The Origin of Ireland’s Ordnance Survey: Taxation, Townlands and Topography

Since 1824, the Ordnance Survey (Tailte É ireann and OSNI, respectively) has become the essence of cartographic accuracy in Ireland, documenting the ever-changing relationship between people and the environment. Though it has left a detailed and invaluable historical record in its wake, the story of its foundation is, however, less well-known. This book brings to life the fascinating primordial days of the Ordnance Survey of Ireland. In doing so, it delves into the politics, technical logic and complex post-Union social issues that shaped the survey. Initially called upon to aid land-based tax reform, its specifics soon became a source of disagreement between Irish MPs and the imposing figure of Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington. In finding the survey' s most suitable path, the island's colourful and often painful history with mapping was exposed, and a new course was set for its cartographic future.