UNK1

If enough people would like I can adjust the start date to March 22nd - 1 week later than the current start date. Let me know what you'd prefer. UNK1

I was going to use April 1st as the start date until I figured out that the contest would end on July 1st just in time for the 4th of July holiday. The final scoring would need to be done during the holiday and I hope to be enjoying the holiday instead of tallying the final scoreboard. UNK1

Good point - will add that to the final set of rules. UNK1

I have not seen any GC.com page that showed a significant difference to the original datasheet. The options are to cross check the required information prior to hunting the benchmark or verify it when you log the benchmark. As in another thread here in the forums the benchmark on the face of the dam is listed as being a "Light Structure" setting. There is enough concrete in the dam to build a highway from AZ to Chicago, Illinois. Not exactly a "light structure". So, if the benchmark page has a "#39" setting, then that is what will be scored regardless of the actual setting. UNK1

Could you provide a couple of links to those marks? UNK1

Correct, the setting number from the list on the sign up page is the one that counts. As noted in a previous post, if the GC.com page doesn't show the number you will need to reference the datasheet that GC.com used when they populated their online database. (use the "view original datasheet" button on the benchmark page) Remember that it is the setting Number that will be used. UNK1

Any suggestions on what to check?

If you use GSAK, you can sort for a particular setting. UNK1 I reiterate that there is NO 'setting type' field in my GASK database to sort by. You are assuming that contestants have created their databases in the same manner that you did. Here is a screen shot showing the filter box for GSAK. Just choose full text search (the box in yellow) and type in "setting: 21". Change the 21 to what ever setting you wish to search for. UNK1

This the official thread for signing up for the contest, add your name here. Scoring will be as follows: Only the Setting (class) will be used. This is the number preceding the description of the setting. 10 points will be awarded for each setting when getting a particular setting (number) the first time. 1 point for each additional find for that particular setting. When you log a find for setting #7 (for example) you will get 10 points for the first benchmark with that setting and 1 point for each additional benchmark with that setting. Finding 7 benchmarks with that setting (#7) would then score you 16 points - 10 points for the first one and 6 points for the other six benchmarks. All scoring will be based on the following list and using the Setting (Class) NUMBER. Code (description) may vary, but the NUMBER will be the deciding factor. If the GC.com page does NOT show the number you will need to click on the "view original datasheet" link tp verify the setting number. Bonus scoring can be for the following criteria. Bonus points for getting 18 different settings? Additional bonus points for getting 27 different settings? And even more points for getting all types (numbers) of settings listed? Bonus points for monument date of "UNK" - 25 points (for the first benchmark of each setting number) Bonus points for monument dates pre-1960 - 5 points and pre-1935 -10 points and pre-1900 - 15 points. (for the first benchmark of each setting number) Monument dates are when the benchmark was set (from the GC.com pages) You will be required to post a clear current/updated picture of the benchmark on the log and link to the benchmark page when posting a claim in the contest. I think using only the GC benchmark page would be preferred since there will be new benchmark hunters and old timers who do not log with the NGS participating in the contest. You can log benchmarks that YOU have NOT found in the past year. Recoveries older than 1 year may be logged as notes for the contest. You must be signed up prior to the start of the contest. Contest will run from March 15th until June 15th. Sign up will run 30 days prior to the start of the contest. There will be a separate thread for logging your finds for the contest. This thread will be started at the beginning of the contest. UNK1's decisions will be final. There will be other judges to make sure UNK1 doesn't miss anything. Prizes will be announced when UNK1 gets around to it. :-) (sometime before the contest starts) This contest is for fun, so don't expect any premium prizes. Fire up GSAK and start sorting on "Setting: XX" The list Setting (Class) Code 0 Unspecified setting 2 Object driven into ground 4 Object surrounded by mass of concrete 7 Set in top of concrete monument 9 Set in prefabricated concrete post 15 A metal rod driven into ground. See text for additional information. 16 A metal rod with base plate buried/screwed into ground 17 Set into or fastened to top of metal pipe driven into ground 21 Set in concrete in a clay tile pipe 30 Light structures (other than listed below) 31 Pavement (street, sidewalk, curb, etc.) 32 Retaining wall or concrete ledge 33 Piles or poles (e.g. spike in utility pole) 34 Footings of small/medium structures 35 Mat foundation or concrete slab other than pavement 36 Massive structures (other than listed below) 37 Massive retaining walls 38 Abutment or pier of large bridges 39 Tunnels 40 Large structures with deep foundations 41 Large structure with foundations on bedrock 45 Unspecified deep unsleeved setting (10FT+ or 3.048M+) 46 Copper-clad steel rod without sleeve (10FT+ or 3.048M+) 47 Galvanized steel pipe without sleeve (10FT+ or 3.048M+) 48 Galvanized steel rod without sleeve (10FT+ or 3.048M+) 49 Stainless steel rod without sleeve (10FT+ or 3.048M+) 50 Aluminum alloy rod without sleeve (10FT+ or 3.048M+) 55 Unspecified pipe/rod in sleeve (10FT+ or 3.048M+) 56 Copper-clad rod in sleeve (10FT+ or 3.048M+) 57 Galvanized steel pipe in sleeve (10FT+ or 3.048M+) 58 Galvanized steel rod in sleeve (10FT+ or 3.048M+) 59 Stainless steel rod in sleeve (10FT+ or 3.048M+) 60 Aluminum alloy rod in sleeve (10FT+ or 3.048M+) 65 Unspecified rock or boulder 66 In rock outcrop or ledge 80 In a boulder Time for the fun to begin, get your list ready, study the maps, and enjoy the competition. UNK1

