From its foundation, the society received an annual grant from the Sovereign of the United Kingdom for awards with royal approval.

[2] In 1836, the society with agreement from King William IV, decided to allocate half of the premium to a 'Gold Medal'.

[2] Queen Victoria succeeded to the throne before the first gold medal, which was designed in coordination with King William IV, was awarded.

The reverse side shows a figure of Britannia, wearing a helmet and standing by a sextant and globe.

[7] In 1855, the Patron's Medal was awarded but instead of awarding a Founder's Medal the council presented Charles John Andersson with a set of surveying instruments (containing a sextant and stand, artificial horizon, watch, thermometers and measuring tapes).