Artefact gallery Guide

• Distance measurement instruments

  A number of instruments were used over time to measure distances for surveys in Queensland, depending on the difficulty of terrain and accuracy required.

  Initially, the Gunter's chain was used to measure the boundaries of town allotments and country selections. The perambulator was used to measure distances of large runs or on road and feature surveys where less accuracy was required. These were replaced by flat steel tapes, steel bands and most recently by electronic distance measuring equipment (EDME).

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• Drafting and mapping instruments

  Draftsmen and cartographers used a variety of instruments to allow them to create survey plans and maps over Queensland.

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• Angular measurement instruments

  A critical component to the surveying process is the measurement of angles. Initially compasses assisted surveyors to define their direction, putting the survey on a magnetic meridian. Theodolites were developed to allow more accurate measurement of angles both in the horizontal and vertical plane.

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• Heighting instruments

  Heighting instruments are used to measure the relative heights and depths of points on the Earth's surface. Generally, the height of a point is related to a standard datum (i.e. mean sea level).

  Differences in heights between points can be determined by direct levelling (i.e. using a surveyor’s spirit level and staff), by trigonometrical heighting (i.e. using a theodolite to read vertical angles between points), or by a less accurate method of barometric levelling (i.e. using a barometer).

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• Surveying accessories

  Surveyors used a variety of tools and accessories when surveying in the field. Accessories ranged from a box to carry small items to a tripod to allow for the boiling of the billy.

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• Astronomical observing instruments and timekeeping

  Astronomical observing instruments in conjunction with timekeeping devices were used to fix the positions of towns in Queensland in the 1890s.

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• Artefact gallery

  Items from the Clem Jones collection held by the Museum of Land, Mapping and Surveying.

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• Photographic equipment

  Photographic equipment was used for the production of composite maps and the reproduction of aerial photography. Photographers captured images depicting the history and development of Queensland.

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• Calculations

  For surveyors and cartographers, arithmetical calculations are necessary for the production of maps and plans. From the earliest times, mathematicians have invented instruments and tables to assist their work.

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Artefact gallery, 15 Nov 2023, [https://oss-uat.clients.squiz.net/recreation/arts/heritage/museum-of-lands/artefact-gallery]

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