Benchmarking as a Hobby: The Joy of Comparing Apples and Oranges

Do you enjoy analyzing data and obsessing over performance metrics?

Then benchmarking as a hobby might be right up your alley…

This exciting hobby allows you to compare and analyze data across different platforms and industries, giving you a unique insight into the world of performance analysis.

So why not start your journey into the world of benchmarking today and become a performance detective?

See Also: What Are Some Observational Hobbies?

What is Benchmarking as a Hobby?

Benchmarking as a hobby involves finding and locating benchmarks, also known as survey markers or geodetic control points. These markers are used to designate a certain elevation and are often used by surveyors and other professionals.

However, hobbyists use them as a way to explore and discover new places, as well as to challenge themselves to find as many benchmarks as possible.

To participate in benchmarking as a hobby, you will need some basic equipment, such as a GPS device or a smartphone with GPS capabilities.

You will also need to do some research to find benchmarks in your area. There are many websites and forums dedicated to benchmarking, where you can find information about where to find benchmarks, as well as tips and tricks for locating them.

One of the benefits of benchmarking as a hobby is that it can be done alone or with a group of friends or family members.

It can also be done at your own pace, and there are no specific rules or requirements to follow. This makes it a great activity for people of all ages and skill levels.

To keep track of your progress and to connect with other benchmarking enthusiasts, you can use online logging sites, such as Geocaching.com or Benchmark Hunting.

These sites allow you to log your finds, as well as to connect with other hobbyists in your area.

The History of Benchmarking as a Hobby

Benchmarking as a hobby has a long history that dates back to the early 19th century. It all started with the creation of the Ordnance Survey in the UK, which was responsible for mapping the entire country.

The surveyors used benchmarks, also known as survey markers or geodetic control points, to mark specific locations on the map. These benchmarks were used to measure the elevation of the land and to create accurate topographical maps.

Over time, people began to take an interest in these benchmarks and started to search for them as a hobby. This led to the creation of benchmarking as a formal hobby activity in the 1960s. The hobby has since grown in popularity and has spread to other countries around the world.

In the early days of benchmarking as a hobby, enthusiasts would search for benchmarks using paper maps and compasses. As technology advanced, they began to use GPS devices to locate benchmarks more accurately. Today, there are many online resources available that make it easier than ever to find benchmarks and track your progress.

One of the most popular benchmarking organizations is the National Geodetic Survey (NGS) in the United States. The NGS maintains a database of over 1.5 million benchmarks and offers a variety of resources for hobbyists, including maps, data sheets, and online tools.

In addition to searching for benchmarks, many hobbyists also enjoy photographing them and sharing their finds with others. Some even create their own benchmarks and hide them for others to find, similar to geocaching.

Benchmarking as a hobby is a great way to explore the outdoors, learn about history and geography, and connect with other like-minded individuals.

Types of Benchmarking

Benchmarking is a hobby activity that involves finding benchmarks or survey markers. There are different types of benchmarking that you can engage in to improve your skills and knowledge.

In this section, we will discuss the three main types of benchmarking and how they can help you in your hobby.

Performance Benchmarking

Performance benchmarking involves comparing your performance with that of others in the same hobby. This type of benchmarking can help you identify areas where you need to improve and where you excel. You can use this information to set goals and work towards achieving them.

One way to perform performance benchmarking is to create a table that lists your performance metrics and those of your competitors. You can then compare your metrics with those of your competitors to identify areas where you need to improve. For example, if your accuracy is lower than that of your competitors, you can work on improving your accuracy.

Process Benchmarking

Process benchmarking involves comparing your processes with those of others in the same hobby. This type of benchmarking can help you identify best practices and improve your processes. You can use this information to streamline your processes and make them more efficient.

One way to perform process benchmarking is to create a flowchart that outlines your process and those of your competitors. You can then compare your flowchart with those of your competitors to identify areas where you can improve. For example, if your process takes longer than that of your competitors, you can look for ways to shorten it.

Competitive Benchmarking

Competitive benchmarking involves comparing your overall performance with that of your competitors. This type of benchmarking can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and develop strategies to improve your overall performance.

One way to perform competitive benchmarking is to create a table that lists your overall performance metrics and those of your competitors.

You can then compare your metrics with those of your competitors to identify areas where you need to improve. For example, if your overall score is lower than that of your competitors, you can work on improving your skills and knowledge.

Benchmark Hunting and Geocaching

If you’re a fan of geocaching, then you might want to give benchmark hunting a try.

Benchmarking is a hobby where you search for survey markers or geodetic control points, also known as benchmarks. It’s similar to geocaching in that it’s a fun and challenging activity that requires you to use your skills and knowledge to find hidden treasures.

One of the main differences between benchmark hunting and geocaching is that benchmarks are usually fixed, permanent objects that have been placed by surveyors.

They are often found on buildings, bridges, and other structures, and are used to help map out the terrain. Geocaches, on the other hand, are usually hidden in natural areas, such as parks and forests, and can be moved from place to place by other geocachers.

