Bilby Towers

Survey towers were used by surveyors from the mid-1800s through the 1980s to obtain the clear lines-of-sight needed to conduct the surveys.

Survey tower materials and designs varied over time, using timber, steel and aluminum. Tower heights also varied from a few feet for ground observations to 275 feet.

Many designs included an inner tower for supporting the survey instrument and an outer tower for independent support of personnel.

One of the most enduring and widely used types of towers was the Bilby Tower, designed by Jasper Bilby in 1926. The Bilby Tower was made of steel and included many unique features that made this one of the most widely used towers.