Trigpoint
Contents
General Information
A trig point (also known as a Trigonometric Station) typically consists of a black disc on top of four metal legs or concrete pillar, resembling a navigation beacon. It is also accompanied by a metal disc, which is located directly below the center point of the tripod or on top of the pillar itself.
Trig points are generally located at the top of hills or points of prominence in the landscape. Many provide unique views and challenges, with some being difficult to get to.
These points were regarded as valuable to surveyors, providing reference points for measuring distance and direction, and assisting in the creation of maps.
For those interested in sourcing some Trig Stations in the ACT the following link takes you to the ACTPLA website with a further link to the Survey Mark Database. Trigonometrical Stations are identified in the database by the code "MC". http://www.actmapi.act.gov.au/commands/viewlinkedinfo/surveycontrolmarks/survey_control_marks_list.asp
Trig Points
Trig Points listed on GCA are, as mentioned above, a structure designed to aid in surveying. A photo follows:
http://geocaching.com.au/gallery/images/tp0584/8161674138.jpg
The structure is generally as above but can vary between states. In some cases a building (such as a lighthouse) forms the trig point.
Benchmarks/Survey Marks
A benchmark/survey mark is a bronze disc which is also used by surveyors and are either points of known location (latitude/longitude) or height. A trig point will always be assosiated with a survey mark, however survey marks can be independant of a trig point. A sample is shown below:
http://geocaching.com.au/gallery/images/tp1931/3891674124.jpg
There are many (in the hundereds of thousands) of benchmarks/surveymarks around australia. As this is the case, it was decided only to list actual trig points, rather than add hundereds of thousands of listings into the database. There is another option, however, for people whom wish to log such entities. There are locationless cache catogories for almost all states for logging state survey marks. So if you have found only a benchmark and not a trig point, then you can still log them! Links follow:
Logging a Trig Point
To log a find on the Geocaching Australia website, you will need to include a picture of the trig point, along with your GPS receiver and (preferably) yourself. Long distance / telephoto type pictures are against the spirit of this cache. You are encouraged to leave a description of your journey in your log to help others in finding the trig point.
To discover how to add a picture to your log, see the Gallery page.
Editing a Trig Point
If you feel that you can add to the description of this trig point or adjust the difficulty / terrain ratings, please feel free to edit this cache and amend the information suitably.
Archiving
If you believe that a trig point is located on private property or in a dangerous location, you may archive the cache, by clicking on Log this Cache and place an "Archived" log on the Geocaching Australia website.
Editing
If you wish to edit the Trig Point listing page then simply click "Edit this cache" from the Community Actions menu on the right hand tab. You will then be shown the standard cache listing page where you can edit any of the information about the trig point. If there is any valuable information you can add to the page (such as need to use a 4x4 for access or watch out creepy crawlies or snakes) then we encourage you to include this in the cache description.
http://wiki.geocaching.com.au/images/a/aa/Editing_Cache.jpg
Feel free to edit any of the fields on the cache listing page. The more information about a Trig Point we can get the better. The names of trig points have been automatically generated from their location. If you can rename this and rework their descriptions for future finders that would be greatly appreciated.
Remember
The original collection of trig points has been sourced from Geoscience Australia and may contain inaccuracies.
Please respect local laws and regulations when searching for trig points.
