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Filling in the Maps
The geographer has played many roles through the ages. These roles include as an explorer of unknown lands, as a mapmaker or cartographer recording the geographical facts so discovered, as a scientist collating, analysing and interpreting information, and as a teacher educating students to better understand and appreciate the world. The Royal Geographical Society of South Australia has been all these things since 1885.
That a small volunteer society could achieve so much may be surprising, but it is indicative of the enthusiasm and dedication of its members. The founders of the RGSSA set ambitious goals for the Society in the early years, sponsoring outback expeditions and purchasing treasures to set in place the foundation of a great library collection. They established a tradition that has been a source of inspiration for members for over one hundred years.
Some of the early expeditions were destined to become epic undertakings, exploring the ‘Dead Heart’ of South Australia, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory. Camel borne expeditions ventured into the unknown for months on end and in some cases lives were lost. This was the beginning of the era of scientific exploration and the parties returned with collections of plants and animals, as well as geological specimens.
The Lake Eyre Basin and Simpson Desert regions have also been of particular interest to the Society. In 1929 the Society along with the Royal Australian Air Force provided support for Dr Cecil Madigan to undertake a systematic aerial survey of Central Australia. The survey lasted 19 days and was the first time that aerial strip photography had been used for mapping in Australia. The aerial reconnaissance inspired Madigan to undertake ground surveys of Lake Eyre and other areas of Central Australia culminating in his crossing of the Simpson Desert by camel in 1939.
The Society’s commitment to the greater understanding of the Lake Eyre Basin has seen numerous studies undertaken, particularly studies of the changes brought about by the floods that have periodically inundated this vast area. Several books and monographs were subsequently published as a result of these studies.
The Royal Geographical Society of South Australia is also the custodian of a library of great historical significance. How this came about can be traced back to grand designs of its founders. The Society was established during a period of great optimism, the colony of South Australia had been proclaimed less than 50 years before and the business and civic leaders had great expectations for the future. In 1905 the Society’s strong commitment to education was evident with the purchase of the York Gate Library.
The Society has adapted to change over the years, expeditions have been replaced by web pages, books have been digitised, and plaques have been erected to honour the feats of previous generations. The RGSSA has a rich history and this ‘cameo’ is intended to provide a snapshot of the highlights.
That a small volunteer society could achieve so much may be surprising, but it is indicative of the enthusiasm and dedication of its members. The founders of the RGSSA set ambitious goals for the Society in the early years, sponsoring outback expeditions and purchasing treasures to set in place the foundation of a great library collection. They established a tradition that has been a source of inspiration for members for over one hundred years.
Some of the early expeditions were destined to become epic undertakings, exploring the ‘Dead Heart’ of South Australia, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory. Camel borne expeditions ventured into the unknown for months on end and in some cases lives were lost. This was the beginning of the era of scientific exploration and the parties returned with collections of plants and animals, as well as geological specimens.
The Lake Eyre Basin and Simpson Desert regions have also been of particular interest to the Society. In 1929 the Society along with the Royal Australian Air Force provided support for Dr Cecil Madigan to undertake a systematic aerial survey of Central Australia. The survey lasted 19 days and was the first time that aerial strip photography had been used for mapping in Australia. The aerial reconnaissance inspired Madigan to undertake ground surveys of Lake Eyre and other areas of Central Australia culminating in his crossing of the Simpson Desert by camel in 1939.
The Society’s commitment to the greater understanding of the Lake Eyre Basin has seen numerous studies undertaken, particularly studies of the changes brought about by the floods that have periodically inundated this vast area. Several books and monographs were subsequently published as a result of these studies.
The Royal Geographical Society of South Australia is also the custodian of a library of great historical significance. How this came about can be traced back to grand designs of its founders. The Society was established during a period of great optimism, the colony of South Australia had been proclaimed less than 50 years before and the business and civic leaders had great expectations for the future. In 1905 the Society’s strong commitment to education was evident with the purchase of the York Gate Library.
The Society has adapted to change over the years, expeditions have been replaced by web pages, books have been digitised, and plaques have been erected to honour the feats of previous generations. The RGSSA has a rich history and this ‘cameo’ is intended to provide a snapshot of the highlights.
93 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 12, 2013
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