# Googlemap military fun **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [July 1, 2008, 12:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/googlemap-military-fun/454886 "2008-07-01T12:21:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Pushkin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ee59a6/32.png) [@Pushkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pushkin)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2008, 8:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/googlemap-military-fun/454886/21 "2008-07-02T08:44:56Z")
[QUOTE=Spiny Norman] The citadel of Copenhagen ("[Kastellet](http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Copenhagen&ie=UTF8&ll=55.691109,12.59501&spn=0.009132,0.021372&t=h&z=16) ") looks pretty much like it did in the 1700s. [/QUOTE] Interesting feature to have in a city, it reminds me of home grown fortifications like the barely visible [Walls of Derry](http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&ie=UTF8&ll=54.993979,-7.325542&spn=0.001748,0.005869&t=k&z=18) which are one of the best preserved in Europe and [James’ Fort (left) and Charles’ Fort (right)](http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Kinsale&sll=55.691193,12.595267&sspn=0.003604,0.021737&ie=UTF8&ll=51.698044,-8.504899&spn=0.007554,0.023475&t=h&z=16) in county Cork. James’ Fort has earthworks forming the star of its plan that you don’t see as well from the ground as you do from the air. Also impressive and seemingly well kept is [Bourtange](http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=53%C2%B01%E2%80%B2N+7%C2%B011%E2%80%B2E&ie=UTF8&ll=53.006592,7.192472&spn=0.003667,0.011737&t=k&z=17) in the Netherlands. ---
**Author:** ![DangleYourModifier](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c57346/32.png) [@DangleYourModifier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DangleYourModifier)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2008, 9:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/googlemap-military-fun/454886/22 "2008-07-02T09:08:39Z")
[One](http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Simonstown,+South+Africa&sll=43.1131,5.905538&sspn=0.004934,0.011115&ie=UTF8&ll=-34.188713,18.438095&spn=0.005591,0.011115&t=h&z=17) of our (South African) naval bases. (No we’re not a great naval power) ---
**Author:** ![VarlosZ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/d78d45/32.png) [@VarlosZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VarlosZ)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2008, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/googlemap-military-fun/454886/23 "2008-07-02T13:13:41Z")
[Sevormorsk Naval Base](http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=severomorsk&ie=UTF8&ll=69.08271,33.420968&spn=0.011553,0.05476&t=h&z=15), just outside Murmansk (northern Russia). I think. It’s possible those are just barges full of grain. ---
**Author:** ![Coil](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/bb73d2/32.png) [@Coil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coil)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2008, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/googlemap-military-fun/454886/24 "2008-07-02T13:33:37Z")
[QUOTE=Pushkin] Interesting feature to have in a city, it reminds me of home grown fortifications like the barely visible [Walls of Derry](http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&ie=UTF8&ll=54.993979,-7.325542&spn=0.001748,0.005869&t=k&z=18) which are one of the best preserved in Europe and [James’ Fort (left) and Charles’ Fort (right)](http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Kinsale&sll=55.691193,12.595267&sspn=0.003604,0.021737&ie=UTF8&ll=51.698044,-8.504899&spn=0.007554,0.023475&t=h&z=16) in county Cork. James’ Fort has earthworks forming the star of its plan that you don’t see as well from the ground as you do from the air. Also impressive and seemingly well kept is [Bourtange](http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=53%C2%B01%E2%80%B2N+7%C2%B011%E2%80%B2E&ie=UTF8&ll=53.006592,7.192472&spn=0.003667,0.011737&t=k&z=17) in the Netherlands. [/QUOTE] For a similar style you could also look at [Naarden](http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=naarden&ie=UTF8&ll=52.294727,5.163574&spn=0.01811,0.049524&t=h&z=14) in the Netherlands. For more modern hardware here are some [Gripen Fighters](http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=lidkoping&ie=UTF8&ll=58.4342,12.698693&spn=0.001938,0.006191&t=h&z=17) at the Såtenäs base in Sweden. ---
**Author:** ![Hypno-Toad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b2d939/32.png) [@Hypno-Toad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hypno-Toad)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2008, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/googlemap-military-fun/454886/25 "2008-07-02T13:53:28Z")
No, **VarlosZ** , many of them are warships. That was the location I had in mind in post #3. Boston harbour is great for fortifications. Fort Warren and Fort Independence are beatiful examples of post-vauban angular bastions, the latter being an almost perfect pentagonal layout. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2008, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/googlemap-military-fun/454886/26 "2008-07-02T14:04:25Z")
