WCP Survey Section

Survey Standards (PDF Version)

To ensure consistency and accuracy throughout the project, these standards have been developed to be used for all of the new cave surveys and resurveys for the canyon. There are standards for the sketcher, instrument person, and lead tape. I have also included examples of plan and profile sketches for reference. For cartographers, I have included a guide to creating cave maps in Canvas.

The Sketcher

1. The title page should contain the date, the scale, the members of the survey party, the survey name, any tie-ins to old surveys, the numbers (and owner's name) and type of survey instrument, and any other notes which may be of use later.

2. All sketches will be done at 20 feet/inch (the use of a protractor and ruler makes the sketching task much easier).

3. Use NSS standard symbols. If you choose to use other, non-standard symbols, please put an explanation of the symbol on the title page. Please use a triangle with a dot in the center for station labels on the sketch (see example).

4. There must be a reasonable amount of passage detail (see accompanying sample as a guide).

5. Please include sufficient cross-sections (to scale) to accurately portray changes in passage character. Where only the passage height not the passage shape changes, use the ceiling height symbol to reflect the changes.

6. Include a running profile (to scale) to portray the passage character. Please include an "UP" arrow with any profiles.

7. Every page, including the title page should be numbered (1 of 4, etc.), and dated, and each sketch page must include a scale bar and a north arrow.

8. If you make a mistake writing the data into the book, do not write over the old data. Completely erase the old number and write in the new one; write-overs are very confusing when entering data.

Instruments:

1. Our goal is to ensure that any loops close within 2%. If the cave does not have any loops to check errors, please use foresights and backsights and make sure that they agree within 2 degrees. It will be worth taking the extra time in the long run.

2. The preference is to use suunto type instruments but, if the user is adept at reading one, a brunton will be acceptable providing that instrument and station height are recorded and the brunton declination is set to 0.

3. Please record all readings to the nearest 0.5 degree and make sure only degrees are read.

Lead Tape and others:

1. All measurements will be made in feet and tenths; please do not use feet and inches or metric. This is to ensure compatibility with all of the other data in the canyon. If you do not have nay other choice, make sure that the units are clearly marked on the title page, the notes pages, and on the scale bar.

2. Please try to keep traffic to a single, narrow trail to preserve as much of the potential scientific and other cave resources as possible. Flag off delicate areas and try to keep tourist trips to a minimum.

3. Try to make survey stations recoverable for tie-in later. The project uses both the mylar tag (Wind Cave) style of survey markers and blue flagging and marker (Lechuguilla Cave) style. The Cave of the Winds survey will use only the Lechuguilla-style flagging tape markers (fluorescent orange will be used for stations and blue or blue and white will be used to mark of delicate areas and trails.

4. If you decide to mark off a delicate passage or area and it isn't blatantly obvious why it is marked off, please put your name on the tape so people can inquire as to the nature of the closure. Also inform Paul Burger of the closed area and the reason so that we can keep an up-to-date list of closed areas and mark them on the working map for the rest of the project participants' use.

5. Feel free to make note of any items of scientific, historic, paleontologic interest on either the title page, on the sketch (if there is room), or on additional pages.