Science in the United States coast and geodetic survey

✍ Scribed by William Bowie

• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 1935
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 687 KB
• Volume: 220
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0016-0032
• DOI: 10.1016/s0016-0032(35)91139-5

✦ Synopsis

The Coast and Geodetic Survey is organized in such a way that all data needed in the construction of a nautical chart are supplied by its observers in the field and its personnel in the office.

This work consists of astronomical determinations of latitude, longitude and azimuth, the measurement of base lines, observations for triangulation, tide and current surveys, topographic and hydrographic surveys of the coast-line and adjacent waters, wire-drag surveys to detect pinnacle rocks, wrecks, glacial boulders and coral reefs, and observations for the determination of magnetic elements affecting the mariner's compass. This is one of the few government bureaus that could, if it were absolutely necessary, function without assistance from any other agency in conducting its operations.

Assistance, however, is rendered by others. The Naval Observatory furnishes accurate time determinations used in the astronomical work. The Bureau of Standards standardizes apparatus such as base tapes, thermometers and leveling rods. It graduates the circles for theodolites. Survey data secured by the Corps of Engineers in their river and harbor developments are used to keep charts up-to-date. The topographic maps of the U. S. Geological Survey are of assistance in planning field operations.

Since the bureau is designed to serve, it necessarily helps other government agencies and others outside the Federal government.

The above gives in brief outline the lines of work carried on for the construction of the nautical chart