Definition

From Wikipedia [2026-03-24] : “A boundary marker, border marker, boundary stone, or border stone is a robust physical marker that identifies the start of a land boundary or the change in a boundary, especially a change in direction of a boundary. There are several other types of named border markers, known as boundary trees, pillars, monuments, obelisks, and corners. Border markers can also be markers through which a border line runs in a straight line to determine that border. They can also be the markers from which a border marker has been fixed.”

Tagging in OpenStreetMap

Usual tags are:

• boundary=marker
• collection=yes the marker is a part of the collection of historical markers
• format:top=* describes the shape of the marker’s top
• format=* describes the shape of the marker
• height=* height of the marker
• historic=boundary_marker OR
• historic=boundary_stone
• inscription=* inscriptions on different sides of the marker could be separated by a sign “ “ ( vertical line) or “/” (forward slash)
• marker=border_stone
• material=*stone, concrete, iron, etc.
• moved=yes indicates that the marker is not on its original position
• name=*
• old_ref=* the (old, changed) number written on the marker
• ref=* the number written on the marker
• year=#### (year) (or documented tag start_date=*)

Existing sources

Maps

• Institut cartographique militaire, Carte de Belgique, 1:20 000. [1969]. (https://historical.osm.be/)

• Geo.be. Sous les onglets Cartes > Couches > Unités administratives > AdminVector, on peut afficher une carte de Belgique, qui après zoom adéquat, présente outre les limites, des points représentant des bornes. (https://www.geo.be/)

• [more to follow]

Archives

The archives contain:

• general maps
• maps specific to boundary marking
• boundary agreements
• minutes of boundary surveys
• minutes of boundary marking

Belgium

• Archives générales du Royaume - Algemeen Rijksarchief

France

• Archives départementales

On-site surveys

My on-site surveys consist of:

• record of the location with a smartphone
• use of OsmAnd and a specific favorites category
• pictures of the marker from various angles (ideally with directions of the angles)
• record of specific characteristics of the marker

Panoramax

I intend to share the results of my surveys and upload them to the Panoramax database.