3D digital mapping of cave spaces in Slovakia by terrestrial laser scanning

Slovakia belongs to countries with wonderful and peculiar nature. One of the remarkable natural phenomena, which appeal to the general public as well as various scientists by its sights, are caves. Compared to other natural phenomena, they are characterised by many distinctive and unique features, which enhance the mystique of the underground. At present, caves have an educational character and an important role in environmental education; however, they also have a significant position in tourism. Approximately 7100 caves are known in Slovakia, including shorter ones with the character of overhang. The most registered caves are situated in national parks Slovak Karst, Low Tatras, Velka Fatra, West, High and Belianske Tatras and in the Spis-Gemer Karst. Nowadays, the speleological mapping in Slovakia does not have any unified rules. Therefore, final maps of individual cave spaces may vary in their details, accuracy, as well as their content. If a speleologist realises mapping, then the base map is usually less accurate, but its content is rich regarding morphology and speleology. However, if a surveyor performs the mapping, then the base map can be relatively accurate but does not always capture all important morphological features. The objective of this paper is to highlight the possibilities of non-contact surveying technologies for mapping cave spaces, to help create unified rules for speleological mapping combining the rich content of morphological data by standard speleological mapping and high accuracy and details by geodetic measurements.