Great Trigonometrical Survey stations in Tamil Nadu documented, published in five volumes

CHENNAI The Department of Survey and Settlement and the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology have documented the Great Trigonometrical Survey (GTS) stations in the State and published the documentation in five volumes. According to an official release, during British rule, the Great Trigonometrical Survey was launched by Colonel William Lambton at St. Thomas Mount in Chennai on April 10, 1802.

The survey continued for 70 years until 1871 using theodolite instruments. As part of the exercise, Great Trigonometrical Survey stations were established across India, including at several locations in Tamil Nadu. These stations are under the jurisdiction of the Survey of India.

The Tamil Nadu government granted permission for a comprehensive exercise to identify all the GTS Great Trigonometrical Survey stations in the State, conduct surveys, map and document them, and take steps to preserve them. The initiative also aims to facilitate future modern surveying activities in the State by using the geo-coordinates of these stations.