Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Museums > London Canal Museum
First geological map of Britain, 1815 C016 / 5680
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library
First geological map of Britain, 1815 C016 / 5680
First geological map of Britain showing a detail of the north west coast. This map was published in 1815 by British geologist William Smith (1769-1839). It shows rock layers (strata) in England and Wales and part of Scotland (key at lower left). Smiths work as a canal surveyor allowed him to study geology. He discovered that geological strata could be reliably identified at different places on the basis of the fossils they contained. Smith also proposed the principle of superposition, that if a strata overlays another then it was laid down at a later time. He is considered the father of English geology
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 9206561
© NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, LONDON/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1815 Cartography Coast Coastal Country Early Earth Science Geological Great Britain Irish Sea North West Pioneering Region Scotland Scottish Strata Stratigraphy Stratum Superposition Welsh William Smith Isle Of Man
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Artists
> I
> William Ireland
> Europe
> Related Images
> Europe
> Republic of Ireland
> Maps
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Museums
> British Library
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Museums
> British Museum
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Museums
> London Canal Museum
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Museums
> Natural History Museum
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Museums
> Science Museum
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Sights
> British Museum
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Sights
> London Canal Museum
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the first geological map of Britain, a groundbreaking work published in 1815 by British geologist William Smith. The map offers an intricate detail of the north west coast, encompassing England and Wales as well as part of Scotland. With its key located at the lower left corner, this historical artifact provides a comprehensive depiction of rock layers (strata) found across the region. William Smith's remarkable contribution to geology stemmed from his career as a canal surveyor, which allowed him to closely study the Earth's composition. Through meticulous research, he made a significant discovery that fossils within different strata could be used to reliably identify geological formations in various locations. Moreover, Smith proposed the principle of superposition: if one stratum overlaid another, it was deposited at a later time. Regarded as the father of English geology, Smith revolutionized our understanding of Earth's history and paved the way for further scientific advancements in stratigraphy and cartography. This pioneering artwork not only illustrates his profound impact on earth science but also highlights his role in shaping our knowledge about Britain's geographical landscape during the early 19th century. Displayed proudly by NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM LONDON/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY, this print serves as a testament to both Smith's ingenuity and Britain's rich geological heritage.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.