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Recently a friend and I have started exploring some underground water tunnels. I can't find any maps of them, though I thought I could online somewhere because they are technically city property right? Is there somewhere else I can go to request that information?
In the meantime, we want to start to map the system. I want to make the map as accurate as possible, not just close-to-right lengths, but actually to scale lengths and widths of the tunnels. What is the best way to measure this? The most accurate and easy thing to think of is marking off rope by the foot and stretching it across the runnel we wish to measure. Any ideas or tools I don't know about that could help with this endeavor?
Cheers
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In dungeons and dragons we always just used graph paper.
Dungeon Master: "You walk 20 feet and come to a tee. What do you do?"
Mork The Orc: "I draw my +1 sword and stab myself in the head because it's Friday night, I can't get a date, these are the only friends who will have anything to do with me, and I'm sitting around this table playing this stupid game!"
Oh sorry....Flashbacks.
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I heard a cool tip to take like, electrical tape with you, and make arrows to the exits. Doesn't 'tag' and could be ditched if cops come. I don't tunnel, so I'm not much help o the matter.
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A laser measuring tool might be the ticket. Or simply count off the steps.
Chalk as a marker if needed.
Just when I thought I was out... they pulled me back in.
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There are probably several GPS apps that could trace your route.
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I've done a lot of steam tunnel mapping, and the two are similar. Things that helped me:
- Start with a pre-made map of the ground above it. Make your map on there
- Look for any manholes, terrain features, etc that can correlate a point above ground with a point in the tunnels. It's easier to connect the dots than to completely draw the map anew.
- Start by recording the topology only of the map. I.e. where the junctions are, any loops, where it splits off, etc. Getting this down will make it much easier to add lengths/scale later.
- Measuring distances underground can be tricky, but you can certainly get angles.
- If this is in a city, you can listen for roads above; give you an idea where you are
- Take note of which way water flows. Compare this to a topographic map of the city above - usually the two will match up.
- Check out your municipal archives. Many cities will have them - the public library is usually the place to start.
- Make friends with the guy who installs your gas line. He has a drawing of everything that is underground in your part of the city - and can access the rest of them.
-VAD | |
The Viscount had some great info!
Depending on how serious you are about mapping...
Read some articles about cave mapping. That's as close as you will get to tunnel mapping and the techniques will be the same.
Take measurements and sketches as you go, then create your map when you get home. Maybe use 3D modeling software like 'sketch up' to create computer models. Google "cave mapping software". Some interesting results.
A couple of mapping tools if you are a bit OCD. 
- A sighting compass to accurately gather bearings
- 100' tape for distances (laser measure if you have the $$$ since they can measure larger distances)
- Inclinometer if you want to record drop / rise
I've gone mine exploring with a guy who was AMAZING at mapping mines. His diagrams were works of art in their own right. It takes time and practice to develop the skills.
Abby Normal
"Government is not a solution to our problem, government is the problem." Ronald Reagan | |
Posted by Abby Normal
The Viscount had some great info!
- 100' tape for distances (laser measure if you have the $$$ since they can measure larger distances)
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Laser measures I've found for cheap ($15 on sale at Canadian Tire), and incredibly accurate.
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