Publisher's Synopsis
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.
