Ordnance Survey: Map Makers to Britain since 1791

Abstract

This illustrated history gives an account of the early pioneering surveys of the British Isles and traces developments made both in surveying and in map production - from measurement with glass rods and steel chains to positioning by satellite, and from copper engraving and hand-colouring to digital mapping and laser printing. Ordnance Survey was founded in 1791 under the military board of ordnance to provide mapping of south-east England in readiness for the threatened French invasion. Its current role is the production of mapping and map information for present-day government, business and leisure needs. In many instances the material comes from the diaries and papers of individuals who took part - for this is also the story of the people and personalities involved in the growth of a national institution.