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19 July 2013

Locating Survey Benchmarks in Bethlehem, NH

Many readers have probably visited mountaintops and seen a metal disc-shaped benchmark that was cemented in place at or near the highest point.  Across the continental U.S. (as well as in Alaska and Hawaii) there are survey benchmarks set in rock or permanent structures that range from city sidewalks and bridges to remote ridges and mountaintops.  These have been set by surveyors since 1879.

Searching for benchmarks can be an great way to enjoy the outdoors.  You can customize this activity to fit your available time, energy, and skills.  For example, some benchmarks are easily accessible by driving your car, parking and then walking just a short distance.  Whereas to locate other benchmarks, you might need to hike a trail for several miles.  And, in some cases, you might need to use your map and compass skills to bushwhack through the woods in your attempt to locate a benchmark.

As a hiker, I can see similarities between searching for an old logging camp, and searching for benchmarks in remote locations.  However, there are some who consider "benchmarking" as just another form of geocaching.  Regardless, if you are outdoors having fun by searching for an old logging camp, or a benchmark, or whatever, does it really matter if you're classified as a hiker, or a geocacher?

Should you decide to try your hand at locating benchmarks, you should be aware that benchmarks are placed by two separate governmental agencies, as follows.

_ The National Geodetic Survey (NGS) was formerly known as the Coast and Geodetic Survey.  It is part of NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) which is under the Department of Commerce.  It is concerned with the maintenance of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure.

_ The US Geological Survey(USGS) is under the Department of the Interior.  This agency is responsible for the production of topographic maps.

Shown in the photo below are two benchmarks.  The one on the left was placed by the USGS.  The one on the right was placed by the NGS.
Benchmark examples: USGS benchmark on left; NGS benchmark on right
It was interesting to discover that benchmarks placed by NGS have an online searchable database (click HERE).  There's a slight learning curve to using this database, but if you should decide to go on a hunt for benchmarks, it's worth taking the time to master this resource.

As for USGS survey benchmark data, unfortunately that agency has not yet put their paper records of benchmark locations into computerized files.  However, some USGS benchmark locations have found their way into the NGS database.  But for USGS benchmarks that are not in the NGS database, it can be challenging to find them without contacting the USGS directly by phone or e-mail.  (For Eastern U.S., call 573-308-3500, or e-mail at mcmcesic@usgs.gov; for Western U.S. call 303-202-4400, or e-mail at infoservices@usgs.gov.)

And so, with all that background information out of the way, I'll now turn to the topic of this report which pertains to locating survey benchmarks in the area of Bethlehem, NH.  I'll begin by saying that very little searching is required to locate a benchmark located atop Bethlehem's Mt. Agassiz, which can be accessed by a 0.7 mile trek up a private roadway where the landowner generously allows hiker traffic.

However, there are other benchmarks in the Bethlehem area which require a bit of searching.  Shown below are photos of just a couple of these more obscure benchmarks.

The NGS benchmark seen below was located in the vicinity of Pierce Bridge.  The left panel shows a close-up image of the benchmark.  The right panel shows the boulder in the woods where the benchmark has resided since 1933!
NGS Benchmark located in vicinity of Pierce Bridge, NH
A USGS benchmark was located near Wing Road (Bethlehem).  It was embedded on top of an old dam near an abandoned section of the old Boston & Maine Railroad track.

In the photo below, the left panel shows a close-up image of the Wing Road benchmark.  The right panel shows the top of the old dam where the benchmark has resided since 1925!  However, it appears that its patina has been polished away.  (Perhaps it would be better to simply remove any surface debris and leave the patina intact?)
USGS Benchmark located near Wing Road in Bethlehem, NH
The Wing Road benchmark is a good example of some of the side benefits of "benchmarking".  This search took me to a lovely setting near a pond which was adjacent to an abandoned railroad track.  Had I not been out there looking for a benchmark, I might never have had the pleasure of exploring this particular location.
Pond located near the Wing Road benchmark
Abandoned  railroad track near the Wing Road benchmark
To sum it up, I'm looking forward to occasionally pairing a "benchmarking" adventure with one of my other outdoor activities of hiking, mountain-biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing.  This seems like a combination that could work well, and add some extra spice to those pursuits.

6 comments:

  1. Interesting finds! I did know about some of the online resources for these sorts of markers. My son and I found one in the middle of the trail in the middle of nowhere Vermont. We have photos of it. It says, "Appalachian Scenic Nation Trail Survey Marker Do Not Disturb" along with some numbers and the AT symbol in the middle of it. Same size as the usual USGS/NGS markers, but apparently there are some of these benchmarks in PA and NY, too.

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    1. Hi Summerset,

      Regarding those metal AT markers that are the same size as the USGS/NGS benchmarks, I don't know how common they are. However, I recently spotted one in the middle of the Centennial Trail here in NH. I also spotted one in the middle of the trail when I hiked to the Baldpates last summer.

      Lots of interesting things to be seen while out there hiking, in addition to the beautiful peaks, ponds, cascades, etc!

      Thank you for taking time to read this Blog, and to post a comment. Very much appreciated!

      John

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  2. Hi John,

    Looking for and locating benchmarks looks like it might be a fun activity for kids. Are there any guidebooks or reference books which list all the benchmarks in the country?

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    1. Hi Rita,

      Thank you for your comments!

      For certain, I’m not an expert on this, but as far as I know, the only information about benchmarks is what is contained in the NGS online database, plus the information that can be obtained by contacting USGS directly by e-mail or phone. If any reader knows of any published guidebooks, etc, I (and other readers) would be very appreciative of having this information posted to this Blog.

      And yes, I agree that “benchmarking” has the potential for being a fun activity for kids, as well as those who are “kids at heart”! :-)

      John

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  3. John,

    The geocaching.com website includes a database for benchmark hunting. I typically don't go out searching for benchmarks but if I encounter one in my travels I try to cross reference it's location and log it's condition into the database. Most are listed, however some are not.

    http://www.geocaching.com/mark/default.aspx

    HockeyPuck / Trevor

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    1. Hi Trevor! Thanks for your comments!

      I am aware of the database at the website you referenced, and yes there is indeed some terrific information there, as well as some very useful photos.

      And as you indicate, this database is fairly complete, although some benchmarks are missing. Perhaps I have the wrong impression, but it seems that those that are missing tend to be ones that are located in remote locations. For example, a benchmark that I recently stumbled across at Pond of Safety doesn’t seem to be in the geocaching.com database . . . or if it’s there, I didn’t see it.

      Thanks again Trevor!

      John

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