The reason for the sign up period is to get the database set for the score keeping before things get too busy. It keeps things simple for judging and scoring and producing a running tally for the scoreboard that will be posted in the forums on a regular basis. UNK1

Noted, will adjust the rules, UNK1

Everytime I log into the forums I'm immediately taken to "My Controls" and not the forum pages. Also, there is a message stating that my e-mail account is in use by another. As far as I know, I'm the only one with that e-mail account. What settings do I need to change so that I go directly to the forums when I log in? Thanks UNK1

If you use GSAK, you can sort for a particular setting. UNK1

Sounds like a good idea. How about 20 points for those marks that are pre-1895? You are correct that it is for the monumentation date. Those without a monument date will be "UNK" for scoring purposes. The data from the GC.com pages will be what will be used in deciding if a log is good or bad. I believe that all benchmarks have a setting listed. "0" usually reads "unspecified setting" or "see description". Would you like to start sooner or later? answer -- Yes UNK1

Your request has been noted. UNK1

I am assuming that these would need to be visited again rather than just claimed because it was found over a year ago. I know what you mean but will everyone? You are correct. The mark would have to be visited and photographed and a new log posted (it could be a note). Then a link to the GC benchmark page would be required in the "Logging Thread". If no one has any objections on March 15th start date, it would be doable. I could start the sign up thread on Sunday and still have this thread for the further discussion and refining of the contest. We just need more people to give their preferences on the start date and end date. UNK1

