Way-marker in Portomarín

[GITA7759]

I noticed an unusual symbol on the Way-marker in Portomarín on the Camino Frances. I don't remember seeing this symbol used anywhere else along El Camino. The unusual symbol is a triangle with a dot at the center, and the number 324 written below it. I've attached a photo to help clarify. Does anyone know the significance?

In the US, this symbol would indicate a triangulation point, and the number would be its unique identifier. Triangulation points are precise reference points for land surveying, with published latitude, longitude and elevation data.

¡Buen Camino y Ultreïa!

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

Hello, I don't know what the triangle means but its not on most of the waymarkers.
Wish you well,Peter.

 

[Devon Mike]

Not sure about the Spanish symbols, but my guess is that this might indicate the place is 324 metres above sea level.

 

[jsalt]

Confirming what @Devon Mike said:
http://www.compassdude.com/map-symbols.php
Jill

 

[movinmaggie]

Jill your info is very helpful. I see that it is published by USGS. Lame question, but does each country have their own version of symbols?

 

[jsalt]

Jill your info is very helpful. I see that it is published by USGS. Lame question, but does each country have their own version of symbols?

I have no idea! I googled "triangle with dot inside" and got the above hit

 

[cecelia]

Everybody loves a problem it seems I just googled the altitude of Portomarin and got 387 meters, so that sounds like support for the altitude theory - allowing flexibility for whether one happens to be at the bottom or the top of those stairs!

 

[camino-david]

GITA7759. You have sharp eyes.
The triangle indicates the position of a land survey point and the number indicates the altitude, but not sure if it is above mean sea level or a national data point set by government agencies. It is made and used by land surveyors, in Australia, UK and apparently in US. The dot in the middle indicates the exact point over which theodolite is centred and is used for land and geodetic surveys.
It has nothing to do with the Camino itself

 

[dougfitz]

Jill your info is very helpful. I see that it is published by USGS. Lame question, but does each country have their own version of symbols?

Yes and no. National mapping agencies generally produce their own standards for the presentation of topographic information on maps, and within those standards, there may be different components. For example, the Australian standard has a symbol for a silo, which is not included in the USGS symbol set. They both have a representation for mangroves, but they are different. For all that, many of the elements will be very similar, such as the horizontal control point symbol that is on the way marker.

In addition to the topographic symbols used to mark permanent (or relatively permanent) features on the landscape, military forces, emergency services etc also have symbols for things that are likely to move, and there are also specialist symbols for meteorological and hydrographic maps and charts.