Such was the lack of knowledge and information in this field that Smith’s contributions were so significant as to lead to him being regarded as the leading pioneer in the field. At this time there did not even exist a suitable topographical map of the country and, at great expense, a huge 8’6” high and 6’6” wide map was engraved for Smith to colour, the final work being published in 1815.
Such was the scientific and geological importance of this map that it became known, and still is known, as The Map That Changed the World.
