Matthew Flinders and the Charting of Australia's Coasts, 1798–1814. (3rd July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Morgan, Kenneth
• Is Part Of: Terrae incognitae. Volume 50:Number 2(2018)
• Page Start: 115
• Page End: 145
• Publication Date: 2018-07-03
• Subjects: Maps -- voyages -- exploration -- navigation -- Australian geography -- hydrography; cartes -- voyages -- exploration -- navigation -- la géographie australienne -- hydrographie; mapas -- viajes -- exploración -- navegación -- geografía de Australia -- hidrografía; Discoveries in geography -- History -- Periodicals; Intercultural communication -- History -- Periodicals; 910.9
• DOI: 10.1080/00822884.2018.1503812
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0082-2884

Abstract

Abstract : This article argues that the connections between the maritime explorer Matthew Flinders, the hydrographer Alexander Dalrymple, the mapmaker Aaron Arrowsmith, and the President of the Royal Society, Sir Joseph Banks, were crucial for improved knowledge about Australia's coastal geography and cartography in the early nineteenth century. It also explains how geographical knowledge of Australia was advanced by the techniques followed by these individuals as part of their professional association. Flinders's naval career was mainly focused on navigation and exploration in Australian waters. He undertook (with George Bass) the first circumnavigation of Van Diemen's Land in 1798–1799, proving it was an island. Flinders led the first voyage to circumnavigate Australia in HMS Investigator between 1801 and 1803. He used the latest scientific instruments and hydrographic techniques to explore Australia's coastline. Drawing on the patronage of Banks and the hydrographical expertise of Dalrymple, Flinders and Arrowsmith combined their talents to produce a highly accurate atlas of Australia to accompany Flinders's A Voyage to Terra Australis (1814).