# William Smith > geologist credited with the first nationwide map (1769-1839) **Wikidata**: [Q313533](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q313533) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Smith_(geologist)) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/william-smith ## Summary William Smith was a British geologist and cartographer (1769–1839) credited with creating the first nationwide geological map of England and Wales (1815). His work laid the foundation for modern geological surveying and stratigraphic principles. ## Biography - Born: March 23, 1769, near Preston, England - Nationality: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland - Education: Self-taught in geology and surveying - Known for: Developing the first nationwide geological map of England and Wales - Employer(s): Self-employed as a surveyor and geologist; later worked for the Ordnance Survey - Field(s): Geology, cartography, land surveying ## Contributions - **First Nationwide Geological Map (1815)**: Smith created the first comprehensive geological map of England and Wales, systematically recording rock formations and their relationships. This work established the principles of stratigraphy and became the basis for future geological surveys. - **Stratigraphic Principles**: Smith's mapping demonstrated the importance of rock layers (strata) in understanding Earth's history, influencing later geologists like Charles Lyell. - **Surveying Techniques**: His methods in land surveying and cartography improved accuracy in mapping, benefiting both geological and military applications. ## FAQs ### What was William Smith's most significant contribution to geology? William Smith's most significant contribution was the creation of the first nationwide geological map of England and Wales (1815), which established the principles of stratigraphy and laid the foundation for modern geological surveying. ### Where did William Smith work? William Smith worked as a self-employed surveyor and geologist before joining the Ordnance Survey, where he applied his geological expertise to military mapping. ### What tools or methods did William Smith use in his work? Smith used traditional surveying instruments and field observations to map rock formations, developing systematic methods that became standard in geological cartography. ### How did William Smith's work influence later geologists? Smith's work influenced later geologists, including Charles Lyell, by demonstrating the importance of stratigraphy in understanding Earth's history and by establishing the scientific basis for geological mapping. ### What was the significance of William Smith's geological map? Smith's map was the first to systematically record and classify rock formations across a large region, providing a framework for future geological studies and resource management. ## Why They Matter William Smith's work revolutionized geological mapping and established the scientific principles that underpin modern geology. His systematic approach to recording rock formations and their relationships laid the foundation for stratigraphy, a critical tool in understanding Earth's history. His maps were used by engineers, surveyors, and military planners, demonstrating the practical applications of geological knowledge. Smith's influence extended beyond his time, shaping the careers of later geologists and contributing to the development of geological surveying as a professional discipline. ## Notable For - First nationwide geological map of England and Wales (1815) - Pioneer of stratigraphic principles in geological mapping - Improved surveying techniques for cartography and military applications - Recipient of the Wollaston Medal (1824) for his contributions to geology - Foundational work in geological surveying that influenced modern geology ## Body ### Early Life and Education William Smith was born on March 23, 1769, near Preston, England. He received no formal education but developed a deep interest in geology and surveying through self-study and practical experience. His early work involved mapping rock formations in the Yorkshire Dales, where he observed the systematic layering of rocks. ### Career and Geological Mapping Smith began his career as a self-employed surveyor, applying his geological knowledge to land mapping. In 1811, he joined the Ordnance Survey, where he combined his expertise in geology with surveying techniques. His most significant work was the creation of the first nationwide geological map of England and Wales (1815), which systematically recorded and classified rock formations across the region. ### Stratigraphic Principles Smith's mapping demonstrated the importance of rock layers (strata) in understanding Earth's history. He established the principles of stratigraphy, showing how different rock formations could be correlated across large distances. This work influenced later geologists, including Charles Lyell, who built upon Smith's methods in his influential *Principles of Geology* (1830–1833). ### Surveying Techniques and Influence Smith's methods in land surveying and cartography improved the accuracy of geological maps, benefiting both geological and military applications. His work laid the groundwork for modern geological surveying, which became a professional discipline in the 19th century. ### Awards and Recognition Smith received the Wollaston Medal in 1824 for his contributions to geology, recognizing his pioneering work in geological mapping. His legacy continues to influence geological surveying and stratigraphic research. ### Legacy William Smith's contributions to geology and cartography remain foundational. His first nationwide geological map and stratigraphic principles are still used today, demonstrating the lasting impact of his work. Smith's methods and discoveries have shaped the field of geology, inspiring generations of scientists and surveyors. ## References 1. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978) 2. BnF authorities 3. Integrated Authority File 4. Deutsche Biographie 5. [Source](https://www.geolsoc.org.uk/About/Awards-Grants-and-Bursaries/Society-Awards/Wollaston-Medal) 6. International Standard Name Identifier 7. Virtual International Authority File 8. CiNii Research 9. Encyclopædia Britannica Online 10. SNAC 11. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie 12. CERL Thesaurus 13. Autoritats UB 14. NUKAT 15. Electronic Enlightenment 16. Oxford Dictionary of National Biography 17. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 18. [BnF authorities](http://data.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb12566759k) 19. Catalogo of the National Library of India