The use of geodetic markers is almost a fact of life for most professional land surveyors. Since the establishment of the control network by the government, these markers have been the basis for accurate maps, charts, boundary surveys and a variety of engineering and construction projects throughout the country. With the ever-increasing use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) networks, the locations of these markers are becoming more important every day. It is also widely known that many of these markers have been destroyed for various reasons. Other markers cannot be located due to poor descriptions.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Geodetic Survey (NGS) Division has established approximately one million permanent survey marks. Other surveying organizations have also established such permanent marks. Preserving these marks and reporting their conditions is an enormous task.