To get started with benchmark hunting, you can visit the National Geodetic Survey’s website to find out more about the different types of benchmarks and how to locate them. You can also use the NGS’s online database to search for benchmarks in your area.

Once you’ve found a benchmark, you can log your find on the NGS’s website or on other benchmarking websites, such as Geocaching.com. You can also take photos of the benchmark and share them with other benchmark hunters.

Here’s a comparison table of benchmark hunting and geocaching:

Benchmark HuntingGeocaching
Search for benchmarks or survey markersSearch for hidden caches
Permanent objects that are used for surveyingMoveable objects that can be hidden anywhere
Usually found on buildings, bridges, and other structuresUsually hidden in natural areas
Log your find on the NGS’s website or other benchmarking websitesLog your find on Geocaching.com or other geocaching websites

Overall, benchmark hunting is a great way to explore your local area and learn more about the history and geography of the land. It’s also a fun and challenging activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. So why not give it a try and see what hidden treasures you can uncover?

The Benchmarking Process

Benchmarking as a hobby involves finding benchmarks or survey markers to determine a certain elevation or reference point. The benchmarking process comprises three main steps: Recovering and Identifying Benchmarks, Data Collection and Analysis, and Continuous Improvement.

Recovering and Identifying Benchmarks

To start the benchmarking process, you need to identify the benchmarks in your area. You can use resources such as the National Geodetic Survey (NGS) website, which provides a database of benchmarks and their locations. You can also use GPS devices and topographic maps to locate benchmarks.

Once you have identified the benchmarks in your area, you need to recover them. This involves finding the benchmark, cleaning it, and taking measurements. Make sure to record the benchmark’s location, elevation, and any other relevant information.

Data Collection and Analysis

After recovering the benchmarks, you need to collect and analyze data. This involves measuring the distance and elevation between benchmarks, as well as taking notes on the terrain and any obstacles that may affect the accuracy of your measurements.

To analyze the data, you can use software such as Excel or Google Sheets to create tables and graphs. This will help you identify patterns and trends in your data, as well as any outliers or errors.

Continuous Improvement

The final step in the benchmarking process is continuous improvement. This involves using the data you have collected to identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to address them.

One best practice for continuous improvement is to use different types of benchmarking. This can include internal benchmarking, where you compare processes within your organization, or competitive benchmarking, where you compare your organization to others in your industry.

An example of benchmarking as a hobby is geocaching, where participants use GPS devices to find hidden containers or benchmarks. By sharing their findings online, geocachers can compare their performance and improve their skills.

Benchmarking Tools and Technology

When it comes to benchmarking as a hobby, there are a variety of tools and technologies you can use to help you find and document geodetic control points. Here are some of the most common tools and technologies used by benchmarking enthusiasts:

Geocaching.com Website

Geocaching.com is a popular website that allows users to search for and log geocaches hidden all over the world. Many benchmarking enthusiasts use this website to find nearby geocaches that may be located near geodetic control points.

Handheld GPS Unit

A handheld GPS unit is an essential tool for benchmarking enthusiasts. It allows you to accurately navigate to geodetic control points and log their coordinates.

NGS Database

The National Geodetic Survey (NGS) maintains a database of geodetic control points throughout the United States. Benchmarking enthusiasts often use this database to find nearby control points and to access information about their coordinates and descriptions.

Topographic Map

A topographic map is a detailed map that shows the contours of the land. Benchmarking enthusiasts often use topographic maps to locate geodetic control points and to plan their routes.

Metal Detectors

Metal detectors can be used to help locate benchmark disks that may be buried beneath the surface. Some benchmarking enthusiasts prefer to use metal detectors to help them locate these disks.

Bronze Discs

Benchmark disks are typically made of bronze and are set into the ground or attached to a concrete pillar or metal rod. These disks are often engraved with a unique identifying number.

Digital Camera

A digital camera can be used to document the location of a benchmark disk and to capture images of the surrounding area.

Compass

A compass can be used to help determine the direction of a benchmark disk relative to your current location.

Probe

A probe can be used to help locate a benchmark disk that may be buried beneath the surface.

Trowel

A trowel can be used to help excavate a benchmark disk that may be buried beneath the surface.

Whisk Broom

A whisk broom can be used to help clean dirt and debris from a benchmark disk.

Tape Measures

Tape measures can be used to help measure the distance between benchmark disks and other landmarks.

Overall, benchmarking as a hobby requires a combination of technology, tools, and know-how. By using the right tools and technologies, you can accurately locate and document geodetic control points and contribute to the ongoing effort to maintain accurate maps and surveys.

Conclusion

Benchmarking as a hobby is a great way to explore the outdoors, learn about surveying and mapping, and challenge yourself to find hidden treasures. By participating in benchmark hunting, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the work of surveyors and the importance of accurate mapping and elevation data.

Additional Observation Hobbies
BenchmarkingWatching Anime
Binge watchingWatching Documentaries
MeditationPeople Watching
Satellite WatchingStargazing
Watching KdramaWatching Movies
Watching NetflixWatching Sports
Watching TVWatching YouTube
Whale WatchingPodcast Listening