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Mapping a Wreck: Five Tips for Sketching Shipwreck Sites

Underwater archaeologists use sophisticated scientific grids and other techniques to map shipwrecks with precision. While this is certainly a worthwhile pursuit, most recreational divers have neither the desire nor the time to create exceptionally sophisticated maps. At the same time, many do wish to create shipwreck maps which can be used for later exploration and shared with others. Here are some top tips for mapping a wreck based on memory, your experience, and observations. 

Decide to Pay Attention to Layout - Underwater Wreck Mapping Tips

If you’re simply following the crowd, you might not pay much attention to the way a vessel or aircraft is laid out underwater. Start the mapping process by reminding yourself that you’ll be mapping later, and your mind will automatically have an easier time recalling spatial details after your dive. 

This might not seem terribly productive and at first you may find that you are only able to recall small portions of the overall area or provide a rough outline. Map these things anyway and keep on mapping every time you dive a wreck. Over time, your ability to remember layout will improve. 

Dive Wrecks More than Once - Underwater Wreck Mapping Tips

If you want to produce a high-quality map of a wreck, you’re going to need to dive at least a few times. Start with the rough sketch you made the first time, and keep filling in details. The more frequently you visit a certain wreck, the more familiar you will be with the layout, even if you haven’t been able to make measurements. The best wreck maps tend to come from people who are very familiar with the sites they depict. 

Take Photos - Underwater Wreck Mapping Tips

You don’t have to be an expert to take underwater photos. In addition, you can now take advantage of inexpensive underwater camera equipment which you can use to snap photos that will help jog your memory during the mapping process. Photos won’t do all the work for you and they certainly don’t replace a well-drawn diagram, but they can be useful tools that greatly assist the process. 

Get Video Footage - Underwater Wreck Mapping Tips

Video footage can be very helpful in capturing details and helping with spatial recall. When filming a wreck, think about the angle you plan to layout your drawing, and approach the wreck from that same angle. Make a few passes if at all possible. 

Have a Purpose for Your Map - Underwater Wreck Mapping Tips

Before you start mapping, decide what purpose you’ll be using your map for. Maybe you want to share your diagram with other divers, or perhaps you are hoping to have it displayed in a local dive shop. Great shipwreck maps truly benefit the diving community, and even if diagrams exist, wrecks change with time and updates are always helpful. Having a purpose will help you to create a map that’s useful, and you’ll feel a great sense of accomplishment when you are finished. 

All you need to start mapping shipwrecks is paper, a pencil with a good eraser, and very basic drawing skills. With practice, you’ll get better at mapping, and those who benefit are sure to thank you for your effort.

Category:
  • Dive Training
  • Wreck Diving Skills
Keywords: dive training, wreck diving, wreck diving skills, wreck divers, underwater wrecks, wreck sites, wreck dive sites, wreck mapping, underwater archaeologists Author: Related Tags: Technical Articles