Electro Magnetic Distance Measurement, Principle, Types, Pros and Cons Explained

Introduction

This article aims to provide a thorough understanding of Electro Magnetic Distance Measurement (EMDM), a widely used technique in surveying, construction, and engineering. The article will go over the fundamentals of EMDM, such as its operating principle and the types of electromagnetic waves used. It will also go over the benefits and drawbacks of EMDM, such as its accuracy over long distances and sensitivity to environmental factors. Readers will have a thorough understanding of EMDM and its various applications, as well as its limitations and challenges, by the end of this article.

What is Electro Magnetic Distance Measurement

Source: Bureau of Criminal Apprehension

Electro Magnetic Distance Measurement (EMDM) is a technique that uses electromagnetic waves to calculate the distance between two points. This method is widely used in various applications where precise distance measurements are required, such as surveying, construction, and engineering.

Working Principle of Electro Magnetic Distance Measurement

Distance measurement in these instruments is based on the propagation, reflection, and reception of radio, visible light, or infrared waves. Radio or light waves are generated and propagated in these instruments. They are reflected at the measurement point from the instrument stations and received by the device once more. Previously, attempts were made to calculate the distance by measuring the time required to travel this length of 2x. 

Because the time required is only a fraction of a second, this method has had limited success. The improved technique employs the phase difference method, which modulates the length of the wave and measures the number of completed and a fraction of incompleted wavelengths. The distance traveled is then calculated. Microprocessors built into EDM instruments provide horizontal and vertical distances.

The Kitchen Triangle – History, guidelines, and everything you need to know

Types of Electro Magnetic Distance Measurement

Infrared Wave Instruments: Amplitude-modulated infrared waves are used in these instruments. Prisms are used at the end of the line to reflect the waves. These instruments are lightweight and inexpensive, and they can be mounted on a theodolite. The accuracy achieved with these instruments is 10 mm per kilometer. The range is up to 3 kilometers. These tools are helpful for the majority of civil engineering projects. These instruments are marketed by Wild Heerburg Company under the brand names DISTOMAT DI 1000 and DISTOMAT DI 15.

Visible Light Wave Instruments: These instruments rely on the propagation of modulated light waves with a frequency of 5 1014 Hz. Geodimeter, a Swedish invention, was developed. This category’s EDM instruments have a range of 25 km and an accuracy of 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm.

Microwave instruments use high-frequency (microwave) radio waves ranging from 3 to 300 GHz. Dr. T.L. Wadley invented these instruments in South Africa in 1950, and they were known as Tellurometers. The instrument only requires 12 or 24-volt batteries. As a result, they are light and portable. These instruments have a range of 100 km and an accuracy of 5 to 15 mm/km. Tellurometers are made up of two identical units.

One instrument serves as the master unit, while the other serves as the remote unit. A master unit can be converted to a remote unit and a remote unit can be converted to a master unit by pressing a button. It can only be operated by two skilled individuals. Each operator has the ability to communicate via speech during measurement.

Advantages of Electro Magnetic Distance Measurement

Electro Magnetic Distance Measurement (EMDM) has several advantages, which make it a preferred method for distance measurement in various applications. Here are some of the key advantages of EMDM:

High accuracy: EMDM provides highly accurate distance measurements, particularly over long distances. This is due to the use of electromagnetic waves that travel at the speed of light, which is a constant value.

Non-contact measurement: EMDM is a non-contact method of distance measurement, which means that the measurements can be taken without physically touching the object being measured. This makes it a safer and more convenient method for distance measurement.

Remote measurement: EMDM can be used to measure distances in areas that are difficult or impossible to access, such as high elevations or dangerous environments. This makes it a valuable tool in applications such as surveying, construction, and engineering.

Rapid measurement: EMDM allows for rapid measurement of distances, which is particularly useful in applications where time is a critical factor. This is because the method is non-contact and does not require any physical setup, which can save a significant amount of time.

Compatibility with various surfaces: EMDM can be used to measure distances on various surfaces, including opaque, transparent, and reflective surfaces. This makes it a versatile method for distance measurement in a wide range of applications.

Cost-effective: EMDM is a cost-effective method of distance measurement when compared to traditional methods, such as surveying or the use of physical measuring tools.

Disadvantages of Electro Magnetic Distance Measurement

While Electro Magnetic Distance Measurement (EMDM) has several advantages, there are also some disadvantages associated with this method. Here are some of the key disadvantages of EMDM:

Sensitivity to environmental factors: EMDM is highly sensitive to environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and atmospheric conditions. These factors can affect the speed of the electromagnetic wave, which in turn can result in inaccurate distance measurements.

Limited range: While EMDM can measure distances over long distances, it has a limited range compared to other methods, such as satellite-based methods. This means that it may not be suitable for applications that require distance measurement over very long distances.

High initial cost: The equipment required for EMDM is relatively expensive compared to traditional methods, such as the use of measuring tapes or chains. This can make it difficult for small businesses or individuals to adopt this method.

Requires line of sight: EMDM requires a clear line of sight between the transmitter and receiver. This means that obstacles, such as buildings or trees, can interfere with the signal and result in inaccurate measurements.

Calibration required: EMDM equipment requires regular calibration to ensure accurate measurements. This can be time-consuming and may require specialized training and equipment.

Limited indoor use: EMDM is not suitable for indoor use in areas with reflective surfaces, as electromagnetic waves can bounce off the surfaces and result in inaccurate measurements.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while EMDM has several advantages, it is important to consider the disadvantages associated with this method before using it. EMDM may not be suitable for all applications, particularly in environments where the equipment may be subject to environmental factors or obstacles that interfere with the signal. It is important to weigh the pros and cons of EMDM against other available methods to determine the best approach for a particular application.

Join Our Whatsapp Group for the latest updates -Click Here

Join Our Telegram Channel for the latest updates -Click Here

Spread the love

Comments are closed.