Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1896-12-24

work of the land survey:
Lines Miles.
Standard. i.sOsOs
Exterior. AO55.Si
Subdivision. ........... ................. 22057O9
Meander .......................... l,sOolb
boundary. 5000
Total,................... ,i2g.G9
Triangulation.-The base line
and initial point was established
on the line of the NJ. X. e. T. rail-
way, at Savannah in the Choctaw
nation. The Astronomical position
of the initial point was determined
by observations and telegraphic
connection with the Washington
university observatory in st. Louis.
The triangulation has been ex.
panded from this base over the
area subdivided, the work being
still in progress, each station hav-
ing been connected with township
or section corners, for the purpose
OF correcting errors and as a refer
ence points for recovery of corners,
where the same have been obliter-
ated, and for the establishment Of
the correct meridional, latiludinal
and boundary lines.
In many states and territories
the boundary lines have been es-
tablished in advance of any trian-
gulation, and in consequence
thereof many grave errors exist in
the longitudinal and latitudinal de-
scriptions Of boundary and base
lines. Triangulation is the fund
amental basis of all correct topo.
graphic mapping and the topo-
graPhy a basis for all geological
work.
Topography -Four topograph-
ers detailed from the permanent
corps Of the Geological Survey
were placed in charge of the work
of subdivision, which is common
ly understood as "sectionizing." "
Aside from the administrative and
executive management THE work =,
their duties also comprise the max
ing of Topographic map. These
maps consist of all culture, known
as roads, railroads, houses and
timber lines and contours and
drainage They will be complete
in their nature, and will be pub.
lished on a scale OF two miles to
one inch and a contour interval OF
20 feet. The datum Ofelevation is
sea level, having been brought up
from the Gulf of Mexico by the U
S. Coast and Geodetic Survey Ia
Fort Smith, Ark, and extended by
very accurate lines of levels over
the territory. Elevations or bench
marks have been established at all
prominent towns and at functions
Of railroads, stamped on brass tab.
lets set in some prominent build
ing. At every township corner an
iron post will be set and elevation
above sea level, township, range
and section stamped thereon.
The area Of the lands of the five
civilized tribes, exclusive of thu
Chickasaw, comprise 23, ,64S square
miles, or about 657 townships
The total number OF square miles
mapped and surveyed Novembe
! amounts to 1886 square miles
or 81 townships.
The following is a statement o
the progress Of the leveling parties
Railroads ......... ............. .05202 mile
Township lines .....5e9 G' mile
Vertical angles ...............,..3 3,7l7oO mile
Some geological work has beel
, done in the territory, but a NOR
complete survey is being made
which will accompany the final re
port OF the surveyors Of the Indial
Territory.
{ The cost Of this survey, includ
, ing the land survey, triangulation
! topography and leyeling will no
exceed the estimated cost, at lega
rates, for the land survey alone.
This experiment of land survey
ing under government officials ha
demonstrated the fact that il
Q more economical and accurate tha
b. under the contract system.
The number OF men at preseI
employed on the Indian Territor
+ surveys is about 300
l. WAN II MAENfNa