Journal of Cave and Karst Studies - ISSN 1090-6924
Volume 64 Number 1: 4-8 - April 2002

A publication of the National Speleological Society

Using GIS to Manage Two Large Cave Systems, Wind and Jewel Caves, South Dakota
Rene Ohms and Matthew Reece

Abstract

The length and complexity of Wind and Jewel Caves offer unique challenges for cave managers. Determining the location of specific cave passages in relation to surface features is a key management tool, which is now greatly facilitated by Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This has been particularly useful at Wind and Jewel, where the complexity of the caves and their lack of obvious relation to the overlying surface make visualization of their locations difficult. GIS has also been used at both Wind and Jewel to display data tied to cave survey stations (such as feature inventories and control points). At Jewel Cave, GIS has been used to aid in management decisions regarding the use of herbicides above cave resources, and to better identify where the cave crosses political boundaries. At Wind Cave, GIS has been used to plan a parking lot replacement project and to create a model of the cave’s potential extent.

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