INDIA SHOWING RAILWAYS OPEN AND UNDER CONSTRUCTION 1944 – PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF BRIGADIER E O WHEELER SURVEYOR GENERAL OF INDIA 1942

Surveyor General: Brigadier E. O. Wheeler
Publisher: The Survey Of India, Calcutta
Price: £145
Publication Date: 1944
Edition: New edition
Format: Heliozincograph
Condition: In very good condition, unframed
Sheet Size: Sheet Size: 104.8cm x 84.2cm
Scale: 1:4250000 1 inch to 67.08 miles

Condition:

Covers slightly dusty and marked with a faint ink name and bookseller’s stamp. Original fold lines into 32 sections with minor age toning and marks. 6cm closed tear to one fold line. Minor wear to a few fold intersections with a very small amount of loss. Reverse is blank with very minor age toning and marks. In very good indeed, original and unrestored condition. Scarce.

Location: Map Drawer C: FS: Folder 1220 002476

Description:

Illustrates the extensive rail lines that were operational and highlights the routes under construction as of March 31, 1944. It serves as a valuable historical document, reflecting the strategic importance of railways in British India, especially during World War II.

The map was produced by the Survey of India, the nation’s central engineering agency responsible for mapping and surveying. It offers insights into the development and expansion of the railway system, which played a crucial role in transportation, trade, and military logistics. This map not only serves as a tool for understanding the historical railway infrastructure but also provides context for the economic and strategic considerations of the time.

Brigadier Sir Edward Oliver Wheeler: A Short Biography

Brigadier Sir Edward Oliver Wheeler (1890–1962) was a distinguished Canadian surveyor, mountaineer, and military officer who served as the Surveyor General of India from 1941 to 1946. Born in Ottawa, Ontario, he was the son of Arthur Oliver Wheeler, a prominent surveyor and co-founder of the Alpine Club of Canada. Edward Wheeler’s early exposure to surveying and mountaineering through his father significantly influenced his career path.

Military and Surveying Career

Wheeler attended the Royal Military College of Canada, graduating in 1910, and subsequently joined the Royal Engineers. During World War I, he served with distinction in France and Mesopotamia, earning the Military Cross and the French Legion of Honour for his bravery and service. After the war, he was seconded to the Survey of India in 1919, marking the beginning of his long association with the subcontinent’s topographical and geodetic surveys.

Mount Everest Expedition

In 1921, Wheeler was a key member of the first British reconnaissance expedition to Mount Everest. Utilising his expertise in photographic surveying, he played a crucial role in mapping potential routes to the summit. His exploration of the East Rongbuk Glacier led to the identification of the North Col route, which became the primary path for subsequent expeditions. Wheeler’s contributions were instrumental in advancing the understanding of Everest’s geography and climbing potential.

Surveyor General of India

Wheeler’s career in the Survey of India progressed steadily. He was appointed Director of the Geodetic Branch in 1939 and, in 1941, became the Surveyor General of India, a position he held until 1946. During his tenure, he oversaw extensive mapping and surveying projects, which were vital for both civil administration and military operations during World War II. His leadership ensured the production of accurate maps, supporting strategic planning and infrastructure development across the region.

Later Life and Legacy

After retiring from his position in India, Wheeler returned to Canada, settling in British Columbia. He remained active in the mountaineering community, serving as President of the Alpine Club of Canada from 1950 to 1954. Wheeler passed away on March 19, 1962, in Vernon, British Columbia. His legacy endures through his significant contributions to surveying, mountaineering, and his role in the early exploration of Mount Everest.

Heliozincography: A Short Description

Heliozincography is a printing process that was developed in the 19th century to reproduce maps, plans, and other illustrations with great detail. The term is derived from heliography (a photographic process using sunlight) and zincography (a method of printing using zinc plates).

Key Features of Heliozincography:

1. Combination of Photography and Printing:
   • Heliozincography involved transferring photographic images onto zinc plates, which could then be used to reproduce maps or drawings. The process started with a photograph of the original map or illustration, which was then used to prepare a printing plate.
2. Zinc Plates:
   • The process utilized zinc plates as the medium for printing, replacing traditional stone or copper plates that had been used earlier in lithography and engraving. Zinc offered a cheaper and faster alternative for producing detailed prints.
3. Application in Cartography:
   • Heliozincography was widely used for map reproduction, especially by government survey departments, including the Survey of India and the Ordnance Survey in Britain. It allowed the mass production of accurate and detailed maps.
   • For example, the Survey of India under Colonel Sidney Gerald Burrard would have used heliozincography or similar methods to reproduce maps from surveys like the 1911 Baramulla and Anantnag survey.
4. Advantages:
   • Cost-effectiveness: Zinc plates were cheaper to produce than copper or stone plates.
   • Speed: It allowed for quicker production of multiple copies, which was especially useful for distributing maps and technical drawings.
   • Precision: The photographic component of the process ensured a high degree of accuracy in reproducing details.
5. Process:
   • The original image (such as a map or drawing) was photographed, and the photographic image was chemically transferred onto the surface of the zinc plate.
   • The plate was then treated with chemicals so that only the lines or details to be printed remained on the surface, while the rest was etched away.
   • Ink would adhere to the raised parts of the plate, and the image would be transferred onto paper through a printing press.

Historical Use:

• Survey of India: The heliozincograph was widely used by the Survey of India for producing accurate and reproducible maps of regions such as Kashmir. Given the difficulty in producing detailed maps of mountainous terrain, the precision of this process was essential for both administrative and military purposes.
• Ordnance Survey: In the UK, heliozincography was used by the Ordnance Survey to reproduce topographical maps with the necessary detail for military and civilian use.

Conclusion:

Heliozincography played a crucial role in the mass production of accurate, detailed maps and technical drawings in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It combined the emerging technology of photography with traditional zinc plate printing, providing a fast, cost-effective method for disseminating important geographical and technical information, particularly in fields like cartography.

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