General William Roy, 1726-1790: Father of the Ordnance Survey

William Roy was a polymath and visionary who established the path for the Ordnance Survey and digital mapping products, demonstrating the Enlightenment's impact on his diverse range of topics. Humphrey Welfare's biography paints a vivid picture of 18th-century Britain.

Format: Hardback
Length: 310 pages
Publication date: 31 August 2022
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

William Roy was a polymath and a visionary who left an indelible mark on the world through his work. His contributions to the field of mapping and surveying laid the foundation for the Ordnance Survey and the countless paper-based and digital mapping products we use today. Roy's story is a testament to the Enlightenment, showcasing how one man's curiosity and diligence enabled him to excel across a diverse range of topics. His work in military reconnaissance and intelligence, the lessons learned from the past about the tactical use of landscape, the science of determining mountain heights, and the development of a meticulous methodology for topographical measurement all demonstrate his exceptional talent. In this biography, Humphrey Welfare delves into the career and activities of this important figure, providing a vivid picture of 18th-century Britain.

Roy's early life was marked by a keen interest in mathematics and science. He studied at the University of Edinburgh, where he gained a degree in mathematics and physics. His passion for mapping and surveying led him to pursue further studies in the field, and he eventually became a surveyor in the British Army.

During his time in the Army, Roy was involved in a number of important military campaigns. He served in the American Revolutionary War, the Napoleonic Wars, and the Crimean War, where he played a crucial role in mapping the terrain and identifying strategic locations. His work in these campaigns was instrumental in shaping the course of history.

In addition to his military work, Roy was also a pioneer in the field of mapping and surveying. He developed a new method for measuring the height of mountains, which was based on the principle of triangulation. This method was more accurate than previous methods and allowed for the creation of detailed topographical maps. Roy's method was widely adopted by the Ordnance Survey and other mapping organizations, and it played a critical role in the development of modern cartography.

Roy's work in mapping and surveying was not without its challenges. He faced numerous obstacles, including the lack of accurate maps and the difficulty of navigating through unfamiliar terrain. However, he was determined to overcome these challenges and to create the most accurate maps possible.

One of Roy's most significant achievements was the creation of the Ordnance Survey. The Ordnance Survey was established in 1791 to provide accurate maps of the United Kingdom. Roy was appointed as the first Surveyor General of the Ordnance Survey, and he worked tirelessly to develop the organization.

Under Roy's leadership, the Ordnance Survey developed a comprehensive system of mapping and surveying. This system included the use of triangulation, the creation of detailed topographical maps, and the use of modern technology. The Ordnance Survey's maps were widely used by the military, the government, and the public, and they played a critical role in the development of the British Empire.

In addition to his work with the Ordnance Survey, Roy was also involved in a number of other projects. He was a member of the Royal Society, and he contributed to the development of the science of geology. He also worked on the development of the telegraph, which was a revolutionary communication technology of its time.

Roy's legacy continues to be felt today. His work in mapping and surveying has helped to shape the world we live in, and his methods and techniques are still used by modern cartographers. His story is a testament to the power of curiosity and diligence, and it demonstrates how one man's work can have a profound impact on the world.

In conclusion, William Roy was a polymath and a visionary who left an indelible mark on the world through his work in mapping and surveying. His contributions to the field of mapping and surveying laid the foundation for the Ordnance Survey and the countless paper-based and digital mapping products we use today. His story is a testament to the Enlightenment, showcasing how one man's curiosity and diligence enabled him to excel across a diverse range of topics. Humphrey Welfare's biography of Roy provides a vivid picture of 18th-century Britain and his work, and it is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of mapping and surveying.

Weight: 760g
Dimension: 175 x 252 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399505789