Survey
and Cartography Section
of the National Speleological Society
Digital
Cave Surveying Presentations on Zoom
Cave surveying is transitioning from a manual process to one
incorporating various levels of modern technology to facilitate both
in-cave data collecting and sketching, and actually drawing cave maps
electronically.
The schedule below is for a series of Zoom presentations on discussing
various aspects of digital cave surveying.
Anyone interested in cave
surveying is welcome to attend.
THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Eastern (EDT)
Presenter: Bert Ashbrook
Topic: Overview of Paper vs. Electronic Book/Sketch for Cave Survey
• Foundations: Start sketching on paper, or jump
right into digital?
• Is digital for you? Advantages (and disadvantages,
too!).
• Gear you’ll need.
• What to expect: Differences in cave survey team
operation.
• What to expect: Differences in bookkeeping and
sketch.
• What to expect: Differences in data management and
cartography. This presentation was recorded and is available on YouTube athttps://youtu.be/_A0R5ebXzCY?si=ja4ernjchRTqrPn0
Wesnesday, APRIL 9, 2025 at 7:30 PM (EDT)
Presenter: Derek Bristol
Topic: Digital Sketching vs. Paper Sketching
• Comparison of digital and paper sketching quality.
• Common issues with digital sketches (lack of
spatial awareness, artistic ability, etc.). This presentation was recorded and is available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ttwe6zcWPM
THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2025 at 7:30 PM (EDT)
Presenter: Aaron Bird
Topic: Data and Sketch Preparation with Cave Survey Software and AI
• Preparing data and sketches using Walls, Compass,
Topodroid, Illustrator, Python.
• Using AI (Claude Sonnet, ChatGPT) for cave survey
data.
Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83766923975?pwd=WEPakdFg8iy2bmOISLtM10V1wNAGn5.1
THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025 at 7:00 PM (EDT)
Presenter: Beau Gergel
Topic: Paper to Digital Transition
• Lessons learned from transitioning from paper to
digital sketching.
• Using TopoDroid and Illustrator for post-processing
digital sketches.
Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83651221828?pwd=N1cO4a3NrAn81cn8JyyvCUHJXLbkDN.1
THURSDAY, MAY 22, 2025 at 8:00 PM (EDT)
Presenter: Christian DeCelle
Topic: Sketching in Topodroid for Therion
• Overview of sketching in Topodroid for Therion.
• Managing large maps (e.g., Helms Deep) in Therion.
Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87284198602?pwd=aXath8A3uQlzjsJgiXV2BTzVp1r9PE.1
THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2025 at 7:30 PM (EDT)
Presenter: Dane Garreau
Topic: Advanced Topodroid Tips and Tricks
• Advanced techniques and tips for using Topodroid
more effectively.
Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84621503174?pwd=pvCaWahhcBc1sb74iwxiT7OwyQfGgX.1
THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2025 at 8:00 PM (EDT)
Presenter: Jon Zetterberg
Topic: Project Planning and Management
• How to set standards before the project begins.
• Structuring data collection to ensure consistency
and organization.
Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88073703339?pwd=MEa7mPFZgz3yMpwWxSKHlGwSxBZNL8.1
