William Smith was an English geologist born in 1769, often referred to as the "Father of English Geology." He is best known for creating the first nationwide geological map of England and Wales in 1815, which laid the foundation for modern geological mapping. His work demonstrated that different layers of rock contained distinct fossils, allowing for the identification of geological strata. Smith's innovative approach to geology involved using fossils as indicators of the relative ages of rock layers, a method known as biostratigraphy. His contributions significantly advanced the understanding of Earth's history and the processes that shape it, influencing future geologists and the field of geology as a whole.