Geodetic Surveying Moves Forward

Development a:r.1d perfection of geodetic surveying techniques in this country are best illustrated by the activities of the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey. Starting with imported instruments and establishment of base lines in the North Atlantic States, the system has grown to cover the nation and finally also Mexico, Canada, and Alaska. Major arcs are tied in with state plane-coordinate systems, so that geodesy has come to have local as well as national significance. Over the years theodolites have been improved in performance while made smaller in size; invar tapes have become standard for base measurements; portable steel towers and automobile transport have increased speed of operation; and mechanical computation has transformed office methods. Throughout, high standards and practical objectives have been combined by the engineers of the Survey to secure results at the same time scientific and useful.