Cave surveying can be a long and arduous activity. Make your hard work count by entering it into our cave map competition.
The cartography competition is an exhibition celebrating cave mapping as both a technical skill and an art form. Maps are judged at the conference, so you'll need to bring a printed copy. You don't need to be attending the conference, but you do need to be an ASF member to enter.
Maps will be grouped by cave length:
Category 1: Under 100m
Category 2: 100–1000m
Category 3: Over 1000m
Up to 3 maps per category per person
Let us know you're submitting entries by emailing details to asfconference2027@chillagoecavingclub.org.au with subject "Cartography Competition"
Bring a printed copy, no smaller than A4 and no larger than A1
Maps that have previously placed in an ASF cartography competition are not eligible
Entries must be lodged before 18th June, 2027
Cave name
Obvious entrance or connection with rest of cave (eg, if the map is of a cave extension)
North arrow
Bar scale
Vertical control - vertical profile or vertical symbols (e.g. cave elevations, pit depths, ceiling heights, and water depths)
Survey date
Cartographer and survey group
Balance and layout - well balanced, no crowding, visually appealing, etc.
Drafting technical quality - lines end and blend well, outside cave walls obvious, symbols correct and well-sized, lettering consistent, etc.
Detail thoroughness - map easy to understand and not confusing, obvious cave features shown, etc.
Three or more judges will assess each map and provide written feedback. You'll receive a judging sheet at the end of the competition.
Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place for each category. Not sure what they are yet, but they will be awesome!
Your maps remain yours. They may be displayed at the conference, and with your written permission may appear in Caves Australia or on ASF social media. Nothing beyond that without asking you first.