About this Item
## Ordnance Survey Map of LONDON and WINDSOR 1979 Sheet No.71. Reprint of the first edition of the one-inch map of England and Wales ## ## THIS MAP: Categorised as FINE. The 1979 edition, it was published first in 1970. The paper slipcover has a few marks at the top. The detailing of these early maps is remarkable. PLEASE READ ON for interesting information and details. SEE THE IMAGES. ### ## Ordnance Survey (OS) is the national mapping agency of Great Britain, producing detailed and accurate maps for various purposes. Its origins date back to the 18th century as a military project to survey the Scottish Highlands and the southern coasts of England in response to the Jacobite rebellion and the French Revolution. The name Ordnance Survey reflects its connection to the Board of Ordnance, the defence ministry of the time.## ## One of the pioneers of OS was William Roy, a young engineer who conducted the first small-scale survey of Scotland from 1747 to 1755, using simple instruments such as compasses and chains. He later undertook a more ambitious project to geodetically connect the Royal Observatories of Greenwich and Paris, using a sophisticated theodolite made by Jesse Ramsden. This project, which started in 1784 and lasted until 1790, laid the foundation for the trigonometrical survey of Britain, which aimed to create a network of accurately measured triangles across the country.## ## The trigonometrical survey, also known as the Principal Triangulation, was officially initiated in 1791, marking the birth of OS. It involved measuring baselines on flat ground, such as Hounslow Heath, and then extending the triangles to hills and mountains, where observatories were built to house the theodolites. The surveyors had to deal with various challenges like weather, terrain, visibility, and accuracy. The survey was completed in 1853, covering over 300,000 square kilometres and 5,000 stations.## ## The trigonometrical survey provided the basis for the first accurate map of Britain, which was published by OS in 1801. It was a one-inch-to-the-mile map of Kent, showing roads, rivers, hills, settlements, and land cover. It was followed by maps of other counties and regions, using different scales and symbols. OS also produced maps of overseas British colonies, such as India, Africa, and the Caribbean, under the Directorate of Colonial Surveys and the Directorate of Overseas Surveys.## ##Over the years, OS has evolved and adapted to the changing needs and technologies of mapping. It has introduced new methods and standards of surveying, such as levelling, photogrammetry, aerial photography, and satellite positioning. It has diversified its products and services, such as digital mapping, online platforms, mobile apps, and geospatial data. Today, OS is one of the world's leading mapping agencies, aiming to provide the most up-to-date and comprehensive geospatial information about Great Britain.## ### INTERNATIONAL BUYERS: Please Note. FREE SHIPPING IS UK ONLY. Please get in touch with me for a shipping quotation. ####. Seller Inventory # 2013-50-map
Contact seller
Report this item
