David Grimes wrote:...I also think you are missing the point of the map section. Our goal is to make them available for users to print them and use them in the cave.
Sounds like a pretty good use of a map to me. I expect it would also raise safety if everyone that did cave could have fairly easy access to maps....and learn to follow them.
Last time I was in Pettijohns I asked a group of cavers we found floundering around, if they had a map. They stated that they had asked around, but no one would give them a map. So they were caving "blind" through Pettijohns. I gave them mine as we had a few.
When I lead a group through a cave, I always give 2 others a copy of the cave map in a large 8.5" x 11" Ziplock bag. Once in the bag and the air is pushed out you can fold it or roll it and stick it in your back pocket or cave pack. A perfect way for protecting it and pulling it out if necessary. If the map is large I will break it out into 3 or 4, 8.5" x 11" sections and put the sheets in the Ziplock. I will stop the group from time to time and we will pull out our maps and I will show them where we are at (point out landmarks) so they can get used to locating themselves on it. It is enjoyable to see the faces of new cavers once they see how easy it is to cave with a map and compass. By the way, it is funny to be asked by new cavers "how does a compass work underground?".
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