Edward Lloyd Thomas (surveyor)

Edward Lloyd Thomas was a Welsh surveyor who played a significant role in the Ordnance Survey's Principal Triangulation of Great Britain during the mid-19th century. He is particularly noted for his work in establishing and verifying trigonometric stations in Wales and the border regions of England.

Thomas joined the Ordnance Survey in the early 1840s and quickly became a trusted and skilled surveyor. His meticulous work involved the accurate measurement of angles between distant triangulation stations, utilizing the most advanced surveying instruments of the time, including theodolites. The precision of these measurements was crucial for the creation of accurate maps, which were essential for both military and civilian purposes.

He contributed to several key sections of the Principal Triangulation, including those around Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons. These areas presented particular challenges due to the rugged terrain and often inclement weather conditions. Thomas's dedication and expertise were vital in overcoming these obstacles and ensuring the successful completion of the survey.

While detailed biographical information on Thomas is limited, his contributions to the Ordnance Survey are well documented within the Survey's historical records. He stands as an example of the many skilled surveyors who worked tirelessly to create the detailed and accurate maps that are still relied upon today. His work helped to establish a national geodetic framework, which underpinned much of Britain's infrastructural development throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. He represents a crucial figure in the history of British cartography and land surveying.