What is Gunter's Chain?

Gunter's Chain is a historical measuring device used primarily in land surveying, traditionally made of steel and consisting of 100 links, each 7.92 inches long, which totals 66 feet for the entire chain. It was invented by the English surveyor Edward Gunter in the early 17th century and played a significant role in the development of surveying techniques and land measurement practices. This tool was widely used before modern measuring equipment, such as total stations and GPS devices, became prevalent. By understanding the importance of Gunter's Chain in the context of surveying history, one can appreciate how early surveyors measured distances accurately and established boundaries for land ownership.