The Geodetic and Topographical Evaluation of English County Maps, 1740-1840

Abstract

County surveying is by far the most difficult part of surveying; for the stations are so long and so many, that if the instrument to take the angles, be not very accurate, great errors will be committed; especially after so many repetitions of taking angles, at so many different stations.William Emerson, The Art of Surveying (1770)It seemeth fit to some that in the deliniation of everie Shire, I should observe the variation of the Compas, some other therein are of a contrarie opinion ... Others will have the degrees of Longitude, and Latitude, in everie particular description: Some think it frivolous ... Some very curiously prie into the worke, augmenting (in conceite) their own credits by carping at everie fault, holding the smallest errour (yea the misterming of a place) verie criminous.John Norden, Nordens Preparative to his Speculum Britanniae (1596)