The elusive round benchmark
When I taught geography I taught a class called “map reading”. As part of mapping, locations, of finding our way around this earth the US Coast & Geodetic Survey has left markers around the US marking elevation (used in topographical maps)
I had never seen one until years after I quit teaching. I found this little prize on a trail over looking Firestone Cascades at Yellowstone National Park.
What does this benchmark mean?
US Coast & Geodetic Survey Bench Mark: Geodetic is the practice of measuring the earth’s surface. The bench mark (geodetic survey mark) is used for measuring, surveying and triangulation. This marker is used to mark elevation.
7103.473: elevation
Y9: designation (the benchmark name)
1923: year monumented
Today benchmark hunting has become a popular activity similar to geocaching. Benchmark hunters will often refer to a NGS Dataset for information on the markers.
My entry for the Travel Theme round challenge
