Historical information

This is a set of five photographs of CAPT James ‘Jim’ Leslie Stedman in the field demonstrating the setup of prisms used as electric distance measurement (EDM) receiver reflectors for tellurometer equipment and the sighting of a large surveyor’s light. This equipment was deployed in establishing mapping and geodetic control operations. The photos were most likely taken in the late 1950s or early 1960s. The tellurometers of this era were man-portable systems that improved geodetic survey efficiencies for rapid network extension and densification replacing triangulation with EDM and theodolite traverse sometimes using Bilby Towers to extend line lengths. Jim Stedman later reached the rank of Colonel, was Director of Military Survey from 1975 to 1978 and was appointed as Colonel Commandant (honorary appointment, Retd) of the Royal Australian Survey Corps from 1978 to 1983. Jim Stedman is demonstrating EDM equipment. See item 6180.16P, photos .14) to .16) for more information and photos of Jim Stedman’s EDM demonstration.

Physical description

This is a set of five photographs of a surveyor in the field demonstrating electric distance measurement (EDM) equipment. c1950s – 1960s. The photographs were printed on photographic paper and are part of the Army Survey Regiment’s Collection. The photographs were scanned at 300 dpi.
.1) to .2) - Photo, black & white, c1960s, CAPT Jim Stedman demonstrating the sighting of a large surveyor’s light.
.3) to .5) – Photo, black & white, c1960s, CAPT Jim Stedman demonstrating EDM prism equipment.

Inscriptions & markings

.1P to .5P on back – CAPT Stedman EDM Eqpt.