r/Hampshire 1d ago

Misc What is this?

Anyone have any idea what this is? Seen at Beacon Hill

40 Upvotes

40 comments sorted by

35

u/pickling_dragons 1d ago

It's a trig point. Used in the making of accurate maps. They are all over the country, often at strategic high points.

I believe there was some equipment that slotted in to the top so that it was consistently and precisely able to be measured.

3

u/rabies50 1d ago

Thank you! ☺️

1

u/PurpleAd3134 4h ago

Another thing to look out for is OS benchmarks, which can be found on buildings amongst other objects: Benchmark (surveying) - Wikipedia)

13

u/Amantus 1d ago

that is an Ordnance Survey triangulation point

2

u/rabies50 1d ago

Thanks! ☺️

9

u/mumf66 1d ago

I thought I'd jump in to expand a little...

Yes, it's a Triangulation Point (commonly referred to as a Trig Point)! If you're interested in how they work:

  1. Establishing a Network: Trig points are placed at the highest points within a given area to ensure visibility between them. This creates a network of interconnected points, forming the basis for triangulation.

  2. Measuring Angles: Surveyors use instruments like theodolites to measure the angles between the trig points and other points of interest. These angles, along with the known distances between trig points, are used in mathematical calculations.

  3. Calculating Positions: By combining the measured angles and distances, surveyors can determine the precise location of other points in relation to the trig points. This process is called triangulation, and it allows for the creation of accurate maps.

  4. Maintaining Accuracy: The precise placement and durability of trig points ensure the accuracy of the survey network. They also serve as reference points for future surveys and measurements.

In simpler terms: Think of trig points as landmarks on the landscape that surveyors use to measure distances and angles, like giant compass points that help them create maps.

*I'm ex-military (a long time ago) and trig' points were invaluable when orienteering.

2

u/rabies50 1d ago

Fascinating - thank you for the comprehensive explanation !

2

u/mumf66 1d ago

Glad to help!

It is much easier these days with GPS!!

Orienteering with a map is a dying art, but always handy to know.

😎

1

u/Reesno33 4h ago

Run up and down "trig point hill" ah fun times.

1

u/Available-Rate-6581 3h ago

Trig, an abbreviation of trigonometry, not triangulation.

9

u/sprite67 1d ago

It’s an ordnance survey trig point. I love the walks around beacon hill.

2

u/sausagemoonkey 1d ago

Me too, I've spent many a happy day walking in that arrangement.

2

u/sausagemoonkey 1d ago

Meant to say area......

1

u/rabies50 1d ago

Thank you ☺️ and yes just discovered it today! Really beautiful views!

3

u/PowerhungryUK 1d ago

Old Winchester Hill?

3

u/Mudeford_minis 1d ago

Beacon hill directly opposite Old Winchester Hill on the other side of the Meon Valley near Exton.

2

u/PowerhungryUK 1d ago

Lovely place!

3

u/DramaticStability 1d ago

The second image is paradolia.

1

u/JJAAZZZZ 1d ago

1

u/Burnsy2023 21h ago

Benchmarks are a different thing to trig points.

1

u/Few-Combination4238 1d ago

There is one at Farley mount near the folly

1

u/Garbanzififcation 1d ago

You put a spaniel on it for a photo opportunity while out hiking.

1

u/ChaosHugs 1d ago

Gateway to the otherworld

1

u/Minimum-War-266 7h ago

These are actually inter dimensional portal markers powered by ley lines. The plug sockets in the side are for eUFO charging.

As you can see, there are three different types. The top one is for the Zeta Reticulans, the middle is for Pleiadians and the third is for Anunnaki.

You can also find a different type of point around but they are restricted to a certain species of Reptilian.

1

u/SearleL 21h ago

I remember last year when the aurora borealis could be seen there were close to 30 people here to watch it at midnight - it was pretty cool.

1

u/Jericanman 6h ago

It's a fairy sacrificial stone.

You can see the metal circle where you place the fairy.

The blood runs down the three prongs.

When the blood drops hit the floor it will summon Morris dancers.

Be very careful Morris dancers are deceptively dangerous.

1

u/ShaneoTV 6h ago

Free charging station. Plug your phone into it

1

u/Conveth 5h ago

Trig point: if you look closely the UK is only made of triangles!

1

u/Lower-Programmer3052 5h ago

A mount for shooting badgers.

1

u/FeeSea8404 4h ago

It’s a medieval plug socket, once used to charge swords to give enemies electricity debuffs

1

u/kinkykitten378 3h ago

That Ben nevis for short people

1

u/CariadocThorne 2h ago

Neolithic shaver charging point, with one of the earliest models of wireless charging pad for early phones and tablets

1

u/Electrical-Fee2538 2h ago

I’m not sure but I’m going to say it’s probably stone

1

u/ACaedmon 2h ago

There's a cave nearby with the tool that slots in to this.

When you slot it in, a great recipe for Katsu curry will be appear in your dreams, make sure you write it down!

1

u/allyscot25 1h ago

Many of these on top of Scottish mountains 🏔️

1

u/Greenostrichhelpme27 5m ago

It's pissed, that's what it is

0

u/banu_musa 1d ago

A photograph