A leveling benchmark from 1936 found on a tower at the KAF base (PHOTO)

On the building of a water tower located in the area of the KAF base in Khabarovsk, employees of the regional Rosreestr discovered a high-precision second-class leveling benchmark, nearly 90 years old. It was established in 1936 in a water supply building constructed in 1914, located at 82 Rudneva Street in Khabarovsk. The work to install the benchmark was carried out by the Far Eastern Trust for Surveying, Urban Planning, and Civil Engineering Design.

The geodetic point is a second-class wall benchmark, which is well-preserved and remains operational. It serves as a reference point for Russia’s leveling network, from which elevation measurements are taken. A wall benchmark is a point with a height calculated to the millimeter above sea level, forming part of the country’s leveling network, crucial for builders, surveyors, and designers.

State geodetic, leveling, and gravimetric networks are designed for geodetic and cartographic work, ensuring the accuracy of topographic surveys. They also serve as reference points for GLONASS and GPS navigation satellites.

Geodetic points are considered federal property and are protected by the state, with Rosreestr overseeing their preservation. Nearly 33,600 geodetic and leveling points are located in the region, of which 1,668 have been lost.

Geodetic points must not be damaged, destroyed, or relocated, as maintaining their position unchanged over many years is essential. One building in Khabarovsk still has a leveling point from 1911, which remains practically valuable today.

We remind property owners that many of their buildings host state geodetic, leveling, and gravimetric network points, as well as special-purpose geodetic markers. Often, these points are damaged or destroyed unknowingly. Destroying a benchmark results in administrative fines: 5,000 to 10,000 rubles for individuals, 10,000 to 50,000 rubles for officials, and 50,000 to 200,000 rubles for legal entities. Additionally, illegally destroyed benchmarks must be restored, which involves significant costs.

Property owners are required to preserve geodetic points, ensure access to them, and report any damage or destruction to Roskadastr and Rosreestr.

Earlier, a deputy of the Khabarovsk City Duma expressed support for residents of the KAF base in their efforts to restore the water tower rather than demolish it. The deputy calls for the reconstruction of the facility and demands public discussion regarding its future.

KAF base

The **KAF Base** (Kandahar Airfield) was a major NATO military installation in southern Afghanistan, serving as a key operational hub during the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission from 2001 until its closure in 2021. Originally built by the Soviets in the 1980s during their occupation of Afghanistan, it later became one of the largest coalition bases, supporting air operations, logistics, and troop deployments. After the NATO withdrawal, it was handed over to Afghan forces before falling to the Taliban in August 2021.

water tower

A **water tower** is a tall structure that stores water at an elevated height to create pressure for distributing water through a municipal system. Historically, water towers became essential in the 19th and early 20th centuries to support growing urban populations and firefighting efforts. Many older water towers, such as the Chicago Water Tower (built in 1869), are now considered landmarks or repurposed for cultural use.

Rudneva Street

Rudneva Street is a notable thoroughfare in Sevastopol, Crimea, named in honor of Soviet pilot Lidiya Rudneva, a World War II heroine. The street reflects the city’s historical ties to Soviet military heritage and is located in a residential area with Soviet-era architecture. It serves as a reminder of Sevastopol’s role in wartime history and its ongoing cultural significance in the region.

Far Eastern Trust for Surveying, Urban Planning, and Civil Engineering Design

The Far Eastern Trust for Surveying, Urban Planning, and Civil Engineering Design is a specialized organization involved in infrastructure development, urban planning, and engineering projects, primarily in Russia’s Far East. While specific historical details are limited, such institutions typically emerged during the Soviet era to support regional industrialization and urbanization. Today, it likely plays a key role in modernizing infrastructure and managing sustainable urban growth in the region.

GLONASS

GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite System) is Russia’s satellite navigation system, similar to the U.S. GPS, developed during the Soviet era and fully operational since 1995. Designed for both military and civilian use, it provides global positioning and timing data. The system was modernized in the 2000s to improve accuracy and reliability, becoming a key part of Russia’s space and technological infrastructure.

GPS

GPS, or the **Global Positioning System**, is a satellite-based navigation system developed and operated by the United States government. It was originally created for military use in the 1970s and became fully operational in 1995, later opening for civilian and commercial applications. Today, GPS is essential for navigation, mapping, timing, and countless technologies worldwide.

Rosreestr

Rosreestr, or the Federal Service for State Registration, Cadastre, and Cartography (Rosreestr), is a Russian government agency responsible for maintaining real estate registries, land cadastres, and cartographic data. Established in 2008, it consolidates property records, oversees land management, and ensures legal transparency in real estate transactions. The agency plays a key role in regulating property rights and supporting infrastructure development across Russia.

Khabarovsk City Duma

The Khabarovsk City Duma is the legislative body of Khabarovsk, a major city in Russia’s Far East. Established in the late 19th or early 20th century during the city’s growth as an administrative and cultural center, it plays a key role in local governance. The Duma’s history reflects Khabarovsk’s development from a military outpost to a vibrant regional capital.