No ID or Illegible?

> When describing a found corner, does it matter if I describe it
> as "No ID" or "Illegible" if I can't read the stamped identification?

The question as far as I'm concerned is whether a cap with illegible stampings/imprintings is otherwise similar to other identifiable caps defining the same boundary. That is, if a surveyor set 5/8" rebars with red plastic caps imprinted "[whatever]" when the subdivision was originally surveyed, even if you can't read the imprint on the cap, is it a red plastic cap on a 5/8" rebar that appears to be also an original marker, if one that has suffered damage?

The question is one of reporting the relevant evidence and mentioning that the top has been damaged so much that any imprint is now illegible is quite different than reporting that the cap is simply blank.

I use illegible if I can't read it, especially if there are no similar caps around to deduce who set it, as Kent mentioned.

I'm also specific in saying ID cap, not just cap as cap can still simply mean a metal round plate or plug on a rod or pipe.

I've noticed quite a few descriptions locally that call for a found iron rod with ID cap but that don't state name on the cap. This is minimally helpful.

Good questions.

Mark,

I would state that the cap is unreadable or illegible. No ID could imply that there is no cap which is the case much of the time. Here is how I usually call monuments:

5/8"IRON ROD WITH YELLOW PLASTIC CAP STAMPED "ORION GPS, INC"
5/8"IRON ROD WITH YELLOW PLASTIC CAP UNREADABLE
5/8"IRON ROD

In Oregon we also have to reference the survey for which the monument was set.

As for the pipes, I would still call them a cap.

> Mark,
>
> I would state that the cap is unreadable or illegible. No ID could imply that there is no cap which is the case much of the time. Here is how I usually call monuments:
>
> 5/8"IRON ROD WITH YELLOW PLASTIC CAP STAMPED "ORION GPS, INC"
> 5/8"IRON ROD WITH YELLOW PLASTIC CAP UNREADABLE
> 5/8"IRON ROD
>
> In Oregon we also have to reference the survey for which the monument was set.
>
> As for the pipes, I would still call them a cap.

:good:

use the common terms of the area, but please say Found or Set.

9 of 10 caps I see labeled "illegible" can in fact be read with a little work. Being in a recording state I have been known to remove a damaged cap and replace with my own. Tell the story on my Record of Survey. We use primarily rebar so 'caps' is correct.

Sometimes if the writing on the cap is not legible, it could be labeled "disturbed". I have put my cap on a rebar that has been previously set by my company but only that.

If I saw the word "disturbed", I would think the monument was no longer in its original position, not that the cap was unreadable.

to me NO ID or NO Cap means just a rebar or iron rod.

If there is a cap that can't be read, it's Found size" rebar with color plastic cap, Illegible.

Ironically, some of the best markers still in existence here on the coast are galvanized iron pipe, with a plastic cap that fits just inside the pipe. I find them every day and they were set in the 70's .... but they wouldn't pass the rules today because the "cross section" isn't large enough.. another example of a rule that misses the mark, so to speak.

Andy

> ... another example of a rule that misses the mark, so to speak.
>
:gammon:

Good one.

Well, here is my $0.02 worth.

In my area some set a rebar (varying sizes) with a plastic cap with NO stamping, probably for temporary points or control points. Who knows?

At any rate, if I find one in the vicinity of a property corner I describe it as a "FOUND ?" REBAR WITH YELLOW PLASTIC CAP, NO ID"

If I find a similar item but cannot read the stamping, I say
a "FOUND ?" REBAR WITH YELLOW PLASTIC CAP, "illegible" ", which to me indicates that at least at one point, it was probably set by a licensed professional. It MAY also indicate the if the stamping has become so damaged as to be illegible, THEN IT MIGHT ALSO HAVE BEEN DISTURBED.

I think the two (N. ID or Illegibe) indicate two different animals.
Geezer

I note the cap as destroyed.

You can only report what you know ...

If you cannot read the cap, you can't report a name just because other pins/caps look the same.

You just don't know when that rare(?), unexpected, coincidence that you mis-reported might bite you in the arse.

AND besides ... if you report the cap as being damaged or illegible, you're also reporting it's present "condition".