Tamil Nadu departments publish five volumes documenting 70-year Great Trigonometrical Survey stations
GS1History · Society · Geography· Heritage sites, UNESCO & GI tags· Prelims·
Historical documentation and geo-spatial data: a GS1 and GS3 case study on heritage preservation.
Why in news
The Department of Survey and Settlement and Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology published five volumes documenting 70-year Great Trigonometrical Survey stations.
Background
The Great Trigonometrical Survey was launched by Colonel William Lambton in 1802 and continued for 70 years until 1871. The five-volume documentation provides geo-coordinates for modern surveying while preserving historical sites.
Facts for Prelims
- PostColonel William Lambton launched the Great Trigonometrical Survey in 1802
- FactThe Great Trigonometrical Survey in Tamil Nadu lasted 70 years, ending in 1871
- BodyThe Department of Survey and Settlement and Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology published the documentation
Prelims practice question
Who was responsible for launching the Great Trigonometrical Survey in 1802?
- (a)Colonel William Lambton
- (b)Sir George Everest
- (c)Captain James Cook
- (d)Major General Arthur Wellesley
Show answer
Answer: (a) Colonel William Lambton — The note states that Colonel William Lambton launched the Great Trigonometrical Survey in 1802.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the importance of documenting historical surveying data in preserving cultural heritage while facilitating modern infrastructure development.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Data integration: Merging colonial-era survey records with modern geo-spatial mapping for infrastructure
- Heritage preservation: Balancing the protection of historical survey stations with contemporary land use
Keywords: Geo-spatial data · Cultural heritage · Historical documentation · Surveying · Preservation
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