Author Description

The Survey of India was established as Survey of Bengal in 1767, and the post of Surveyor General of India is one of the longest-standing scientific roles in the world. For more than 250 years, it has made contributions in the field of surveying and mapping, as well as wider contributions to geography, geology and earth sciences. Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, was named after Sir George Everest, Surveyor General of India, 1830 - 1843. The author’s time as Surveyor General of India in 2001 to 2005 was the first time that a Geographer held this historic post. Transformative changes and initiatives described include reorganisation of the nationwide setup; introduction of dual map series under the National Map Policy 2005; establishment of National Spatial Data Infrastructure; Transformation of Field Operations; Geodesy, including the scientific study of topographical deformation following the tsunami in 2004. This was a time of change and important scientific contributions made during the period. This unique book addresses wide-ranging issues covered under the Survey; Geography, Geology, Forestry, Military Science, Civil Engineering, Geospatial Technology, Architecture, Environment and Ecology. The history of the Survey of India is deeply linked with the history of India itself, so the book will be of particular interest to historians as well.