Drakensberg hiking maps

17 Oct 2011 14:29 #4393 by tiska
Replied by tiska on topic Drakensberg hiking maps
I think I'm right in saying that the basis for Reg Pearse's maps was plane table surveying. The modern replacements were based on photogrammetry (aerial photos which are used in stereoscopic mode to make contour plots). I saw some Berg maps being produced manually on a photogrammetry machine in the Survey Dept at Univ of Natal in the 1980s. The essence of the process was a skilled map maker looking at the stereo pair of photographs through an optical device which was linked up to a manual pair of arms which then plotted lines on the map. The arms were moved by two wheels, one for the left hand and one for the right hand of the operator. It was a labour intensive process and the machine took up a room the size of a large study. The contours, river courses, escarpment edge etc can be v.accurately marked out. But the addition of names, cave locations, paths and passes required a completely different process as these things are not usually evident from the aerial photos alone.

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18 Oct 2011 11:11 #4417 by john mark 1
Replied by john mark 1 on topic Drakensberg hiking maps
Were there any earlier maps before Reg Pearse and Slingsby made theirs?

If not, how does one find the caves and paths that have been 'taken off the map' ? Is it simply a matter of word of mouth from more experienced friends and perhaps some of the local people combined with a lot of good old-fashioned foot slogging?

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19 Oct 2011 10:23 - 19 Oct 2011 10:27 #4430 by intrepid
Replied by intrepid on topic Drakensberg hiking maps
@john mark: something like that. However, the reasons for taking things off the maps should always be considered. Some trails are redundant and are being rehabilitated, like The Neck pass in RNNP - this should be respected. Apparently Tom's Cave was closed to allow rehabilitation from over-use, though I wouldn't have an issue submitting a petition to have them re-opened, given sufficient recovery. Most caves with paintings are officially closed, only around 25 within the UDP are open to the public if accompanied by a rock-art custodian. Bushman's Cave and Lower Injisuthi Cave are some exceptions, as you can still use these. Leopard Cave and Poacher's Cave were only closed in recent times, in keeping with the rest of the caves at Ndedema, and it was said that use by hikers had affected the paintings. Lower Mushroom Rock Shelter was also closed very recently after it was vandalised. Obviously there is a knowledge among hikers of where some of these caves are, but it is best kept to that and well away from any further attention. Let us not create more reasons for restrictions and being policed. We have a lot of privileges in the Berg, like being able to camp almost anywhere, and we should look after these.

Some articles of interest:
* Rock Art
* Closing of Poacher's Cave and Leopard Cave
* Rock art site at Cathedral Peak closed

Yes there are old maps around, not that I have my own copies, but Reg Pearse did a lot of research in archives - I don't think these will be of major use though. The MCSA journals are also a wealth of info, not always in map form though.

Take nothing but litter, leave nothing but a cleaner Drakensberg.
Last edit: 19 Oct 2011 10:27 by intrepid. Reason: typo

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19 Oct 2011 10:35 #4431 by ghaznavid
Replied by ghaznavid on topic Drakensberg hiking maps

intrepid wrote: Lower Mushroom Rock Shelter was also closed very recently after it was vandalised.


I wasn't aware of such a cave existing, does this have San art or what is the case with the cave? How close is it to the Mushroom?

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19 Oct 2011 11:23 #4432 by intrepid
Replied by intrepid on topic Drakensberg hiking maps
Yes, it has rock art. Its within a 10km of radius of Mushroom Rock ;)

Take nothing but litter, leave nothing but a cleaner Drakensberg.

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19 Oct 2011 12:28 #4433 by tiska
Replied by tiska on topic Drakensberg hiking maps
Barrier of Spears, (edition 1) chapter 5 (Of Maps and Mapping) has some history on early Berg maps. Lots of names came from the Stocker Map of 1888. Next was the Sweeney map of 1927. The chapter also contains details of Pearse's plane table surveying and of the model relief map in Cathedral Peak Hotel which he built (was still there last December if that was the original).

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19 Oct 2011 12:35 #4434 by john mark 1
Replied by john mark 1 on topic Drakensberg hiking maps
I agree with you 100% intrepid. Yes, there are normally very valid reasons why certain places aren't marked on maps. I much rather prefer it that way, than that everybody knew as people often mess up these valuable spots sometimes not even purposely!
The fewer people who ever visit these places (even if that includes me) the better.

Besides it is always highly exciting to rediscover something in the same way in which it was first discovered.

Are the MCSA journals available only to members and if not, are they available electronically?

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19 Oct 2011 13:04 #4435 by intrepid
Replied by intrepid on topic Drakensberg hiking maps
The journals are available to everyone. Now that I think of it, I'm not sure how much info you'll get on caves as such, but many exploration accounts have been recorded nonetheless. They are not available electronically yet as the MCSA is still trying to work around copyright issues, the last I heard. They are available in MCSA libraries and I've seen batches on sale on Bid or Buy. There is a Word document floating around on the web somewhere providing a reference index of whats in the volumes.

Take nothing but litter, leave nothing but a cleaner Drakensberg.

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24 Oct 2011 07:32 #4483 by intrepid
Replied by intrepid on topic Drakensberg hiking maps
Please note the new rules for Berg rock art visits which have just been announced. The significant changes are involving the local communities as custodians and that accredited clubs may visit certain sites as part of their trips.

Take nothing but litter, leave nothing but a cleaner Drakensberg.

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17 Nov 2011 06:33 #4881 by Boerkie
Replied by Boerkie on topic Drakensberg hiking maps
I have never seen the Berg maps at any Outdoor shop in Gauteng. I ordered mine from www.mammothoutdoor.co.za for R55. Their service so far was great. If you order maps from them online, select the "collect at store" option at checkout and add a note that they should post them to you. You then save the R62 courier fees.

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