The Wrangell sentinel., 1937-06-04
Coast, GeOdetiC Survey
 Important To Nation

The coast anu BbOueLlt SUI hGJ vessel Explorer, based here while comprehensive survey is belng made of Sumner Straits, left Tues day morning to establish field head quarters at Pole Anchorage and McArthur Inlet.
 Surveying will start at Cape De- eision and work towards Wrangell.
 The early surveys made of these waters in the 188O's were incom- plete. They made the waters access ible to commerce but many of the local areas have never been more than cursorily surveyed. Twenty years ago wire dragging operations consisting of sweeping the main channel prove it clear of danger were carried out, although the waters had not been surveyed first as is the usual procedure.
 Survey Responsible
 The United States Coast and Geo detic Survey is responsible for sur veys of the coasts of the United States and it's possessions including rivers to head of tidewater, and the publication of nayigational charts of these areas.
 The Coast and Geodetic Survey also determines geographic positions by triangulations and traverse, and elevations by spirit leveling, in the interior of the United States and Alaska, for the fundamental con trol of mapping and charting. Other activities include seismological in- vestigations; astronomical obserYa- tions; gravity measurements; and observations for variation of lati- tude.
 Started By Jefferson
 A survey of the coast of the Un~ tied States was first recommended by President Jefferson in 1907. By an act of Congress the President was authorized to cause the coast to be accurately surveyed and a chart of each part to be prepared for future reference.
 The work was not commenced un- til 1877, when E. R. Hassler, German of Switzerland, was secured to begin the surveying and mapping. Owing to a want of suitable appro- priations the work was not prose cuted with much success until 1882 when Prof Hassler was authorized to employ astronomers to carry for ward the enterprise with vigor. lie remained m the work until his death in lS42 when he was super 5eded by A. D. Bache who continued to superinrend operations until his death in 1867.
 Competent Superintendence
 Since 1897 the coast and geodet- ic survey las been promoted without intermission under competent sup erintendence. It is now a bureau under the Department of Commerce. The coast lines of the United States, exclusive of Alaska, reach a total of 7,050 miles and, including tie numerous indentations of bays and gulfs aggregate a total of 29,35O miles.
 The coast survey has for it's object to determine the position of various points along the coast by accurate methods to secure a definite know ledge of the coast line and features of the land, to survey the channels and shoals near the shore, and to note the effects of currents, tides and winds upon navigation and the bottom of the sea.
 Vast Importance
 The work is one of vast import ance to navigation and commerce and by means of it many advantages have been obtained for the Ameri- can shipping enterprises. Besides saving many lives, it has been the means of shortening routes avoiding dangers and making travel by water much more efficient and profitable HAZEL B LEAVES WITH