United States Coast and Geodetic Survey

United States survey

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

The U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, established in 1807, was a precursor to the modern National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This agency was responsible for hydrographic and geodetic surveying, tidal studies, and chart preparation. It was modeled after similar European agencies and played a crucial role in understanding the nation's coastlines and waters. The work of the Coast and Geodetic Survey contributed to advancements in oceanography, including the development of wind and current charts and depth maps. The agency's mechanical analog tidal prediction device, invented in 1884, was used until 1965.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

3 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Benjamin Peirce
…a long association with the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey. Starting as director of longitude determinations, he eventually became superintendent of the survey (1867–74) and oversaw the production of the first geodetic map of the country independent of local surveys. Peirce also served, in 1863, as one of the 50…
Read More
…a long association with the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey. Starting as director of longitude determinations, he eventually became superintendent of the survey (1867–74) and oversaw the production of the first geodetic map of the country independent of local surveys. Peirce also served, in 1863, as one of the 50…
Read More

Charles Sanders Peirce
Life.
…with field parties of the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, Peirce entered the Lawrence Scientific School of Harvard University, from which, in 1863, he graduated summa cum laude in chemistry. Meanwhile, he had reentered the Survey in 1861 as a computing aide to his father, who had undertaken the task…
Read More
…with field parties of the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, Peirce entered the Lawrence Scientific School of Harvard University, from which, in 1863, he graduated summa cum laude in chemistry. Meanwhile, he had reentered the Survey in 1861 as a computing aide to his father, who had undertaken the task…
Read More