Geometric characterization and analysis of complex elements through the integration of different Geomatics Techniques. Application to caves.

Abstract

The importance given to geomatics within speleology, is that any study after the discovery of a cavity needs a plane on which to rely. Hence the survey is one of the first tasks that are performed. Traditionally, topography was aimed at the final drawing of a plant, a longitudinal profile and some sections. The integration of traditional geomatics tools such as GNSS and total stations with more recent ones such as 3D laser scanners, allows a fast and accurate registration process in order to obtain a comprehensive documentation that covers everything from floor plans, elevation, longitudinal and transverse sections, dimensional analysis and calculation of heights of galleries or caps and to virtual reality systems. This article describes the necessary tasks in both the capture and treatment of the data to generate highly accurate metric documentation and details of such complex and unique places such are caves and cavities.