The EDM operator is the memory of the excavation in that once an artifact, object, etc. is removed from its resting place in can never return, but the EDM never forgets. For those who may be new to this technology, which, up until a few short days ago would have included myself had I not opted to assume the austere duty and honor of operating this time and energy saving contraption. EDM stands for electronic distance meter. In our particular project the EDM, coupled with its more traditional function as a theodolite, records the x, y, and z coordinates of a particular object within the grid which it is unearthed. Admittedly, the importance of the EDM is matched only by the tedium of its successful operation. 

This short page is designed, forthrightly, by a novice web designer (designer in the loosest sense of the word) but a burgeoning legend in the league of EDM operators. Here I am thinking of those great surveyors in the mold of Mason and Dixon or Lewis and Clark who have really set the stage for me to assume this staggering responsibly in a truly post-modern excavation. To conclude my prologue into the vast and labyrinthine expanse of  'the EDM'  I would like to purvey that this account, although based on hard empirical fact and real data, is a purely subjective and light hearted interpretation of the trials and tribulations of an EDM rookie. 

The beginning had always been the traditional place to start an account of anything and despite the obvious tone of subverting, or rather, supplanting convention that characterizes this project I still feel compelled to set off on the odysseys of EDM from the very beginning. Every morning we load the EDM into the car. Yes, I know that this seems to overstate the obvious, nonetheless, we cannot be picky about what we call the beginning. I mention this for a particular effect. At this time, a mere 8 AM, the rest of the crew is gearing up for a day of digging and this is accompanied by a particular mindset. The EDM operator, if he or she wishes to truly excel in their trade, must achieve a certain zazen with the machine. They need to begin to believe or remember that success is only achieved through a particular amalgam of man and machine. This process begins for some only at the commencement of its operation, but they can only aspire to mediocrity. The true master is perpetually at one with the EDM.


The EDM operator suffers in peace at lugging their companion to the site through the bite of the stinging nettles and crumbling rock face while the fair of heart pine for another cup of coffee. Once the first ascent is conquered, yet another trial of will awaits-the climb to Olympus. Olympus, home of the gods, is where the cyclopedean deux ex machina is placed for the day to lord over the excavation below like so many children looking for their lost crayons. Like so many things, the royalty slowly tarnishes and the tedium sets in. This tedium may be overcome with any number of imaginary settings and roles. I will briefly describe some of my favorite scenarios. Sometimes I imagine that I am submarine captain thoroughly versed in all military stratagems. In this role I like to replace the common EDM jargon (i.e. "I’m taking the coordinates on that piece of flint you got there") with a more exciting and dangerous phrase such as “Take us to periscope depth Ensign we’ve got four screws barring down on us!!!" If this scene doesn’t carry me through until lunch sometimes I’ll move to an extra-terrestial setting and envisage myself as commander of the Mars landing craft surveying the volatile landscapes of the Red Planet.  However, this particular variation doesn’t carry with it such phrases as “Dive Dive” or “Sonar give me three pings and fire on the fourth!” Perhaps I should explain why these catchy phrases are so apropos to the job. The EDM functions with an elementary laser technology. A simple prism is placed at the object and a laser is fired, reflecting off the prism back to the EDM and subsequently processed to ascertain the coordinates of that object. In this light the above scenarios will perhaps seem more understandable.

However, the EDM operator's job is not always fun and games. If a site is implementing the simultaneous use of two EDM's the situation becomes one of competition. Each operator aspires to collect as many points as possible from his team of highly skilled and dedicated excavators. However, and when competition arises there is always a ‘however’, some operators break the unwritten code. For example, they may shoot at breaks or invent new tasks at the end of the day to overtake the other. This kind of behavior is frowned upon by the greater body of EDM operators and, where ever found, should be discouraged. These ‘games’ also may take the form of overall totals for the season. Currently one operator, Mr. Matt 'Seymour' Skinner, has shot in almost 550 shots in a day. We must remember that seasoned and thoughtful operators value quality and speed over quantity and haste. Despite the inevitable competition, there are nonetheless spells where no points need to be taken. These situations often allow the operator to nap, always with one eye open, so that they may be well rested and sharper when their vital services, no, duty is once again called upon.

The EDM operator must maintain a steady eye and even steadier wrist if they wish to record their points both with the greatest of ease and the highest of precision. This isn’t always easy when you are staring at the behinds of 6 excavators and trying to sight a crosshair at 50 feet in adverse weather conditions such as monsoons or heat waves. In this manner the EDM operator is much akin to the postal workers, although I am unaware of any violent outbreaks between EDM operators and their excavators to this date. When anxiety runs high the EDM operators need to put away their lighting bolts and dissuade themselves from reaching down from their lofty mount and crushing the excavators like Lilliputians. In our context, the operator and their team must work as finely oiled machine destined to cut the Gordian knot of Mousterian Variation. The EDM operator must orchestrate the goings on below with a degree of finesse, but ultimately relies on help from their partner and other team members.

At the end of the day when all points are taken the team immerges from the woods that caresses the base of their perch and rejoices in the inevitability of the cold beer and healthy banter that awaits them back at the lab. For the EDM operator this is solemn time reserved for reflection about the passing of another successful and sometimes lonely day dispensing information and good cheers from high atop Mount Olympus.

Brad Gravina
June 29, 2001
Carsac