Survey Mark Links
Here you will find a collection of the sites I've found most useful or interesting in my exploration of the topics of benchmark hunting and surveying in general.
General Information
- National Geodetic Survey
- This is the site of the main agency responsible for developing and maintaining the geodetic control network in the United States. This site feels like home to me because I'm here almost every day looking up something or other (and almost always finding what I need). There's such a wealth of information here I'm not even close to having seen it all, but everything is presented so clearly that you'll learn something no matter where you end up. Make all the jokes you will about government agencies, but realize that somebody's doing something right here.
- NGS index of online publications
- NGS publications covering everything related to geodesy: basic concepts, GPS, field procedure, photogrammetry, and the National Spatial Reference System.
- NGA Geospatial Sciences Publications
- Geodesy and geophysics publications, available in PDF and/or HTML formats.
- NOAA Geodesy Tutorial
- NOAA offers this excellent online tutorial, which consists of three parts: an introduction to geodesy, a roadmap to resources where you can find further information, and lesson plans for use in the high-school classroom.
- New Jersey Department of Transportation Survey Manual
- This is a very informative site offering details on most aspects of surveying that would be useful to a state Department of Transportation (this site just happens to be specific to New Jersey; it's one of the best I've found).
- The Pennsylvania Historic Bridge Survey (Microsoft Access database)
- Download the PennDOT Historic Bridge Survey Database. (requires Microsoft Access)
- Pennsylvania Highways
- An extremely valuable site for researching former routes of old highways (in Pennsylvania; other states may have similar sites).
- PennDOT maps in PDF and DJVU formats
- Clear and current, these county, township, borough, highway, railroad and other maps are very useful for survey mark research (as well as for general transportation purposes!)
- Dustyjacket's Benchmark Images and Information
- This excellent site was developed by one of my fellow benchmark hunters. Go here to browse images of the various kinds of survey marks and witness posts (or signs) you might encounter, or check to confirm what you think you've found.
- Local Control Monument Databases
- One of my many projects, this is a list of databases containing the many “independent” vertical and horizontal control stations set up by city and county surveyors, departments of transportation, and other local agencies that have a need for precise position data. I've listed every database I could find or that was submitted to me. If you are aware of any others, please e-mail me and let me know.
- Disney Benchmarks Page
Survey marks found in Disneyland and Walt Disney World. This fascinating site was developed by Patty Winter.- Indoor Benchmarks Page
- Buckner Creel's growing list of survey marks set inside buildings, tunnels, or other structures.
- Extreme Benchmarks
- Benchmark hunting doesn't get more wild & crazy than this! Check out the survey mark "extremes" in each state.
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