Are you ready to start discussing the next contest? I have developed some preliminary rules that can be discussed and adjusted as necessary. I have copied and listed the setting codes from the Hippo list (see at the end of this post). Scoring will be as follows: Only the Setting (class) will be used. This is the number preceding the description of the setting. 10 points will be awarded for each setting when getting a particular setting (number) the first time. 1 point for each additional find for that particular setting. When you log a find for setting #7 (for example) you will get 10 points for the first benchmark with that setting and 1 point for each additional benchmark with that setting. Finding 7 benchmarks with that setting (#7) would then score you 16 points - 10 points for the first one and 6 points for the other six benchmarks. All scoring will be based on the following list and using the Setting (Class) NUMBER. Code (description) may vary, but the NUMBER will be the deciding factor. Bonus scoring can be for the following criteria. Bonus points for getting 18 different settings? Additional bonus points for getting 27 different settings? And even more points for getting all types (numbers) of settings listed? Bonus points for monument date of "UNK" - 25 points Bonus points for monument dates pre-1960 - 5 points and pre-1935 -10 points. You will be required to post a clear picture of the benchmark on the log and link to the benchmark page when posting a claim in the contest. I think using only the GC benchmark page would be preferred since there will be new benchmark hunters and old timers who do not log with the NGS participating in the contest. You can log benchmarks that YOU have NOT found in the past year. Recoveries older than 1 year may be logged for the contest. You must be signed up prior to the start of the contest. Contest will run from ?? until ?? Sign up will run 30 days prior to the start of the contest. There will be a separate thread for logging your finds for the contest. This thread will be started at the beginning of the contest. UNK1's decisions will be final. There will be other judges to make sure UNK1 doesn't miss anything. Prizes will be announced when UNK1 gets around to it. :-) (sometime before the contest starts) This contest is for fun, so don't expect any premium prizes. Fire up GSAK and start sorting on "Setting: XX" Let's hear what you think, good, bad, indifferent..... UNK1 The list Setting (Class) Code 0 Unspecified setting 2 Object driven into ground 4 Object surrounded by mass of concrete 7 Set in top of concrete monument 9 Set in prefabricated concrete post 15 A metal rod driven into ground. See text for additional information. 16 A metal rod with base plate buried/screwed into ground 17 Set into or fastened to top of metal pipe driven into ground 21 Set in concrete in a clay tile pipe 30 Light structures (other than listed below) 31 Pavement (street, sidewalk, curb, etc.) 32 Retaining wall or concrete ledge 33 Piles or poles (e.g. spike in utility pole) 34 Footings of small/medium structures 35 Mat foundation or concrete slab other than pavement 36 Massive structures (other than listed below) 37 Massive retaining walls 38 Abutment or pier of large bridges 39 Tunnels 40 Large structures with deep foundations 41 Large structure with foundations on bedrock 45 Unspecified deep unsleeved setting (10FT+ or 3.048M+) 46 Copper-clad steel rod without sleeve (10FT+ or 3.048M+) 47 Galvanized steel pipe without sleeve (10FT+ or 3.048M+) 48 Galvanized steel rod without sleeve (10FT+ or 3.048M+) 49 Stainless steel rod without sleeve (10FT+ or 3.048M+) 50 Aluminum alloy rod without sleeve (10FT+ or 3.048M+) 55 Unspecified pipe/rod in sleeve (10FT+ or 3.048M+) 56 Copper-clad rod in sleeve (10FT+ or 3.048M+) 57 Galvanized steel pipe in sleeve (10FT+ or 3.048M+) 58 Galvanized steel rod in sleeve (10FT+ or 3.048M+) 59 Stainless steel rod in sleeve (10FT+ or 3.048M+) 60 Aluminum alloy rod in sleeve (10FT+ or 3.048M+) 65 Unspecified rock or boulder 66 In rock outcrop or ledge 80 In a boulder The Hippo Page

GeorgeL left out the most important reason for benchmarks------So we have something to search for during our contest! UNK1

That indeed would be an excellent hint. Thanks, UNK1

After studying the datasheet it occurred to me that this would be something that could be used as the target for the upcoming contest. Time to start practicing your sorting for this 'attribute' of the benchmarks in your area. UNK1

Perhaps you should have saved one of those that was on a building for the upcoming contest. (hint, hint) Unk1

Now is the time to practice using GSAK to sort available benchmarks. Try sorting for Unk or Unknown for the monument date. (for getting some bonus points) Are you sure all the benchmarks needed for the contest will be beside the roads in the ditches? If the start date is close to March 15th, how long would you like to see the contest run? UNK1

Mr Dolphin, sir and all the fine benchmarkers here, Please take comfort in knowing that I have been in contact with the 2oldfarts concerning another contest. They have agreed to offer me their assistance & guidance in putting together and managing a benchmark contest when the weather permits. Any thoughts or suggestions for a new contest can be offered at any time you fine folks feel ready to discuss options for a contest. regards, UNK1

And does the rumor mill have an age for this oldfart? I hear he's so old he can remember when the Grand Canyon was only 50 feet deep, but that is only a rumor. Happy Birthday 1 of the 2Oldfarts....John.... UNK1

Please Note that this thread is for offering helpful information to others. It is NOT intended for asking questions about specific benchmarks. Please use a new thread for questions about benchmarks you have found. Thank You, UNK1