Cave Survey Archive
Any serious research which deals with caves requires the use of a survey, or map, of the caves. The Society has, therefore carried out a great deal of survey work and has published in its Proceedings a large number of cave surveys.
However, the use of computers has made it possible to use survey data in new and different ways. We are therefore making available data from our archives in formats that might be used in novel ways to view aspects of cave layout and structure. In the first instance, we are making available “Survex” 3D files of certain caving areas. "Survex" is probably the most commonly used cave survey software in the UK and its viewer is one of the most flexible and easy to use. You can download Survex for free. Although the output 3D files are being made freely available, the underlying data is not. This is partially to allow some version control and partially because much of the data has been contributed by others and we do not hold copyright on it. In due course, we will, hopefully, release the files in other ways, such as by producing mashups allowing the plan view to be viewed with Google Earth.
Burrington Master Survey
Project Details
This project arose from the need to supply comprehensive survey data for a study of the cave geomorphology of all the caves of the Burrington Combe area. The Master Survey is a compilation of data on all the caves. It is held as a Survex file and the output consists of a 3D file readable by Aven. Once complete, the 3D file will be made freely available and, in due course, we will produce a mashup allowing the plan view to be viewed with Google Earth.
File download
The 3D Burrington Master Survey
by University of Bristol Spelaeological Society
is available and is released under a
Creative Commons license.
Contributors
The original data comes from the sources listed below. Plans based on this data have been published in some cases and the references are given also. This is not a comprehensive list of previous published surveys , but only those based on parts of this dataset.
- Aveline's Hole: Data from Dr Roger Stenner, original publication by BEC (Howell, C., Irwin, D.J. and Stuckey, D. A Burrington Cave Atlas BEC Caving Report 17.)
- Bos Swallet: Data from UBSS
- Drunkard's Hole: Data from Carmen Smith
- East Twin Swallet, Spar Pot, Lionel's Hole: Data from David Cundy
- Goatchurch Cavern: Data from Chris Binding/UBSS
- Pierre's Pot: Data from P. & A. Moody, Steve Cottle & J. Cordingley; original publication by UBSS (Mullan,G.J., 1999. Mendip Cave Notes. UBSS Proceedings, 21. (2) pp 189-191)
- Read's Cavern: Data from W.I. Stanton; original publication by WCC (Stanton, W.I. The new survey of Read's Cavern. Journal of the Wessex Cave Club 10. (115) pp 9-12 )
- Sidcot Swallet: Data from Carmen Smith & Andrew Atkinson
- Rods Pot and Bath Swallet: Data from Andy Sparrow and the Cheddar Caving Club.
It is intended, in so far as it is possible, to keep this dataset up to date. Any queries about this project and any offers of additional data should be sent to editor[at]ubss.org.uk
The Caves of County Clare
Much of the fieldwork carried out by the Society over the years has been in Co. Clare Ireland and we have been responsible for surveying over 50 km of passage, there. Descriptions of the caves, including many surveys are available in both our Proceedings and in our guide book to the area, The Caves of County Clare and South Galway. Most of the data has been supplied by members of the Society, but some is from other sources. Particular thanks must go to Colin Bunce and other members of the Spelaeological Union of Ireland. It is hoped to improve this dataset and keep it up to date, as well. As above, any queries about this project and any offers of additional data should be sent to editor[at]ubss.org.uk
File download
The Caves of the Burren 3D file
by University of Bristol Spelaeological Society
is available and is released under a
Creative Commons license.