Gourt > Recreation > Outdoors > Speleology > Cave Surveying (1)
Surveying is the technique and science of accurately determining the terrestrial or 3D space position of points and the distances and angles between them. These points are usually, but not exclusively, associated with positions on the surface of the Earth, and are often used to establish land maps and boundaries for ownership or governmental purposes. In order to accomplish their objective, surveyors use elements of geometry (Greek: measuring the Earth), of engineering, mathematics, physics, and law.
Surveying has been an essential element in the development of the human environment since the beginning of recorded history (ca. 5000 years ago) and it is a requirement in the planning and execution of nearly every form of construction. Its most familiar modern uses are in the fields of transport, building and construction, communications, mapping, and the definition of legal boundaries for land ownership.
Method
Historically, angles and distances were measured using a variety of means, such as chains with links of a known length, for instance a Gunter's Chain (see Edmund Gunter), or measuring tapes made of steel or invar. In order to measure horizontal distances, these chains or tapes would be pulled taut, to reduce sagging and slack. Additionally, attempts to hold the measuring instrument level would be made. In instances of measuring up a slope, the surveyor might have to "break" the measurement- that is, raise the rear part of the tape upward, plumb from where the last measurement ended. More on [ Surveying ]
*sits on the edge of the cliffs over looking the far cave system, surveying the openings and taking measurements*
S_Xon (S'Xon) Fri, 25 Dec 2009 22:00:48 -0000
*sits on the edge of the cliffs over looking the far cave system, surveying the openings and taking measurements*
3D Modeling of Phreatic Karst Caves - An analysis of cave geometry modelling methods by Todd R Kincaid, USA.
BCRA Cave Surveying Group - UK organisation to promote discussion, research, information dissemination, and practical help on cave surveying.
Cave Data Exchange Format Working Group - Aiming to establish a hardware and software independent format for the transfer and archiving of speleological data.
Cave Survey Data in XML - The proposal and ongoing effort to establish XML based standards for the representation of cave survey data.
Cave Surveying Discussion Group - Post a question or browse the archives.
Cave Surveying Notes - A detailed paper on the treatment and minimising of errors in surveying.
CaveScript XML - A cave survey and map data format for storing all information about a cave survey or an entire cave map.
Cavesurvey.com - Underwater cave survey techniques, links to cave survey computer programs, and cave survey projects in Florida and the Bahamas.
CaveSurveys.com - Worldwide cave survey database, with limited viewing of surveys and links to the survey publishers.
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Compass Points - The Journal of the BCRA Cave Surveying Group.
KML Karst Markup Language - A suggested XML vocabulary for the speleological community.
The Auriga Project - Information on developing an electronic surveying tool to make cave surveying easier and less error-prone.
| AB Survey 7-26-08 | |
