Drawing multiple levels
Posted: Jul 6, 2012 8:35 am
I just finished a survey of a very small multi-level cave. In trying to decide how to represent overlain areas, I looked at other examples of multi-level maps. Most used a dashed line for the lower level and then include a detailed aside. I didn't think this method was suitable for my purposes since there would be no clear way to distinguish between level 1 and the section of level 3 that was not overlain. Also, since I sometimes struggle to add detail to the maps of the small featureless caves that I often map, a detailed aside of an overlain section would look pretty much the same as the dashed line plan view.
Despite reading an old Compass & Tape article that denounced the use of color to represent levels as foolish and bizarre, I decided that it would be the easiest, most understandable way.
Please have a look at this map and tell me what I can do to improve its overall appearance. I honestly think it's hideous. The upper level is floored with clay and the lower two with cobble, but I can't include floor detail without obscuring other passage or taking the levels apart. http://i1241.photobucket.com/albums/gg515/GroundquestMSA/fern.jpg
Despite reading an old Compass & Tape article that denounced the use of color to represent levels as foolish and bizarre, I decided that it would be the easiest, most understandable way.
Please have a look at this map and tell me what I can do to improve its overall appearance. I honestly think it's hideous. The upper level is floored with clay and the lower two with cobble, but I can't include floor detail without obscuring other passage or taking the levels apart. http://i1241.photobucket.com/albums/gg515/GroundquestMSA/fern.jpg