Degree Confluence Project

Did you ever wonder about your place in the world? As in specific latitude and longitude? The increasing availability of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, once used only by scientists and governments, has engendered a cottage industry of creative applications. Take the Degree Confluence Project, to find, visit and chronicle nearly 12,000 of the globe’s confluence points—the intersections of latitude and longitude lines. With maps and handheld GPS devices in tow, intrepid travelers play a game of hotter-colder with the satellite-based system until they hit the spots exactly. Then they take pictures and report back to us. It’s the ultimate geek road trip! For the record, Sacramento’s nearest confluence points are near the valley towns of Concord, Arbuckle, Applegate and Linden.