State Survey Markers

[ScratchOMatic]

I’d like to hear everyone’s opinion on a wayfarer submission type.

Personally, I’ve always seen State Survey Markers as a low quality submission that should not be accepted, however after some digging I’ve found that they are specially mentioned as an acceptance criteria.

I would like to know others opinions on this type of submission, because I’m starting to be conflicted, because on one hand they are low quality, however if I was to submit then, I could fill out a lot of my local suburbs.

Is it worth stooping that level for some extra poi?

[hankwolfman]

Welcome to the forum @ScratchOMatic

Survey markers have been discussed at length in wayfarer related spaces, especially the markers in NSW.

They popped up that much that Niantic offered a clarification on them. I recommend reading the whole thing:

Survey Markers

Survey markers can be eligible if they meet the acceptance criteria for encouraging exploration. Good examples can include survey markers located at the peaks of hills and mountains, at the ends of peninsulas, or on other noteworthy local landforms, so long as they can be accessed by pedestrians through the use of trails or similar paths. Some survey markers might also have an interesting and unique history which may make them eligible; in these cases, submitters should ensure that they provide …

[ScratchOMatic]

I did find that post by the admins, but if that’s the case, then why do you see so many submitted and approved in NSW

[DTrain2002]

I think a lot of Wayfarers in Australia submit them, regardless if they are or are not eligible based on criteria. They see a survey marker in their neighborhood along the road or sidewalk and think it’s eligible, but it typically isn’t noting a great place to explore, like noteworthy landforms or ones with unique histories. The last part of the clarification focuses on these markers that aren’t in interesting places or have historical value, like many used to map out a neighborhood.

@NianticTintino

Above is an example of an ineligible survey marker. It is mass-produced, located in an unremarkable location with little value for exploration, and is potentially unsafe for pedestrians due to its location on the verge of the road.

Some reviewers may also not fully know the criteria, as not all visit the forums or the help pages, which also includes the clarification. There may be other reasons, too, but usually it tends to be that they have seen the markers in-game and still think they are eligible, even though criteria does change from time to time. So, even if you do see game play locations at these markers, they may have been approved before there was clarification, and some may still get through if reviewers don’t fully know about the clarification.