A fine example of William Smith's geological survey of Norfolk, the first geological survey of the county.

Smith produced the first geological map of England and Wales in 1815, which contained "an amazing amount of correct detail" (DSB) and was the basis for all the geological maps that followed. In 1819 he began the publication of a geological atlas of England and Wales. Published in six parts over five years, it remained unfinished, containing 21 maps of various English counties. The map of Norfolk was one of the first to published, and appeared in Part 1 of the Atlas, which also contained maps of Kent, Wiltshire, and Sussex. Part 1 cost £1 5s, but the maps could be had separately for 5s 6d.

"All the county maps published contain much more information than was shown on Smith's large map of 1815, and indicate that during the intervening years he had done much to increase his knowledge. The maps are based on Cary's county maps, and are headed 'By W. Smith, Mineral Surveyor.' Each map measures 21 ½ inches by 19 1/4 inches [across the ruled border]; the scale varies slightly but averages 3 miles to an inch" (Sheppard).

Stratigraphy 1. London Clay, forming the detached hills in the environs of London. The highest Strata in the County. 2, 3 and 4. Brick Earth and Sand with pebbly gravel and Crag occasionally. The darker shade of Brown represents the Heavy Lands, the lighter shade the Sand and Heath Lands. 5. Chalk, the upper beds of which are soft enough to mark with, abounding with flinty Nodules. The under beds are much harder, and without Flints. 7. Golt Brick Earth, containing Belemnites, represented by the detached blue spots. 8 and 9. Sand, beneath the Golt Brick Earth in the lower part of which the Portland Rock is occasionally found. 11. Oaktree Clay, part Slaty, and highly bituminous, as at Kimmeridge in Dorsetshire. The deepest Strata in the County.