US (non-Alaskan) Place Names -- Discussion

[studentforever]

My problem was that the log didn't give any real idea of where it was. Greenport, li did not really give me any initial clues. A dig on Google hinted that li might be Long Island but I've never really got on with obscure names with Geonames unless I have a secure local reference and then I can go onto the map as you suggest. However, I didn't have a secure local location at this stage of the editing although one might turn up later so I went back to an old friend and Google so I leave it to you whether to add it and which location reference link to use.

[Michael]

I have the same frustration with GeoNames as you do. Enough so that I downloaded their database and I search it on my PC. It's not a solution for everyone, but it works for me.

[Randi]

I don't know if it always works, but I just keep zooming in

[Michael]

That helps, but you have to know where to put the centre of your view. Also, the US has so many locations listed in Geonames that it gets tricky. For example, within 10 miles of that location there are 295 positions listed. If I remember correctly, you have to zoom in enough that it pulls up only 100 names before the search will guarantee to find what you're looking for.

[Randi]

Where's your sense of masochism?!

[Michael]

It's buried under a huge pile of laziness...

[Randi]

[Matteo]

Yeah geonames can be pretty difficult to handle at times!

To avoid it redrawing the places at every zoom you can edit place position (dont move it, ofc, just start a "move" and then abandon it is enough), the places should stop being redraw then and you can zoom in and out, and pan around manually asking a redraw, more easily.

If you have the name and a general idea at least of the state you can just search here: http://www.geonames.org/search.html?q=G ... t&country= adding eventually the country to the name, the search is not too horrible.

With the ship log at hand (no ship can move more than a few dozen nm in a certain time, so knowing the noon position - or any other - will more or less restrict the area of your searches) and a couple of other placenames i usually manage to narrow searches enough... maybe the find place tool in our owtools site (https://owtools.scienceontheweb.net/owt ... dplace.php) can help locate nearby items and therefore the place you're looking for.
Also for US places the noaa historical maps archive is just priceless (ofc you'll need to know where to look as well).

[studentforever]

Coasters Harbor, part of the Newport Complex, is at Lat 41.51371, Long -71.32394

https://www.geonames.org/5221505/coasters-harbor.html

[studentforever]

There is another Long Island off Boston Navy Yard as well as the more famous one off New York

https://www.geonames.org/4942412/long-island.html

[Randi]

French Frigate Shoals, Hawaii
https://www.geonames.org/5855163/french ... hoals.html

[Matteo]

All added to db, will update reference thread soon!
Thanks Randi!

[Randi]

Just when you thought you were done for awhile...

Brook Islands now https://www.geonames.org/5854942/midway-islands.html
https://s3.amazonaws.com/NARAprodstorag ... 07-093.JPG

[pommystuart]

Maybe of some interest

https://www.northamericanforts.com/

[Michael]

[Matteo]

Just when you thought you were done for awhile...

Brook Islands now https://www.geonames.org/5854942/midway-islands.html
https://s3.amazonaws.com/NARAprodstorag ... 07-093.JPG

I've added the alias, but kept it with the Midway Entry in the China Station, Japan, Pacific and Indian Ocean -- Reference... i've put Hawaii in the US thread (and in the china station one), but for now wasn't planning to do it for other US territories (US Virgin Islands and Guantanamo are in Latin America reference for example).

[Randi]

[Randi]

Grace Point, Kauai
https://www.geonames.org/5853041/pu-upoa-point.html

Hanalei Bay, Kauai
https://www.geonames.org/5855591/hanalei-bay.html
Also Hanolai Bay

Koloa, Kauai
https://www.geonames.org/5849616/koloa.html
Also Kaloa

Coconut Island
https://www.geonames.org/5857304/coconut-island.html
Cocoanut Island in log

Kapoho Point
https://www.geonames.org/5848422/kapoho-point.html

Kalae
https://www.geonames.org/5847625/kalae.html
South Point

Kailua Bay
Island of Hawaii — https://www.geonames.org/5847492/kailua-bay.html
Island of O'ahu — https://www.geonames.org/5847493/kailua-bay.html


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_Frigate_Shoals:

Pollard Reef is presumably near Shark Island.
Shipwreck in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands makes history – again
Lightning Strikes Twice: The Real Life Sequel to Moby Dick

[Matteo]

All added to db, thanks Randi!

[studentforever]

Came across a reference to Portland Light as Pioneer was heading for Seattle in 1924. I think she may be referring to North Head Light
https://www.visitlongbeachpeninsula.com ... ighthouse/
which is on the database.
Pioneer has been doing hydrography and topography in Alaska and is on her way south for the winter.