When the United States Geological Survey (USGS) became tasked with mapping the nation into one contiguous system based upon accurate latitude and longitude…
Author: Jerry Penry, PS
06.23.2019
USS Surveyor
Geodetic Ship of Alaska (1917–1955)
In 1915, the United States Coast & Geodetic Survey (C&GS) found itself in need of upgrading and improvement in many areas. The precision…
04.19.2019
Shoot the Moon
July 20, 1969, 20:17 UTC. “Houston, Tranquility base here. The Eagle has landed.” Neil Armstrong calmly communicated these words from the surface of…
03.09.2019
Eimbeck’s Duplex Bars
A critical aspect of a triangulation network was to establish a baseline that was accurately measured upon the ground. During the late 1800’s,…
02.10.2019
U.S. Location Monuments
The growth of nearly every civilization can be linked to the discovery, development, and application of its precious metals and natural resources. Since…
01.04.2019
Wind Cave National Park
The discovery and reports of incredible beauty in regions of the United States by early surveyors caught the attention of national leaders who…
08.31.2018
West from Washington
Establishing the 25th and 27th Meridians
The completion of the first transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869, greatly changed the way Americans traveled and communicated between distant points. While…
08.25.2018
Stay Off School Property
Public education in the United States and the need to determine ways to fund our schools dates back to the founding of the…
05.11.2018
A Tale of a Fateful Survey: McKissick’s Island
The Missouri River is the nation’s longest waterway at 2,341 miles. The width of this mighty river was historically less than one mile…
05.11.2018
A Tale of a Fateful Survey: McKissick's Island
The Missouri River is the nation’s longest waterway at 2,341 miles. The width of this mighty river was historically less than one mile…
