Historical information

Australia is governed by a Federal Government and by six State Governments. National coordination of their respective geodetic survey and topographic mapping activities is effected on the advice of a National Mapping Council.
Twenty years ago, at least 95% of Australia was poorly mapped and what maps existed were in need of revision. only a small area of the continent was covered by horizontal geodetic control and there was no scheme for a national levelling survey.
Over the intervening period there has been an urgent and increasing demand for topographic maps varying from large scale contoured maps in support of specific engineering projects to rapid reconnaissance maps required for mineral prospecting in remote areas.
Superimposed on this has been a defence requirement, specifically for military training areas, and generally for maps of the whole country.
During the period much progress has been made. This paper reports on the progress from early colonial days through to the present time and finally hazards a prediction of future trends.

Physical description

Photocopy of 18-page typed report including diagrams, stapled top left-hand corner. Geodetic Survey and Topographic Mapping a Report by BP Lambert Director of National Mapping, Department of National Development, Canberra, Australia, 1968.