AbstractThe use of static or dynamic tests to determine the vibrational characteristics of civil engineering structures is a well established procedure. Traditionally this process has been carried out by invasive techniques, normally involving the use of accelerometers. More recently a non-invasive technique based on a laser based Electromagnetic Distance Measuring (EDM) instrument has been developed. The paper reviews these different techniques and, in particular, discusses the potential of the Tellurometer MA200 EDM instrument for the measurement of structural vibration. Descriptions of some simple experiments to assess the instrument's capabilities for measuring such vibrations arc presented. From the results of these preliminary investigations it is concluded that the Tellurometer MA200 has some potential for such operations although further work is required in order to fully assess the instrument's capabilities.