What the hell is benchmarking I hear you cry! It’s one of my sad little hobbies I reply. What is a bench mark I hear you cry! I’ll let Wikipedia explain…
“In surveying a bench mark is specifically any permanent marker placed by a surveyor with a precisely known vertical elevation (but not necessarily a precisely known horizontal location). These reference points may be chiselled into a wall, or more typically, marked by small brass or aluminium disks, iron pins or bolts that are permanently attached to a stable foundation, such as concrete posts, bridge abutments, buildings, or a specifically constructed concrete block. These markers are then used as starting (control) points by subsequent surveyors and other users to establish the elevation of nearby points.”
Where is this leading? Well, it leads to my latest little toy, the Google Maps API. As a useful exercise in learning the API I have created a Google Map of my benchmark images, you can find it at the URL below.
http://www.jochta.com/maps/benchmarks.php
It’s a bit basic at the moment style-wise as it was really the API I was interested in, I will embellish as I learn and add some more information.
Needs more Scottish. Mind you, at least we have detailed plans on what we’re about to invade.
Hi started blogging again…just leaving details. I do enjoy reading your blog you always have something interesting to say! Keep it up xx
love WW (Sam)
http://strawberryfieldssamantha.spaces.live.com/
forgot this…blondes eh??? lol
I’ve improved the Wikipedia entry on benchmarks which was US-biased. I’ve also taken the liberty of linking the article to your excellent description of the different types of benchmark, for which many thanks.