CIA Sculpture Code Partially Cracked

A reader wrote in with tidbit about the encrypted sculpture at the CIA's headquarters. One of their analysts, on his own time, after nine years has partially cracked it. I like cool art.

Re:Here's everything so far...

Posted by Windigo The Feral (NYAR!):

A quickie check of the USGS's mapping sites [usgs.gov] reveals that the magic spot isn't quite in Langley, and doesn't even seem to be near any roads. I've got GIFs saved of the finest grain info I could get without paying cash to the USGS; I'll prolly forward them either to the folks doing the crypto breaking or put them on a website somewhere.

Also, yes, they probably DID use the magnetic field to hide it. Specifically, a compass. :) The only USGS maps available of that fine grain are typically topographic maps used by hikers and engineers, or county maps. Most of the topo maps also have magnetic declination marked (how far off magnetic north is from real north) because they're meant for use with a compass and landmarks.

Of interest to those searching--the magic spot seems to be located in Virginia, just outside of Washington, DC along the Virginia/Maryland border. For those ordering maps, the Washington West or Falls Church maps seem to be best bets for finding general area.

I'll also see what other stuff I can dig up with various mapping sites on the net, too (to get road names and whatnot).

As for the bits on getting rid of debris and hiding it underground...that sounds suspiciously to me like it could have been hidden in a cave or possibly an abandoned mine (yes, abandoned mines are fairly common in this part of the country). I wouldn't be at all shocked to see that the key was hidden in a mineshaft...

Good luck!

Is it a weapon?

I hope no one tries to export this. Terrorists and child pornographers may use this piece of art to kill us all.

I've got it!

It's a cookbook!


A cookbook!

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Wrong place for the sculpture?

Uh, stupid question, but wouldn't this sort of sculpture be more appropriately placed at the entrance of the NSA?

Lots of info about the code

This Website [nodak.edu] has a bunch of information on the code, including a picture and a detailed description of it from the CIA.