Many centuries ago, courageous explorers braved unknown waters, exotic native animals and ferocious weather to map the world. In the twenty-first century, bored internet users armed with GPS devices and air conditioned cars can do something similar.
The
Degree Confluence Project is an ambitious project that aims to sample the world. The goal, according to the website, is to have contributors visit each of the latitude and longitude integer degree intersections around the world and to take pictures and submit stories from the area. In this way, our world becomes a little smaller.
The site was started by a blogger in 1996, after he posted photos of his own confluence (the spot where latitude and longitude meet) on his personal website. Soon, visitors began to do the same and a project was born.
Anyone can participate in this project. Simply visit the website and find a spot on the map that hasn't been covered yet. If your preferred area has already been covered, you can still revist the area and post details of any changes. You will need to take several pictures and post a narrative on the area. At the very least, your narrative should contain a description and information about how to get there; you could also include your impressions of the area, the history, any local stories or legends, etc.
Be sure to check out the
Confluence Hunting Checklist before you begin. The list provides hunters with essential and practical advice, such as how to use your GPS to find the confluence point and asking permission if the point is on private property.
