Chapter 5: Research

Extract

In our day, 60 years ago, investigations and efforts were primarily and directly observational. Poverty of space and equipment would allow no more. Terrestrial survey requires direct observation with theodolite, compass, and plane table, and the first results are converted to paper quickly. Observations for latitude and longitude are via the Sun and the stars, and a time-signal set. This latter we carried on our journeys, the definitive pips coming mainly from Buenos Aires and Washington. First-draft new maps and charts soon emerged, under Steve's skilled hands.