Birthmark & Groundline Circumference Photos

Use the secondary camera to document the pole's height, class, species, and year, if applicable. This information will be used in the office to determine the pole spec and impact pole loading analysis. 

• Pole Class is the strength of the pole. The smaller the number, the thicker and stronger the pole. In the example, the pole is class 2.

• Pole Height is the vertical length of the pole, including what is buried in the ground, in increments of 5’. In the example, the pole has a height of 55 feet.

• Pole Species is the type of wood and treatment used. In the example, the species is Southern Pine (denoted by the "SP" in "SPSK").

When the pole class specifically is barely visible but can be read by the field technician at the pole, it's a best practice to hold up the corresponding amount of fingers in the photo to help office staff out. For example, if the 2 was worn and barely visible, you would take the photo but have two fingers at the bottom to communicate clearly. 

If birthmark cannot be found or is illegible, specifically, if the class is not visible, capture a photo of a groundline circumference (GLC) measurement and a photo of the "NO BIRTHMARK" sticker on the back of the height stick. The GLC can be used to estimate the pole's class. 

To collect groundline circumference, use a tape measure and go completely around the pole as close to the ground as possible. Poles will get slightly skinnier the farther up you go so it's important to take this measurement close to the ground. Typically, you can measure the circumference around the pole and take a picture where the end of the tape measures crosses over itself. Another option is to place your thumb at the measurement and take a picture pointing to the correct circumference. 

In most cases, GLC photos are only needed for missing classes and missing birthmarks, so this photo is not needed at every pole. Some customers do require this however as additional data.