In what year did Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM) come into widespread use?

The year that marked the widespread adoption of Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM) technology was indeed 1973. This period was significant in surveying history as it represented a major leap from traditional measurement methods, which relied heavily on manual techniques using chains or tapes, to more advanced electronic systems.

The introduction of EDM allowed surveyors to measure distances with greater accuracy and efficiency. This technology uses electromagnetic waves and can record measurements much faster than previous methods, enabling the collection of data over longer distances and with improved precision. By 1973, improvements in technology and reductions in equipment size and cost made EDM accessible to a larger number of surveyors, contributing to its widespread use in the field.

The advancements in EDM technology continued to evolve, leading to the more sophisticated total stations and GNSS technologies used today. Understanding this timeline is crucial for appreciating the development of modern surveying practices and techniques.