Cave cartography, how is it done?

Question

Please don't tell me they make line-of-sight measurements, use clinometers, laser rangefinders, compasses and scaling rods.

How do they actually determine the overall shape of the chambers and rockpiles?

I'd assume it's very tedious work for the geekiest of geeks.

Answer 1

Cave exploration is not crazy it's just a challenge. I've never met a geek in a cave and the process of cartography has been pretty well filled in on your actual question and the last 2 answers before mine, minus a few minor details including but not limited to being a decent free hand artist. It takes a team for good detail and representation.

Answer 2

and an altimeter is very useful (not to tell you how high u r but) to tell you how low you are

another trick is to add a dye to any water in there too find out were it flows out

u can hang aluminium foil to detect air currents which a rough but useful way to make provisional maps

people who explore caves are little bit crazy

Answer 3

Are you referring to cross-sections of the tunnels, chambers, and rooms? Aside from the techniques you already mentioned there is no easy way. Once measurements are taken (diameter, slope, etc.) most of the rest is based on careful observation and hand drawing. That's why you'll rarely find a cave mapped in 3-d cross section. You might see one or two areas with cross-section and the rest just straight-line measured.