Rod type benchmarks

Posted: Mon May 17, 2010 5:25 pm

I've not found one yet, but they seem to be pretty prevalent in my area. Any tips on what they look like? When it says a 3 foot rod 1/2 foot below surface, do they mean that the entire rod is buried 6 inches down, or that's how far in the ground it's planted?

WGA Member Joined: 2004-05-19 Posts: 730

Here is a picture of a typical rod.... they are usually contained inside a cylinder with an access cover to protect them. On the outer edge of the access cover is the PID or ID to ensure you found the correct one.

Image of rod inside an access cover

Access cover closed protecting metal rod

Another type of rod that is more difficult to verify as there are no markings and can be confused for property markers (Hence proof of measurments matching up with the origina description is crucial) that we have come across are actual metal rods....

This particular one was 9 inches below ground.

You will need to read the description. It should mention what you are looking for - a metal rod or the access covered metal rods. From experience, the first example are the most numerous now a days. As we like to call them, the "micros" of benchmarking as they are plentiful, usually easy to find and right off the road.

Good Luck!

WGA Member Joined: 2006-12-23 Posts: 5954

Wow that last one was a true treasure hunt :>

Posted: Tue May 18, 2010 3:54 pm

I actually think most of the ones around here are the second type. For instance: PN0697

To me it sounds like the second one. Am I wrong?

WGA Member Joined: 2004-05-19 Posts: 730

glorkar wrote:

I actually think most of the ones around here are the second type. For instance: PN0697

To me it sounds like the second one. Am I wrong?

Yeah, it definitely sounds like the second. In this case the GC.com page has the info you need, but its always best to use the original datasheet. Sometimes they provide a lot more info. It would be interesting to see if the markings are still on the curb.

Remember, any BMs on private property - you must secure permission first! I find that's half the fun!

Let me know how it goes. Good Luck!!

Posted: Tue May 18, 2010 6:30 pm

Thanks, will do.

Posted: Thu Jul 22, 2010 6:48 pm

Found my first rod type mark today! It was a pretty easy one, set in a concrete culvert. Still pretty cool. You can check out the pics on the log at: OM0554

Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2010 8:41 am

Found my first rivet in Woodruff last weekend. QM0431

Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2010 8:53 am

Nice recovery. Gotta say though, I like disks and intersection stations much better. They are more interesting than just a nub of metal in concrete.