A complete listing of the Surveyor General's Crown Plans, originally listed in the Select List of Maps and Plans (and Supplement), 1792-1886. The Select List describes the Surveyor General's maps and plans (Crown plans) that we hold. It contains the earliest surveys of New South Wales including those of towns and villages, squatting districts, counties and parishes, roads, rivers, mountain ranges, and explorers' expeditions. These plans are also known as Crown plans.
- Record series in the index: NRS 13859
- Entries in the index: 6,500+
How to use the Index
Researchers should use the "SR Item number" when requesting the maps and plans in the reading room. Where this number does not appear, we do not hold the item. The index was compiled using two publications prepared by NSW State Archives staff. The two publications are available in the reading room:
- Surveyor General: Select list of maps and plans, 1792-1886
This guide was compiled from a list prepared by the Lands Department prior to the transfer of those maps and plans to the Archives Office. The maps and plans described in the Select List are arranged within alphabetical divisions and listed by the catalogue number that appears in the Catalogue of maps and plans, 1792-1887.
- Surveyor General: Select list of maps and plans, 1792-1886 Supplement
The Supplement describes those Surveyor General's maps and plans not included in the above publication. The two guides should be used together.
A note about the index
The index was compiled using two publications prepared by NSW State Archives staff.
1. Surveyor General: Select list of maps and plans, 1792-1886
The Select List was compiled from a list prepared by the Lands Department prior to the transfer of those maps and plans to the then Archives Office. The maps and plans described are arranged within alphabetical divisions and listed by the catalogue number that appears in
- NRS 13870, Catalogue of maps and plans, 1792-1887
The 'Map number' assigned by us is also shown. This number should be used when requesting the maps or plans in the reading room. Where this number does not appear, the item was either retained by the Lands Department or was not available at the time of transfer.
2. Surveyor General: Select list of maps and plans, 1792-1886 Supplement
The supplement describes those Surveyor General's Crown plans not included in the above publication.
Accessing the records
Copies of most of the Crown Plans [Surveyor General] can be viewed in our reading room.
View-only digital copies are progressively available on the NSW Land Registry Services Historical Lands Records Viewer (HLRV) which is accessible in the reading room.
About the copy service
Copy format: High resolution digital copy or A3 hardcopy (photocopy) from a 35mm black and white negative. Please note that due to the condition of some originals (damage, faint writing) copies from 35mm black and white negatives are not always legible.
Digital copies of Crown Plans
View-only digital copies of Crown Plans are progressively available on the NSW Land Registry Services Historical Lands Records Viewer (HLRV), accessible in the reading room.
Once an image becomes available on the HLRV, high quality digital copies may be purchased from NSW Land Registry Services. If you are interested in a digital copy of a Crown Plan that has not yet been digitised please contact reading room staff.
