the survey journeys usually began in leipzig or dresden, the counter being set to zero at the posthouse in each city. as a result, a leipzig or a dresden distance is quoted. during such a journey, the assistant to the surveyor had to drive a numbered wooden stake into the ground every quarter of a mile and dig a hole next to it. the excavated material was then used to help fix the wooden post securely. the landowner was responsible for looking after the survey stake.