A two-dimensional nanoindentation measurement apparatus for making nanoindentation measurements on a surface of a material sample, the two-dimensional nanoindentation measurement apparatus being configured to perform the method according to claim 14, the apparatus comprising: a rigid frame; a first actuator attached to the rigid frame, the first actuator operable to impart a first force in a first direction; a first elongate member having a first length dimension disposed parallel to the first direction and a first width dimension disposed parallel to a third direction which is orthogonal to the first direction, the first elongate member including: a first end attached to the first actuator; and a second end spaced apart from the first end; an indenter tip connected to the second end of the first elongate member, the indenter tip operable to engage the surface of the material sample; a second actuator attached to the rigid frame, the second actuator operable to impart a second force in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction; and a second elongate member having a second length dimension disposed parallel to the second direction and a second width dimension disposed parallel to the third direction, the second elongate member including: a first end attached to the second actuator; and a second end spaced apart from the first end and connected to the second end of the first elongate member, wherein the first force is imparted to the indenter tip in the first direction through the first elongate member, and wherein the second force is imparted to the indenter tip in the second direction through the second elongate member. a rigid frame; a first actuator attached to the rigid frame, the first actuator operable to impart a first force in a first direction; a first elongate member having a first length dimension disposed parallel to the first direction and a first width dimension disposed parallel to a third direction which is orthogonal to the first direction, the first elongate member including: a first end attached to the first actuator; and a second end spaced apart from the first end; a first end attached to the first actuator; and a second end spaced apart from the first end; an indenter tip connected to the second end of the first elongate member, the indenter tip operable to engage the surface of the material sample; a second actuator attached to the rigid frame, the second actuator operable to impart a second force in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction; and a second elongate member having a second length dimension disposed parallel to the second direction and a second width dimension disposed parallel to the third direction, the second elongate member including: a first end attached to the second actuator; and a second end spaced apart from the first end and connected to the second end of the first elongate member, a first end attached to the second actuator; and a second end spaced apart from the first end and connected to the second end of the first elongate member, wherein the first force is imparted to the indenter tip in the first direction through the first elongate member, and wherein the second force is imparted to the indenter tip in the second direction through the second elongate member.