AGY-2278 | Central Mapping Authority

Full description

Administrative arrangements for mapping prior to the establishment of the Central Mapping Authority

The 1948 annual report for the Department of Lands states the appointment of an Assistant Director of Mapping. The purpose of this position was to investigate all phases and operations of map production and to report to the Premier and Public Service Board recommending the organization and equipment necessary to establish a mapping authority. (1)

During the war years, map production output had been disrupted. Many reference maps were in poor condition due to alterations. Lithographs of parish maps were out of stock, and a variety of county, town, tourist and other miscellaneous maps needed attention. The role of the Central Mapping Authority which would employ modern mapping and map production techniques was to overcome the difficulties experienced regarding output. (2)

Prior to 1952, mapping activities were undertaken by the Map Compiling Branch of the NSW Department of Lands (3)

Establishment of the Central Mapping Authority
The Central Mapping Authority was established as a branch of the NSW Department of Lands in 1952 . (4) The annual report of the Department of Lands described the establishment of the Authority as ‘a most important development in State survey and mapping’ (5) By the end of June 1952 mapping equipment had been purchased from overseas, senior staff were recruited and junior staff were trained. This enabled maps produced by the Authority to conform to the standards set down by the National Mapping Council of Australia and it co-ordinated with the mapping role of the Department of the Army.

By 30 June, 1952 the divisions of the Central Mapping Authority comprised of the four following sections: Trigonometrical, Computing, Photogrammetry and Map Compiling and Printing. (6) An Integration Surveys Division was added in September 1971. (7)

On 19 January 1976, the Government relocated the authority to Bathurst and established the authority as an autonomous body under the Minister for Lands. (8) In 1978 the functions of the authority consisted of: the production of topographic and basic cadastral maps of New South Wales, the completion of the geodetic survey network, the supply of aerial photographic coverage, the production of miscellaneous tourist maps and the production of aerial photography and project mapping for State and local government instrumentalities. (9)

In 1978 the main divisions of the agency consisted of: Geodetic Survey Division, Computing Division, Photogrammetric Division, Cartographic Division, Photo/Lithographic Branch, Research Division, Technical Systems Branch. (10)
In February 1985, the authority by proclamation ceased to be a separate administrative office and was restored to the Department of Lands. (11)

Abolition of the agency and transfer of its functions
In 1988 the Authority was abolished and the functions were transferred to the Land Information Division of the Department of Lands. (11)

End notes
(1) Report of the NSW Department of Lands for the year ending 30th June 1948 p.19
(2) Report of the NSW Department of Lands for the year ending 30th June 1951 p.25
(3) Public Service List 1953 p.72
(4) Report of the NSW Department of Lands for the year ending 30th June 1952 p.19
(5) Loc. cit
(6) Report of the NSW Department of Lands 1952 op. cit., p. 19
(7) The Concise Guide to the State Archives of New South Wales Bo-Cl p. 73
(8) Ibid p. 73
(9) The Government of New South Wales Directory of Administration and Services 1977-1978 p182
(10) Ibid p. 183
(11) Administrative Changes Act, 1976 in NSW Government Gazette 8 February, 1985 p. 636