PLSO The Oregon Surveyor July/August 2024

Statue of Liberty. Plaque on the 86th floor of the Empire State Building describing the triangulation station. continued  22 short videos of 1920s scenes prior to construction, which include two surveying scenes. A stone marker supposedly used by surveyors to position their levels is featured prominently in the room. Arriving at the 86th floor, a prominent plaque in the southwest corner of the observation deck identifies the first triangulation station (PID #KU3600). Although I did not notice the disc and reference marks described in the NGS data sheet, I assume they still exist. Moving up to the 102nd floor, with glass from floor to ceiling, an amazing view of the city greets you as you step out of the elevator. A compass rose on the ceiling provides orientation with wayfinding marks around it to important landmarks. The center of this observation level places you at the center of the triangulation station directly under the radio tower (PID #KU3602). The Chrysler Building is prominently in view a short distance to the northeast and the marks at Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are visible in the distance. Just like “Three Surveyors and another guy,” New York offers us four triangulation stations and a big park!  References • Ellis Island museum information • Wikipedia: John Lawson (explorer); https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Lawson_(explorer • NGS data sheets for Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Chrysler Building, and Empire State Building • Britannica: Empire State Building | Height, Construction, History, & Facts; https://www.britannica. com/topic/Empire-State-Building • Civil Engineering portal: Empire State Building; https://www.engineeringcivil.com/empire-state-building.html • Empire State Building Fact Sheet 4 9 14: https:// www.esbnyc.com/sites/default/files/esb_fact_ sheet_4_9_14_4.pdf The Oregon Surveyor | Vol. 47, No. 4 The Lost Surveyor

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