Task: Decide on the initial simple survey type

Task List | Current Tasks

The purpose of the simple survey type is to be simple enough that we don't get bogged down in survey complexities and alternatives, but real enough to be actually useful, because we will be carrying it right through to completion of the pilot CaveXML specification.

Here is the current draft. It lists the type of survey and data which can be included. Discussion is via the CaveXML Mailing List.

• a simple line directly joining adjacent stations.


• directions by compass, being a single reading which is an actual direction.


• distance is a single reading which gives an actual line distance.


• inclination is included and is a single reading giving an actual inclination.


• systematic instrument corrections can be included.


• no restrictions on station names; any station naming plans are excluded, not being part of a survey type - they can be considered later.


• optional Left, Right, Up and Down distances from station to walls included; direction of LRUD plane can vary?. A plane?


• optional closing of loops.


• optional assigning of independently established co-ordinates to key station(s).


• recording of measurement units (fixed for the survey, or variable per shot?)


• recording of team members, instruments, dates, magnetic declination, title, general comment.


• recording of comments against any measurement.


• data sequencing/grouping is not specified; that is a function of processing not surveying and will be addressed in a later task.


• should backsights be included?


• should measurement averaging be included, i.e. multiple measurements per leg?

Anyone got any good ideas on how best to specify all this? We'll need to end up with a suitable statement in plain English.

We are still looking for a volunteer to lead this task. Interested?