What are the acceptable ways to mark permanent survey stations?

[footleg]

As I make progress with the West Kingsdale master survey project, I am finding that some previously marked survey stations at key junctions have gone AWOL. These were marked with yellow plastic tags, which could be removed later, but which are possibly too obvious to cavers and appear to have been removed while they are still needed. So I am wondering what method to use to permanently mark stations so they can be referred to in the notes and located my future surveyors in years to come. I've heard that drilling small holes discreetly at key locations is one possibility. I am wondering what people think is acceptable for marking the cave so that the marks are not lost in time without unduly defacing the cave?

 

[Brains]

Cut a bench mark like the OS used to do - there are still thousands dotted about the country but how many do you see without knowing where they are first? Traditionally a "Ministry arrow" was used, but also brass studs set into masonary etc. I dont think a full on trig point would be too good though... :-\

 

[Les W]

I use a shallow "drilling" with a "spit" and hand driver. This leaves a small indentation about 10mm across and about 6mm deep. Quite discrete but obvious if you know where to look. Record the locations of the permanent stations with the survey data and if you need to go back to them you will soon find them with a quick search in the general area.

Only place permanent stations at complex junctions or at points where you think you may need to tie other surveys in at a later date.

 

[SamT]

I was just wondering this the other day and was going to post the same question.

I need one in Bagshawe near our dig. I was going to chisel an x into the rock, a protrusion at the entrance to our dig thats been used on previous initial survey. just a  small discreet X (its hardly beautiful passage  - more like a stacked rock ginging liquid mud squallor affair).

Hadnt thought of just drilling a hole.

I vaugely remember Bill Stone talking in "Beyond the Deep: The Deadly Descent Into the World's Most Treacherous cave", about hunting around for the 'tell tale spit' marking the survey station when they'd linked two caves.

I'd have thought though - that a spit would possibly pull the compass out a little if placed close.

might just stick with the x

 

[graham]

Spits, if they have been installed anyway, are fine. Just use 'em as the "to" station rather than the "from" station.

Whatever methods you use, it is most important that the position and the nature of the station is properly recorded so that your successors can locate the bloody things. I speak from bitter experience here.

 

[cap n chris]

 

[footleg]

I'd have thought though - that a spit would possibly pull the compass out a little if placed close.

might just stick with the x

I think the spit is only used to drill the small hole. You don't actually put the spit in the hole. Just drill a few mm in to make a nice round hole as a marker.

 

[mrodoc]

Nail polish (pink) and Tippex have been successfully used in Meghalaya and are easier to locate.

 

[Les W]

Nail polish (pink) and Tippex have been successfully used in Meghalaya and are easier to locate.

But less permanent.

Sam T - Use the spit to drill a short way into the rock, about 5 or 6mm should be plenty. Don't place the spit but keep it to re use at the next permanent station, etc.

The resulting hole is very small and discrete and will not even be seen by most people. I have 2 permanent stations in Upper Swildons that can each take me several minutes to find, even though I know where they are. It is important to document their location well so that others may find them if needed.

 

[potholer]

Someone I know uses galvanised nails hammered into cracks, and it's surprising how often they can be difficult to see unless you're really looking for them.
Also, where there aren't cracks, arrows scratched neatly on the rock, which can be similarly hard to notice accidentally if placed with thought, and don't look unpleasant even if seen.