to explore the processes that form plutonic (intrusive) and volcanic (extrusive) igneous rocks of differing compositions and textures. Example: Conduct a crystallization experiment to determine how speed of cooling affects crystal size.

9-12.ESS.2.4.a

Acid Attack on Concrete

Acids interacting with concrete dissolve the hydrated cement paste, leading to a softened and structurally weakened material.
Acidity breaks down the ...

Abrasion Resistance of Concrete

Concrete abrasion can occur from vehicular wear on surfaces or abrasive solids in water, which erodes canal linings.
The shot-blast test evaluates ...

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Turbidity and Total Solids in Surface Water

Source: Laboratories of Margaret Workman and Kimberly Frye - Depaul University
Turbidity and total solids are related measurements addressing clarity of ...

b. Analyze and interpret data to explain the effects of mechanical and chemical weathering and erosion on Earth's materials by wind, water, ice, and gravity.

9-12.ESS.2.4.b

Making a Geologic Cross Section

Source: Laboratory of Alan Lester - University of Colorado Boulder
Geologic maps were first made and utilized in Europe, in the mid-to-late 18th century. ...

c. Construct an explanation using evidence from experiments, models, or data of the processes that create and transform igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.

9-12.ESS.2.4.c

Pore Size Distribution

Capillary pores are considerably larger than gel pores, and various pore sizes exist within the hardened cement paste.
In conditions of partial hydration, ...

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Determination of Moisture Content in Soil

Source: Laboratories of Dr. Ian Pepper and Dr. Charles Gerba - The University of Arizona
Demonstrating Author: Bradley Schmitz
Soils normally contain a ...

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Non-destructive Tests for Concrete Strength

Non-destructive tests, such as the rebound hammer test and penetration resistance test, can be used to determine the strength of concrete in an existing ...

d. Plan and conduct an investigation on water's effect on surface and subsurface processes. Examples: Use particles of varying sizes to determine how the speed of water impacts particle distribution. Use the porosity and permeability of particles of various sizes to determine how the size and sorting of particles affects water movement.

9-12.ESS.2.4.d

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Using GIS to Investigate Urban Forestry

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Urban forests broadly include urban parks, street trees, landscaped ...

e. Obtain and communicate information about significant geologic characteristics in Alabama and the southeastern United States. Examples: types of rocks, caves, sinkholes, minerals, energy resources

9-12.ESS.2.4.e

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The Evidence for Evolution

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5. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about major events in Earth's history.

9-12.ESS.2.5

Radioactive Decay and Radiometric Dating

Radioactivity is a spontaneous disintegration of an unstable nuclide and is a random process, as all the nuclei in the sample do not decay simultaneously. ...

Isotopes

Elements have a set number of protons that determines their atomic number (Z). For example, all atoms with eight protons are oxygen; however, the number ...

a. Analyze and interpret data to sequence events in Earth's history, including relative and absolute dating techniques, principles of superposition and crosscutting relationships, igneous intrusions, radiometric dating, and the fossil record.

9-12.ESS.2.5.a

Extinction

The History of Life on Earth
Fossils of organisms that were different from anything alive today had been documented as early as the 17th century, but it ...

b. Construct an explanation based on evidence of how catastrophic and long-term events have impacted life on Earth, including mass extinctions.

9-12.ESS.2.5.b

The Colonization of Land

Changes in the environment of the early Earth drove the evolution of organisms. As prokaryotic organisms in the oceans began to photosynthesize, they ...

The Carbon Cycle

Carbon is the basis of all organic matter on Earth, and is recycled through the ecosystem in two primary processes: one in which carbon is exchanged among ...

What is Photosynthesis?

Photosynthesis is a multipart, biochemical process that occurs in plants as well as in some bacteria. It captures carbon dioxide and solar energy to ...

c. Construct explanations from evidence of how the flow of energy through Earth's systems has changed over time. Example: Earth's oxygen level was lowest during the Cryptozoic Eon (Precambrian) and highest in the Carboniferous.

9-12.ESS.2.5.c

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An Overview of bGDGT Biomarker Analysis for Paleoclimatology

Source: Laboratory of Jeff Salacup&#160;- University of Massachusetts Amherst
Throughout this series of videos, natural samples were extracted and ...

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An Overview of Alkenone Biomarker Analysis for Paleothermometry

d. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about important tectonic and geologic events that have occurred in Alabama over geologic time. Examples: geologic ages and types of rocks, fluctuations in sea levels, temperature changes

9-12.ESS.2.5.d

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Determining Spatial Orientation of Rock Layers with the Brunton Compass

Source: Laboratory of Alan Lester - University of Colorado Boulder
Most rock units exhibit some form of planar surfaces or linear features. Examples ...

Properties of Transition Metals

Transition metals are defined as those elements that have partially filled d orbitals. As shown in Figure 1, the d-block elements in groups 3&#8211;12 are ...

6. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the theory of plate tectonics.

9-12.ESS.2.6

a. Construct an evidence-based explanation of continental drift, basing conclusions on comparisons of coastlines, fossils, ages of rocks, climate, and magnetic patterns.

9-12.ESS.2.6.a

b. Construct an explanation, based on evidence, of tectonic plate movement, types of plate boundaries, and how boundary type relates to specific tectonic features, including mountain ranges, earthquakes, volcanism, volcanic islands, hotspots, mid-ocean ridges, and faults.

9-12.ESS.2.6.b

c. Develop and interpret a model of Earth's internal structure and composition, including inner core, outer core, asthenosphere, lithosphere, mantle, and crust.

9-12.ESS.2.6.c

d. Analyze data to interpret seismic activity and assess the risk of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes in Alabama and other areas in the United States.

9-12.ESS.2.6.d

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Mechanisms of Heat Transfer II

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Phase Changes

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States of Matter and Phase Changes

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7. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the role of energy transfer in wind, precipitation, cloud formation, and front formation.

9-12.ESS.2.7

a. Obtain and communicate information to explain how water cycles through the atmosphere, including condensation, evaporation, clouds, types of precipitation, relative humidity, and dew point.

9-12.ESS.2.7.a

Specific Heat

The specific heat capacity of a substance refers to the energy required to increase the temperature of one gram of that substance by one degree Celcius. ...

Temperature and Thermal Equilibrium

Heat and temperature are essential concepts for everyone every day. The study of heat and temperature is part of an area of physics known as ...

Quantifying Heat

Thermal Energy&#160;

Microscopically, thermal energy is the kinetic energy associated with the random motion of atoms and molecules. Temperature is a ...

b. Plan and carry out an investigation to determine the differential heating of land and water and explain how these differences create changes in local and global weather. Example: Heat water and soil under lamps for 10 minutes and allow water and soil to cool for 10 minutes, then apply the results to explain land and sea breezes.

9-12.ESS.2.7.b

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Definition and Measurement of Pressure: Atmospheric Pressure, Barometer, and Manometer

Gas pressure is caused by force exerted by gas molecules colliding with the surfaces of objects. Although the force of each collision is very small, any ...

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Gas Laws: Boyle's, Gay-Lussac, Charles', Avogadro's, and Ideal Gas Law

Through experiments, scientists established the mathematical relationships between pairs of variables, such as pressure and temperature, pressure and ...

Ideal Gas Equation

The ideal gas equation is an equation of state that relates the state variables pressure, volume, temperature, and the number of moles of a hypothetical ...

c. Construct an explanation of how air masses, source regions, fronts, weather changes associated with frontal passage (including cold, warm, occluded, and stationary fronts), air pressure, air density, temperature, cloud types, and precipitation are related to each other.

Surveying With Light and Microwave EDMs

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