Some results achieved in the geodetic disciplines at Lombardy institutions during the 19th century

Abstract

The present work deals with specific activities, which involved, in the 19th century, the Brera Observatory, the University of Pavia and other institutions in Lombardy, in the context of meteorological observations and magnetometric measurements. In particular, these activities represented an innovation in the scientific fields of both Astronomy and Geodesy, performed at this facility, because of the capabilities in metric surveying and data processing typical of astronomical observatories, at the time also dedicated to geodetic and surveying operations. In the same context, barometric leveling campaigns allowed to collect some meteorological measurements and to determine heights with a higher precision than trigonometric leveling (before the introduction of geometric leveling). In fact, this new technique was relatively easy to apply during field operations and an important example was represented by the height determination which was carried on between Brescia and Verona, in order to choose the most appropriate route for the Ferdinandea Railroad (Milan – Venice), then under construction. In addition, further information concerning the same institutions were reported about the geodetic activities of the ancient University of Pavia and of the then new Polytechnic of Milan, where an interesting debate concerned the establishment of a Chair of Geodesy.