Triangulation Collection

Looking west from an old Ordnance Survey triangulation point on The Chains above Blackmoor Gate in winter, Exmoor, Devon, England, United Kingdom, Europe

Hoisting the signals for triangulation (engraving)
2781481 Hoisting the signals for triangulation (engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Hoisting the signals for triangulation)

The Coming Transit of Venus, the Triangulation of the Island of Rodriguez (engraving)
1053191 The Coming Transit of Venus, the Triangulation of the Island of Rodriguez (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Coming Transit of Venus)

The Scaffolding and Observatory on St. Pauls in 1848, (1897). Creator: Unknown
The Scaffolding and Observatory on St. Pauls in 1848, (1897). Observation post built by officers of the Royal Engineers on top of the cross on St Pauls Cathedral in London

Cross-staffs used for surveying, 1551. In this case they are being used to measure the width of a river by triangulation. From Rudimenta Mathematica by Sebastian Munster. (Basel, 1551)

Measuring the distance of an inaccessible object by triangulation using a hinged staff, 1617-1619. From Utriusque cosmi...historia by Robert Fludd. (Oppenheim, 1617-1619)

Surveying and timekeeping, 1551. On the left are various different kinds of sundial and a clock with a single arm. On the right a survey is being made of the height of the tower, using quadrants

Using a quadrant with a plumb bob to calculate the height of a tower by triangulation, 1551. From Rudimenta Mathematica by Sebastian Munster. (Basel, 1551)

Reiner Gemma Frisius, Libellus de locorum describendorum ratione, published as appendix to Cosmographia by Peter Apian
Cartography, 16th century. Reiner Gemma Frisius, Libellus de locorum describendorum ratione, Antwerp, 1533, published as an appendix to the Cosmographia by Peter Apian

Astrolabe, historical artwork. An astrolabe was a historical astronomical device used to predict the positions of the stars and other astronomical bodies

Source Size = 3772 x 2525
The Coming Transit of Venus, the Triangulation of the Island of Rodriguez

Cross-staffs used for surveying: in this case for measuring the width of a river by triangulation. From Sebastian Munster Rudimenta Mathematica, Basle, 1551. Woodcut

Measuring the distance of an inaccessible object by triangulation using a hinged staff. From Robert Fludd Utriusque cosmi... historia, Oppenheim, 1617-1619. Engraving

Triangulation with a hinged staff. From Sebastian Munster Rudimenta Mathematica, Basle 1551. Woodcut

Using a quadrant with a plumb bob to calculate the height of a tower by triangulation. From Sebastian Munster Rudimenta Mathematica, Basle 1551. Woodcut

Triangulation of the Perpendicular to the Meridian of the Observatory, by Don Jean Picard, pen drawing, 1734
Cartography, France, 18th century. Triangulation of the perpendicular to the meridian of the Observatory (eastern part). Designed by Don Jean Picard (1620-1682), a founder of the Academy of Sciences

Triangulation between Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent and Middelburg by Reiner Gemma Frisius, printed in Antwerp, 1533
Cartography, Belgium, 16th century. Triangulation between Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent and Middelburg by Reiner Gemma Frisius, Antwerp, 1533

Surveying Instruments and Techniques. C017 / 3439
Plate from 18th century encyclopedia showing illustrations of various surveying instruments and techniques. Shown are proceedures for compass surveying, triangulation, and leveling

MAP OF FRANCE, c1718-1720. An engraved map of France, circa 1718-1720, showing triangulation

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

Triangulation, a timeless method of measurement and surveying, has played a crucial role in mapping the world we live in. From ancient times to modern technology, this technique has been employed by explorers and scientists alike. Looking west from an old Ordnance Survey triangulation point on The Chains above Blackmoor Gate in winter, Exmoor, Devon, England, United Kingdom; one can appreciate the breathtaking beauty that awaits those who venture into uncharted territories. These points served as reference markers for accurate measurements and allowed cartographers to create detailed maps. Hoisting the signals for triangulation was no easy task. Engravings depict dedicated individuals meticulously setting up these beacons atop mountains or tall structures. Their efforts ensured precise calculations and reliable data collection during extensive surveys. The Coming Transit of Venus brought about a significant event: the triangulation of the Island of Rodriguez. This engraving captures astronomers observing this celestial phenomenon while simultaneously mapping out new territories with their trusty instruments. In 1848, an impressive scaffolding and observatory were erected on St. Paul's Cathedral—a testament to mankind's pursuit of knowledge through triangulation techniques. Unknown creators immortalized this achievement through captivating photographs that still inspire awe today. Cross-staffs have long been used for surveying purposes since 1551 when they were first introduced. These versatile tools enabled early surveyors to measure distances accurately using triangulation methods—essential for creating comprehensive maps and charts. Measuring inaccessible objects became possible thanks to hinged staffs utilized in triangulation between 1617-1619. By employing mathematical principles combined with physical measurements taken from different angles, researchers could determine distances without physically reaching their targets—an invaluable breakthrough at the time. Surveying wouldn't be complete without considering timekeeping—a vital aspect highlighted since 1551 alongside traditional measuring techniques like cross-staffs and quadrants with plumb bobs used to calculate tower heights.