types of benchmarks

[the james gang]

Having found only three benchmarks, all have been bench mark disc. can anyone download pics for: survey disc, azimuth mark disc, transverse station disc, horizontal control disc, and triangulation station disc. They may be easier to find if I know what I'm looking for.

[+rogbarn]

All disks are basically the same, especially is size and general verbage. Since different agencies can place them, even disks for the same purpose, i.e. benchmark disks, can have slightly different wording on them. Also, they have been made out of different materials over the years, brass, aluminum, etc. which makes them look a bit different. On the other hand, they are all the same size, which is the most important thing in trying to find them. Oh, I suppose there are some exceptions to the size too, but they are very few. Of course, not all benchmarks are disks, but that's another story entirely!

[+rogbarn]

All disks are basically the same, especially is size and general verbage. Since different agencies can place them, even disks for the same purpose, i.e. benchmark disks, can have slightly different wording on them. Also, they have been made out of different materials over the years, brass, aluminum, etc. which makes them look a bit different. On the other hand, they are all the same size, which is the most important thing in trying to find them. Oh, I suppose there are some exceptions to the size too, but they are very few. Of course, not all benchmarks are disks, but that's another story entirely!

[+RichMaru]

Yes, a few pics would be very helpful so we know what we're looking for.

 

I'd especially like to see a picture of a "nail." Surely it's not just a nail....

[+Dawgies]

quote:

---

Originally posted by Rich Maru:

Yes, a few pics would be very helpful so we know what we're looking for.

 

I'd especially like to see a picture of a "nail." Surely it's not just a nail....

---

 

Here!

 

 

~Honest Value Never Fails~

[+Dawgies]

quote:

---

Originally posted by Rich Maru:

Yes, a few pics would be very helpful so we know what we're looking for.

 

I'd especially like to see a picture of a "nail." Surely it's not just a nail....

---

 

Here!

 

 

~Honest Value Never Fails~

[survey tech]

Actually, disk-type markers come in many sizes, some as small as a quarter, but 3-4 inch diameter is typical. If you get close enough to notice the size, you have already found it. Many of those set locally have no stamping at all. Nearly all have a punch mark, which is the precise point, although it may wear away if not deeply punched. In the olden days a nail was, generally, just a plain nail. Parker Kalon concrete nails are most commonly used now, in varying sizes. Look for the tiny letters PK stamped in a rectangle in the center surrounded by knurling. Visit the Berntsen website to see examples of many types of modern markers now in use.

[+OzzieSan]

http://www.berntsen.com/

[+OzzieSan]

I knew I seen one listed just had to find it. Have not actually found the nail but they were used.

 

http://www.geocaching.com/mark/details.asp?PID=TQ0202

[+rogbarn]

You might be interested in some analysis of benchmark types in this thread.

[+cactus8]

I found an engraved railroad spike pounded into a telephone pole and understand that this type is common.

[+cactus8]

I found an engraved railroad spike pounded into a telephone pole and understand that this type is common.

[survey tech]

Thats right, railroad spikes being readily available and power poles ubiquitous, these are among the most common benchmarks. Virtually every surveyor carries an old coffee can full of spikes in his truck. There may well be more of this type than the disk type in existence.

[+GEO*Trailblazer 1]

There are even some of the stones that were hand cut here, and others of, certian diminsions described in the original surveys still in place today. the origin comes from the making of a mark , to remember a specific place,Most of the old stones have an x placed downward, to limit erosion some of the Old Spanish Land Grants go from The Ocatillo cactus to the edge of the mountian,ect,

[ArtMan]

One of the most satisfying finds in my brief benchmarking career is this Mason and Dixon monument on the Maryland-Delaware border, although the actual station is on a newer granite monument set adjacent to the badly-weathered original. It still gives one a great sense of history and appreciation of what early surveyors did.

[weRlostNDwoods]

We've found one bench mark. It was easily out in the open, so a breeze to find. We searched for others and found the flagged "sticks" or "poles" saying "survey marker", but didn't find the actual marker? We're also confused on the coordinates that are listed in finding bench marks? Thanks for the post James Gang! Any help would be much appreciated!

 

By the way! Love the name. Jesse James is an ancestor of Mrs. Lost.

 

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a cache.

[+happycycler]

Dustyjacket has gathered a nice selection of benchmark and witness post photos on his Benchmark Photo Web Page