[This](http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=portsmouth+england&ie=UTF8&t=k&ll=50.860828,-1.139405&spn=0.000204,0.000416&z=21) is a siege catapult. Zooming out from there, the whole parade ground is lined with different types of cannons and guns. (It’s the Royal Armouries museum at Fort Nelson, Portsmouth. Completely _massive_ collection of cannons and guns. Free entry on most days. ---
**Author:** ![OtakuLoki](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/ac8455/32.png) [@OtakuLoki](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OtakuLoki)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2008, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/googlemap-military-fun/454886/27 "2008-07-02T14:22:51Z")
If you take a look, [here](http://maps.google.com/maps?f=l&hl=en&geocode=&q=Norfolk+Naval+shipyard&near=Portsmouth,+VA&ie=UTF8&ll=36.826735,-76.295634&spn=0.001018,0.00235&t=k&z=19), you can see several interesting pieces of Naval history. It’s [Trophy Park](http://www.nnsy1.navy.mil/History/TROPHY2.HTM) at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, at Portsmouth, VA. The easiest thing to recognize is the 16"/50 gun taken from a battleship. A little harder to recognize (and I can do it only because of the pointy nature of the shadow it throws towards the upper left corner of the park block in the center of the view selected) are the last visible remains of the USS _Virginia_ CGN 38. Her forward missile launcher. ---
**Author:** ![Santo\_Rugger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e95f7d/32.png) [@Santo\_Rugger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Santo_Rugger)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2008, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/googlemap-military-fun/454886/28 "2008-07-02T15:24:16Z")
Not as interesting as some of the other links here due to the low quality, but this is an [explosives testing range](http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=623836846809581786,34.047919,-106.954749&saddr=&daddr=&mra=mr&ie=UTF8&ll=34.044045,-106.954275&spn=0.008508,0.015171&t=h&z=17) I used to work at. The north loop is where we did training for first responders (including a 500 pound carbomb, two to three times a week), while the southern loop is the sled track range. In the middle there is a boneyard, and if you zoom out a bit you can see the fire academy and another boneyard where Canyon Roads meet Canyon Drive. ---
**Author:** ![Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ccd318/32.png) [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2008, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/googlemap-military-fun/454886/29 "2008-07-02T16:37:55Z")
I am trying to share my first placemark: Fort Brockhurst, Portsmouth 50°48’23.89"N 1° 9’29.77"W Appears to be a moated fortification with a central gun pit for a large coast-defense gun. A wall surrounds the fort at the edge of the moat. A number of smaller automatic weapons position, possibly WWII antiaircraft posts are along the moat’s edge. ---
**Author:** ![Hypno-Toad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b2d939/32.png) [@Hypno-Toad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hypno-Toad)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2008, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/googlemap-military-fun/454886/30 "2008-07-02T17:33:23Z")
[QUOTE=Paul in Saudi] I am trying to share my first placemark: Fort Brockhurst, Portsmouth 50°48’23.89"N 1° 9’29.77"W Appears to be a moated fortification with a central gun pit for a large coast-defense gun. A wall surrounds the fort at the edge of the moat. A number of smaller automatic weapons position, possibly WWII antiaircraft posts are along the moat’s edge. [/QUOTE] I think that’s one of the Palmerston Forts. The above mentioned Fort Nelson is another. It looks seriously cool. If you look carefully, you’ll see the others arrayed around portsmouth in various states of decay. ---
**Author:** ![Ogre](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/ecb155/32.png) [@Ogre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ogre)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2008, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/googlemap-military-fun/454886/31 "2008-07-02T17:50:13Z")
[Fort Morgan, Alabama](http://maps.google.com/maps?q=fort+gaines%2C+alabama&l=explore&utm_campaign=en&utm_medium=ha&utm_source=en-ha-na-us-gns-lt&utm_term=searchbox&submit.x=0&submit.y=0&submit=Explore+this+place) - one of the famous forts defending Mobile Bay. “Damn the torpedos! Full speed ahead!” ---
**Author:** ![Shamozzle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shamozzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shamozzle)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2008, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/googlemap-military-fun/454886/32 "2008-07-02T23:05:11Z")
Check this out: 38°15’55.74"N 105°57’5.43"E The Chinese have constructed a _huge_ and detailed, 3D mock-up of the Karakorum Range (I believe) complete with snow-capped peaks, valleys and lakes. I guess such a construct might come in handy should one feel the need to develop a military strategy in defense of the contested area. ---
