 This method was used to navigate shore lines until the 20th century, but remain as a safety precaution in big maritime vessels.He also surveyed the north coast of Ireland and the west coast of Scotland, publishing the results in "Nautical description of the west coast of Great Britain from Bristol Channel to Cape Wrath" (1776).His 1774 "Treatise on Maritime Surveying" included the first use of the term station pointer, noting it as a new instrument and method rather than as Mackenzie's invention or tool.