This is part five of a five part series called Mapping Caves, where the basic steps to underwater cave cartography are outlined in a way that both divers and non-divers alike will understand. To start at part one, click here.

Other Methods of Mapping Caves

Aside from the traditional hand-drawn method, there have been recent cave models made using photogrammetry.

Photogrammetry is the process of extracting 3D information from numerous overlapping photos of a specific object or space, such as a cave. These photos are then processed using photogrammetry software to create 2D or 3D models.

A terrific example of how photogrammetry can be used in combination with traditional hand-drawn cave maps is the La Mina project by the CINDAQ dive team. Here, cartographers used a hand-drawn map to present a “big picture” view of the cave system, and photogrammetry to model targeted areas of the system that are of archaeological significance.

For more information on the La Mina project, read the published report from Science Advances. Examples of the photogrammetry used on the project can be seen in the official CINDAQ Report.

Learn More

For further reading on cave cartography and survey, see On Station, by George Dasher. On Station is written for use in surveying dry caves but goes into great detail on the process which is ultimately very similar to the underwater techniques described here.