**Author:** ![Raguleader](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/258eb7/32.png) [@Raguleader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Raguleader)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2008, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/googlemap-military-fun/454886/33 "2008-07-02T23:49:01Z")
A [Caspian Sea Monster](http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=42.881667,47.656667&spn=0.005,0.005&t=k&q=42.881667,47.656667) [Soviet Ekranoplans](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ekranoplan) ---
**Author:** ![Pushkin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ee59a6/32.png) [@Pushkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pushkin)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2008, 8:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/googlemap-military-fun/454886/34 "2008-07-03T08:11:27Z")
[QUOTE=Raguleader] A [Caspian Sea Monster](http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=42.881667,47.656667&spn=0.005,0.005&t=k&q=42.881667,47.656667) [/QUOTE] The wikipedia article mentions another a little to the east of that one, next to a small squadron of hovercraft, with what may be a dismantled Ekranoplan on the beach to the north of it. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2008, 8:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/googlemap-military-fun/454886/35 "2008-07-03T08:15:55Z")
[QUOTE=Paul in Saudi] I am trying to share my first placemark: Fort Brockhurst, Portsmouth 50°48’23.89"N 1° 9’29.77"W Appears to be a moated fortification with a central gun pit for a large coast-defense gun. A wall surrounds the fort at the edge of the moat. A number of smaller automatic weapons position, possibly WWII antiaircraft posts are along the moat’s edge. [/QUOTE] https://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&ll=50.814938,-1.154798&spn=0.003118,0.006566&t=h&z=17 It’s an interesting fort - now a museum and used as a venue for concerts (went to see James Brown there a few years back. The support band was the better part of the concert). ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2008, 8:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/googlemap-military-fun/454886/36 "2008-07-03T08:18:11Z")
Just noticed it has an identical twin to the south. https://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&ll=50.810897,-1.155453&spn=0.012474,0.026264&t=h&z=15 ETA: and what appears to be the remains of a similar set of structures again, further to the south. ---
**Author:** ![Hypno-Toad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b2d939/32.png) [@Hypno-Toad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hypno-Toad)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2008, 12:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/googlemap-military-fun/454886/37 "2008-07-03T12:09:00Z")
[QUOTE=Mangetout] Just noticed it has an identical twin to the south. https://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&ll=50.810897,-1.155453&spn=0.012474,0.026264&t=h&z=15 ETA: and what appears to be the remains of a similar set of structures again, further to the south. [/QUOTE] See post #30. ---
**Author:** ![Meurglys](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/258eb7/32.png) [@Meurglys](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meurglys)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2008, 12:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/googlemap-military-fun/454886/38 "2008-07-03T12:09:56Z")
Seven decommissioned nuclear submarines in [Rosyth Naval Dockyard](http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?ie=UTF8&ll=56.020646,-3.452668&spn=0.005265,0.012596&t=h&z=16). I understand four of them were our Polaris Missile carrying nuclear deterrence… ---
**Author:** ![Colophon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f05b48/32.png) [@Colophon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colophon)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2008, 1:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/googlemap-military-fun/454886/39 "2008-07-03T13:12:07Z")
If you drive along the M4 motorway through Berkshire towards London, you see a mysterious exit signposted “Works Unit Only” - but with the sign in red on white, which is the colour scheme used for military signposts. The “secret junction” actually leads to RAF Welford, a major munitions storage site. (More info [here, down the page](http://homepage.ntlworld.com/alan-turnbull/secret3.htm#welford).) Google Map [here](http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&ie=UTF8&ll=51.460692,-1.395264&spn=0.039199,0.061798&t=h&z=14). Note the rectangular silos and the road leading southwards to the motorway. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2008, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/googlemap-military-fun/454886/40 "2008-07-03T13:20:46Z")
[QUOTE=Hypno-Toad] See post #30. [/QUOTE] Yes. I saw it. Do you have any particular reason to suppose I missed it? I provided a map link, plus a comment specifically on _the similarity_ of three forts (including Brockhurst) in Gosport. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/googlemap-military-fun/454886.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/googlemap-military-fun/454886.md?page=3)