A Field Guide to Roadside Technology:

by Ed Sobey

Book Overview

This fascinating handbook answers the questions of anyone who has ever wondered about the many strange devices found along the roadside, from utility poles to satellite dishes. Devices are grouped... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1556526091
• ISBN13: 9781556526091
• Release Date: June 2006
• Publisher: Chicago Review Press
• Length: 204 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.1" x 7.0"

Customer Reviews

For the inquiring mind only...

There aren't too many books on the subject. Actually it's the only book I find on roadside infrastructure. Since there isn't anything to compare it to I must give it at least a 4 star rating. If your reading these reviews a and previewing the book then you to are interested in the subject. Buy the book. You will get several "did not known" out of it. There are several things I have issue with the book over. One is the photos not localizing its subject well enough. Another is why the author didn't list what the items are made of, it is a field guide after all. More tidbits such as "almost all man hole covers are made in India" would be nice, not necessary but does add to the creditability of the text to be used as a primary source. The index is flawed as well (try looking for manhole cover in it). There are more things I could list about the book that are irksome but they don't take away from the fact it is a simple to use and simple to understand text (thanks for not bogging me down with the science of electricity etc, I know where to go to find out about that stuff) for those that are interested in the subject. Like I say buy it, but I'm sure the cost may turn a few off. Lucky for me I held out for a nice condition $4 copy. QUESTION THAT I CANNOT FIND ANSWER FOR AND IS NOT IN BOOK: What are those industrial compressed gas cylinder tanks you occasionally see on the side of road for and what type of gas is in them? It appears as if they even have a black rubber line going underground attached to them, I could be thinking wrong about that part)? Anyone know?

quick explanations of common roadside devices

This little book is best suited for a casual, recreational read. When you are wondering about the various electronic and electromechanical gadgets seen by the roadside. Some might be on posts, while others might be perched on tops of buildings. Sobey explains in non-technical terms what those devices do. Like the various forms that satellite dishes can take. Or, say, cellphone towers. So many of us use cellphones these days, but pay little attention to the infrastructure needed to make them work.