John Ainslie facts for kids
John Ainslie (born April 22, 1745 – died February 29, 1828) was a famous Scottish surveyor and mapmaker. He was known for creating very accurate maps of Scotland.
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John Ainslie's Early Life and Training
John Ainslie was born in Jedburgh, Scotland. He was the youngest son of John Ainslie, who was a druggist. John went to school at Jedburgh Grammar School.
He started his career as an apprentice to Thomas Jefferys. Jefferys was a famous engraver and publisher for King George III. Ainslie worked as a surveyor and engraver for maps of English counties.
Becoming a Master Mapmaker
After Jefferys passed away, Ainslie went back to Scotland. He surveyed many Scottish counties. He then engraved and published these maps himself. He focused mainly on the coasts and islands of Scotland.
His maps were so good that they made other mapmakers improve their own work. This helped make maps clearer and easier to read for everyone.
Mapping Scotland's Outline
From 1787 to 1789, Ainslie worked on a big new map of Scotland. This map had nine separate sheets. He published it in 1789. This map was a huge step forward in showing Scotland's shape.
For the first time, the Great Glen was shown as a straight line. Islands like Skye, Mull, and Islay were drawn much more accurately than before.
Working on Big Projects
John Ainslie also worked as a surveyor on several large building projects. He helped with the Forth and Clyde canal alongside Robert Whitworth. He also worked with Charles Rennie on the Saltcoats harbour. Another project was the canal from Glasgow to Ardrossan.
John was also a bookseller. This helped him write and publish his own books. He wrote an important book for his job. It was called "Comprehensive treatise on Land Surveying comprising the Theory and Practice of all its Branches." This book taught others how to survey land.
Family Life and Passing
On October 27, 1776, John Ainslie married Christian Caverhill. She was the daughter of a merchant from Jedburgh. In the 1780s, they lived in Edinburgh on Parliament Square. This area is part of the famous Royal Mile.
John Ainslie passed away on February 29, 1828. He was 82 years old. He is buried at Jedburgh Abbey.
John Ainslie's Maps
Many of Ainslie's maps are kept at the National Library of Scotland. Here are some of his important works:
- The county of Fife, published in 1775.
- Scotland, drawn from a series of angles and astronomical observations..., a large map in 9 sheets, published in 1789.
- A plan of Jedburgh, published in 1780.
- City of Edinburgh, published in 1780.
- The Old and New Town of Edinburgh and Leith, published in 1804.
- Ainslie's Map of the Southern Part of Scotland, published in 1821.
