A leapfrogging technique to materialize long traceable reference distances for EDM calibration

Periodic calibration of electronic distance meters is required to assess measurement errors and ensure metrological traceability. The high cost of reference measurement systems has been a barrier for the broader availability of calibration services. A method based on a short length standard and a leapfrogging technique to materialize traceable reference distances is proposed. A 50 m distance could be materialized with an expanded uncertainty of 0.0028 m using a simple prototype. Improving the mechanical design of the prototype may reduce uncertainty significantly.