Photographs of the Yolo Base Line, California, 1881

Summary

Creators:

Werner Suess

Abstract:

The Photographs of the Yolo Base Line, California, were taken during 1881 in Yolo County by Werner Suess and show men of the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, including George Davidson, the moveable tent (Yolo buggy) used in the survey, men taking measurements, and the camp near "Middle Base.

Extent:

11 photographs; 29 x 36 cm. 11 digital objects

Language:

Collection materials are in English

Background

Scope and content:

The Photographs of the Yolo Base Line, California, were taken during 1881 in Yolo County by Werner Suess and show men of the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, including George Davidson, the moveable tent (Yolo buggy) used in the survey, men taking measurements, and the camp near "Middle Base." "The Yolo Base Line" refers to Davidson's geodesic measurement of the base lines upon which all distances in the extensive triangulation of the State of California depend. The first was the Yolo Base line measured twice by him in 1881, of which this collection is a record, the second was the Los Angeles base line measured three times in 1888-89. Davidson was also president of the California Academy of Sciences, a Professor of Geodesy and Astronomy, and later a Regent of the University of California.

Acquisition information:

The Photographs of the Yolo Base Line, California, were purchased in 1980.

Rules or conventions:

Finding Aid prepared using Describing Archives: a Content Standard

Location of this collection:

UC Berkeley, Bancroft Library

University of California, Berkeley, The Bancroft Library

Berkeley, CA 94720-6000, US

Contact:

510-642-6481

bancref-library@berkeley.edu

Website