Cave Survey Paper has arrived!

[Squirrel Girl]

There are a couple of things happening here which may not be immediately obvious:

1. Lead is completely responsible for picking stations. This can hinder you if they suck at it.

Makes me reminisce... When I was first learning to survey I was doing a re-survey of Lower Cave in Carlsbad. I was setting points, not really knowing what I was doing. I set a station on the floor and Rich had to read the instrument by dipping his ear in a tiny pool of water! Guess that's not an issue with underwater caves!

Actually, for air-filled caves, it probably makes sense to have the lead tape practice reading instruments once or twice to understand what makes a sucky station. But I don't see that as quite so critical U/W. All you do is lay your compass along the line--anywhere within reach--holding the tape (if using one), so I don't understand that it would be quite so critical. Am I wrong, ye with vastly more experience (at least U/W) than I????

[rchrds]

Actually, for air-filled caves, it probably makes sense to have the lead tape practice reading instruments once or twice to understand what makes a sucky station. But I don't see that as quite so critical U/W. All you do is lay your compass along the line--anywhere within reach--holding the tape (if using one), so I don't understand that it would be quite so critical. Am I wrong, ye with vastly more experience (at least U/W) than I????

When I dry survey, the more experienced instrument reader goes in front to set stations and take back sights. That way I can watch the new girl and help as necessary.
I think it is VERY important for dry survey- particularly if you are trying to cover a lot of distance- A smooth operator on front station is already thinking at least one station ahead of where they are, possibly more, if there are side passages. If Chrissy is in front, she will determine if we are going to cross a room, or go around the perimeter, based on what we normally do in similar situations. I don't have to constantly move stations to plan for the next shot, and I can concentrate on sketching. In addition, lead will already have the disto numbers by the time I need them, and usually the distance measurement to back-azimuth measurement is a matter of seconds instead of minutes like it normally is with a new reader.

Underwater it is less important, but a good operator can again reduce time- Chrissy almost always hits the stations that I want- I rarely have to pull her back because she missed a significant station (consider sketching on subsequent dives) And she knows how to manage stations at the tricky areas, like where the line is run around a rounded bend instead of discrete tieoffs. Much of it depends on how the line is laid- if it is well laid with discrete tieoffs and good straight line stations, survey is easy. If the line turns in sand berms, is tied off on the ceiling, bends around long curves instead of crossing to the opposite wall, that is when your competent lead saves time.

J

[RN]

Anyone interested in getting more of this paper? I tried to order some but it's $57 and change for an minimum order of 5 packs or $35 and change a pack for 10 packs. I want 2. If we can get 8 more packs I'll place the order. I'll have to get shipping and paypal fees figured out, but count on about low $40-something with all fees included.

[jlillest]

I'm in for two, but it'll have to wait until after the 16th. By then we'll probably have the minimum.

-Jon

[rchrds]

I have a full case. $25 a pack plus shipping USPS to your house. Let me know, I will have Chrissy mail it, which incurs some slight "spouse" delay. Let me know if you want the dry, or underwater stuff (One has depth, one has inclination)


Jason

[SR]

PM sent

[Scott]

I will take a pack. Will send payment and info when I get back from DC tonight.

Scott

[Scott]

I will take a pack. Will send payment and info when I get back from DC tonight.

Scott

I should have read it better. I am in for a pack when you get enough to place an order. I will keep watching or just send me a pm.

[deepairmike]

So it looks like we need to get it from Jason

[FW]

I should have read it better. I am in for a pack when you get enough to place an order. I will keep watching or just send me a pm.

Jason has a whole box in stock, see post 25.