Trig point Facts for Kids

A special marker called a trigonometrical station in Hong Kong

A trigonometrical station in the Sierra de Guadarrama, Spain

A triangulation station is a special fixed point used by surveyors. It helps them accurately measure and map the Earth. These stations are also known by many other names, like trigonometrical station, trig point, or trig beacon. People sometimes just call them a trig for short!

What is a Triangulation Station?
- Why are They Important?
- Where Can You Find Them?
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What is a Triangulation Station?

Imagine you want to create a super accurate map of a large area. You can't just measure every single spot. That's where triangulation stations come in! These are usually concrete pillars or metal markers placed in important locations. They act like fixed reference points. Surveyors use them to create a network of triangles across the land. By measuring the angles and one side of these triangles, they can figure out the exact position of many other points. This method is called triangulation.

Why are They Important?

Triangulation stations are super important for making maps. Before GPS (Global Positioning System) became common, these stations were the main way to map large areas accurately. They helped create detailed maps for:

Building roads and bridges.
Planning cities.
Understanding land boundaries.
Even helping ships and planes navigate!

They provide a solid base for all kinds of mapping and construction projects.

Where Can You Find Them?

You can find triangulation stations all over the world. They are often placed on high points like hilltops or mountains. This helps surveyors see long distances between stations. In some places, they are concrete pillars. In others, they might be a metal plate or a small monument. Each country might have its own style and name for these markers. For example, in the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Australia, they are often called "trig points." In South Africa, they are known as "trig beacons."