Surveyor and cartographer. Born in Jedburgh (Scottish Borders), he began his career as a surveyor and engraver for the English County Series maps. He established a reputation as an excellent surveyor, producing updated maps of Scotland in 1782 and 1789. His map showed significant improvements in mapping the coastline of Scotland, with the islands of Islay, Mull and Skye portrayed relatively accurately for the first time. Also notable was Ainslie's Map of Old and New Town of Edinburgh and Leith (1804). His Comprehensive Treatise on Land Surveying comprising the Theory and Practice of all its Branches was an important early text on surveying practice. He died his home in Nicolson Street (Edinburgh) and lies buried in the grounds of Jedburgh Abbey.
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