Episode 16: Mapping Mastermind – Verplanck Colvin

Verplanck Colvin (1847-1920) was an influential force behind the creation of the Adirondack Park. He spent 28 years as the Superintendent of the Adirondack Survey. His calculations using triangulation created maps that are still today seen as incredibly accurate.

Verplanck Colvin and the survey team next to the Stan-Helio on Blue Mt., c.1880. (P067434)

Verplanck Colvin and the survey team next to the Stan-Helio on Blue Mt., c.1880. (P067434)

Verplanck Colvin and Mills Blake examining surveying equipment, c. 1880. ( P008247)

Verplanck Colvin and Mills Blake examining surveying equipment, c. 1880. ( P008247)

Survey crew on the summit of Mt. Hurricane, 1876 (P007955)

Survey crew on the summit of Mt. Hurricane, 1876 (P007955)

Header Image: Surveying, 1893. (P00007)

Connecting To Curriculum

Read-aloud. Students can follow along while listening. Download a copy of the transcripts here.

Vocabulary. Explore new words. Students will be listening to high level vocabulary in context. Have them identify the definition. Click here for the vocabulary page.

Engineering. Have students work in teams to create a map of the classroom or library.

Questions

Higher grade level students may want to explore some topics in more depth.

  1. Learn and practice using a compass. Click here for some compass games.
  2. There are more to maps than just road maps. Click here for an introduction to topographical maps: