I am going to update the
knowledgebase and write about all possible ways how to hide GCPs. It would be great if you can share your ideas in this thread.
So far, most of use use these types of hide:
1. Plastic bag:
(+) probably the simplest, quickest and cheapest way
(-) requires more frequent maintenance
2. Laminated GCP & a string
(+) perfectly weatherproof
(-) requires some time and small initial investment to buy a laminator
3. Laminated GCP & a tape
(+) perfectly weatherproof
(+) not so easy to steal the GCP
(-) requires some time and small initial investment to buy a laminator and a tape
Another WayIn last months, I have placed over 100 GCPs. Most of them are laminated. I always think twice before placing a new GCP -- I try to find some good place out of public eyes to reduce the risk the GCP will be stolen. However, with so many GCPs placed, time from time some of them disappears.
For this reason, I have tested a new way how to hide the GCPs and reduce the negative impact of stolen GCPs -- and it works great! Friend of mine came with an idea to use zip ties to fasten the GCPs. I tried it and yes, it is a little more difficult to destroy the GCP. But there is something even better -- if somebody destroys the GCP, the zip tie will stay on place. This brought me to an idea to use permanent marker and write the GCP # & code on the zip tie. What does it mean for us? Even if somebody steals the GCP, the zip tie with the code stays on place and can be found. This way, founders still can log their visits and report the problem.
I am currently in Lisboa, a capital of Portugal. I made a test in front of my hotel in the one of the most busy streets in the city. I placed a test GCP there and was waiting what will happen (I expected it will be stolen very quickly in such place). In the beginning, the GCP stayed intact. After 7 day it was stolen, but the zip ties was in place -- and still is.
Test GCP in Lisboa:
Test GCP 7 days later - GCP stolen, zip tie remains:
Example of real placement:
So I believe I can recommend to use this type of hide to others. If you have experiences with another ways how to hide GCPs, it would be great if you can share them here.
