Google Earth:
Benchmark Utilities

This KMX file allows you to view USGS Topographic maps (fed from TerraServer) all stations in the NGS database overlaid onto a Google Earth screen. Because I don't like spam, you will have to contact me either on the DeLorme support forums or the Groundspeak forums. On both systems, I am user 'foxtrot_xray' and I welcome tomments and questions!

Current Updates:

• March 8, 2010: Florida is now online, enoy!
• March 5, 2010: All states except for Florida are back in the system. There are about 50 stations (out of all) that did not make it into the database due to a datasheet error. I am working on Florida at the moment, and should have it uploaded by next week.
• March 4, 2010: Data is currently being loaded back into the database. It's taking longer than expected, since I decided to go ahead and get a new snapshot of the NGS database. All data will be as of 3/1/2010 in the NGS database, and all available countries are added.
• March 1, 2010: Due to an issue with the previous hosting company, the scripts are offline. I am working on getting them back onto my new server, stay tuned here or this forum post for details.

To Use:

• You need to have version 4.2 or later of Google Earth. You can get it here.
• Download the KMX file. You can get it here.
• Double-click on the KMZ file to load it into GE.

Help:

• Important: An important note - The station information is not live from the NGS! It is a copy kept in a local database to the server, and is updated when I get around to it.
• Screenshots: So you know what to expect!
  • Screen #1: In Google Earth, all options enabled. Topographic map and Benchmarks, with one BM's info bubble open.
  • Screen #2: Same location as #1, except without the topographic maps.
• Known Issues:
  • If you zoom out too far, you will get no marks. This is designed on purpose, as to not kill my server. :)
  • Maps are sometimes slow. This is not my server, but the Terraserver, there's nothing I can do about it. It's free, so, you can't really complain. How you can tell whtehr it's my server or the map server: If the icon in the layer tree is a folder with a yellow dancing dot under the folder, then it's my server. If the icon is a green spinning disk, then it's the map server.
  • If you want to contact me about an issue or question, please visit the Groundspeak forums, and send me a PM on the board or drop me an e-mail through their site. I welcome comments and questions! :)
• Help: Not much to uinderstand, but some common questions:
  • What do the mark colors mean? There are four flag colors, and they represent:
    • Green: The last reported record from the NGS is that it was found in Good or Poor condition.
    • Yellow: The last reported record from the NGS is the 'Monumented' or 'First Observed' record.
    • Red: The last reported record from the NGS is a 'Not Found' record.
    • White: The last reported record is either unknown or 'See Description'.
  • What are the two online links? The first is the link to the NGS's online datasheet; the second is a link to the Geocaching.com's mark page. Note that because Geocaching.com doesn't have a recent copy of the database, some marks may come up with an error.
  • Can I show differences between Intersection and other station types? Yes. Normal (or intersection stations that aren't labeled as such) will have their flag witha small image of the disk. Intersection stations will have the old 'Locationless' icon (flag on the earth) from Groundspeak.
• Future Plans? I'm glad you asked! As of now, just about everything that is even possibly implemented IS implemented. Some have asked about putting the datasheet text into the info balloon. While this IS possible, I have - at the moment - opted not to. With all the info in the database as it is, the entire NGS database of marks takes up 100Mb. If datasheet text was aded, it would increase the size by at least triple - not to mention slowing down queries and royalling pissing my hosting company off. Someday, if I get a server of my own, it may be something to do. A list of things I *MAY* end up doing:
  • Make the Intersection stations and normal stations seperate feeds. This would enable users to turn off the type of statons they don't want to see.

Copyright and Usage Information

The topo maps are loaded from the old Microsoft Terraserver. Maps and logos are copyright the USGS. Custom logos used in the KML were created by myself and are not to be used outside of this application. I, nor my webserver, nor any people I've ever met are responsible for any errors, inconsistencies, or other issues that may arise from you using this feature.