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the Degree Confluence Project
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Austria

1.9 km (1.2 miles) N of Josefsthal, Niederösterreich, Austria
Approx. altitude: 492 m (1614 ft)
([?] maps: Google MapQuest OpenStreetMap ConfluenceNavigator)
Antipode: 49°S 165°W

Accuracy: 10 m (32 ft)
Quality: good

Click on any of the images for the full-sized picture.

#2: Route to confluence with sign to Meridianstein #3: Meridian stone (MGI referenced) compared with WGS84 reading #4: Matthias & Johann at meridian stone with border signs and map #5: Meridian stone from the lake & the lake with Czech fishermen #6: Confluence with inaccurate GPS reading #7: Friendly forest workers clearing windfall damages

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  49°N 15°E (visit #3)  

#1: Confluence close to the Czech border

(visited by Hans Augdoppler and Matthias Schönbauer)

21-Jun-2001 -- On our way from Linz to Brno we chose the route via the 'Waldviertel' and to make a short sidestep to this confluence. Even as 3rd visitor it was a very interesting visit. Two new facts were discovered:

1. There is a meridian stone set up by the community of Litschau together with the 'Eich- und Vermessungsamt' (pic#3)

2. Everything is forbidden in these huge forests belonging to the Earl of Litschau (Family Seilern-Aspang - pic#2)

We entered the area of the confluence via the open gate with a lot of prohibition signs (even bikes – see pic#2 & pic#4). We followed the 'Meridianstein' sign and met some friendly forest workers (pic#7). They told us to follow the forest road until another sign and then to continue led by green marks on the trees.

As we crossed a clearing (see pic#5 – upper part) we could already see the meridian stone. We were surprised that our GPS did not match with the stone. While searching the exact position we walked down to the Stankauer Teich (Stankovsky rybnik) and crossed the border to the Czech republic several times (pic#4 & #5). As mentioned by the previous visitors it is very difficult to locate the spot in spite of the high trees. We suppose that the place is somewhere between the trees, close to the lake and the border, but for sure about 100m away from the stone (pic#6) which is not visible from the confluence WGS84 area.

My calculations later on indicated that the meridian stone is probably referenced by the MGI coordinate system with is used by the Austrian Authorities. Up to now I could not get a confirmation for my inquiry to the 'Eich- und Vermessungsamt.' This fact may also apply to 48°N 15°E.

See more pictures at http://members.fortunecity.com/augdoppl/Main/49N15E.htm.


 All pictures
#1: Confluence close to the Czech border
#2: Route to confluence with sign to Meridianstein
#3: Meridian stone (MGI referenced) compared with WGS84 reading
#4: Matthias & Johann at meridian stone with border signs and map
#5: Meridian stone from the lake & the lake with Czech fishermen
#6: Confluence with inaccurate GPS reading
#7: Friendly forest workers clearing windfall damages
ALL: All pictures on one page