Question

Give a brief history of development of topographical maps in India.

Answer 1

The development of topographical maps in India began in 1767 with the establishment of the Survey of India. The Great Trigonometrical Survey (1802-1843) laid the foundation for accurate mapping. Early maps were based on plane table surveys and triangulation, later refined through aerial photography and satellite imagery. After independence, India adopted the 1 : 50,000 scale National Topographical Series, widely used today. Integration of remote sensing and GIS has further modernised India’s topographical mapping system.