UIS Symbols

This document is an easy-to-read reference to symbols currently recommended by the UIS. This page itself is the standard.

If the standards have been the subject of a vote, the transfer of these standards to this page is in progress. Can you refer to the original documents:
- UIS Basic Cave Mapping Symbols (completed 1999, reviewed 2008)
- UIS Karst Surface Map Symbols (completed 2006)>
- UIS Artificial Cavities Mapping Symbols (completed 2022)

Ce document est une référence facile à lire aux symboles actuellement recommandé par l’ISU. Cette page elle-même constitue la norme.

Si les normes ont fait l'objet d'un vote le transfert de ces normes sur cette page est en cours de réalisation. Vous pouvez-vous référer aux documents originels :
- UIS Basic Cave Mapping Symbols (completed 1999, reviewed 2008)
- UIS Karst Surface Map Symbols (completed 2006)>
- UIS Artificial Cavities Mapping Symbols (completed 2022)

Surface symbols

Impenetrable artificial cave
Impenetrable dry cave
Impenetrable Ponor
Impenetrable temporary ponor
Impenetrable spring
Imenetrable captured spring
Impenetrable temporary spring
Impenetrable cave unknow water circulation
Penetrable horizontal Artificial Cave
Animal made artificial Cave
Destroyed fortress
Masonery fortress
Rock cut fortress
Rock cut apiary
Rock cut chamber tomb
Rock cut citern
Rock cut dove cut
Rock cut kitchen
Rock cut trench tomb
Rock cut refectory
Rock cut winery
Underground water work
Penetrable horizontal dry cave
Penetrable horizontal ponor
Penetrable horizontal cave Temporary Ponor
Penetrable horizontal spring
Shelter
Penetrable horizontal estavelle
Penetrable horizontal cave unknow water circulation
Penetrable horizontal cave temporary spring
Penetrable vertical artificial cave
Penetrable vertical dry cave
Penetrable vertical ponor
Penetrable vertical cave temporary ponor
Penetrable vertical spring
Penetrable vertical estavelle
Penetrable vertical cave temporary spring
Penetrable vertical cave unknow water circulation
Bogaz
Doline
Doline rim not well defined
Doline with steep slopes
Field of dolines
Uvala
Uvala with diffuse edge
Whaleback
Perched blocks
Grikes
Kamenitsas
Nivokarstic niche
Karren field
Spitzkarren field
Roundkarren field
Covered Karren Field
Roundkarren field
Rinnenkarren
Trittkarren
Chicot
Cone hill
Small scarp
Schichttreppenkarst
Rim of active potje
Rim of inactive potje
Undefined rim of active potje
Undefined rim of inactive potje
Fluviokarstic canyon
V dry valley
U dry valley
Limit of underground catchment area
Stream
Temporary stream
Inactive valley floor talweg
Underground river connection
Underground cave
Roofless cave
Natural arch, bridge
Karstic infillings
Speleothem (not tufa)
Tufa


Survey symbols

air draught
altitude sealevel
bat
bones
camp
carved cross
carved inscription
cauliflower
ceramic finds
clastic sediments
clay covered wall
column
crystals
destroyed place of workship
direction of cut
divergence point
gradient arrow line plan
guano
handhole cut
handhole plan
helictites
hole with wooden remains
human activity
ice
junction point
lake
machinery
masonry place of worship
moonmilk
north arrow cartesic plan
north arrow geographic plan
north arrow magnetic plan
outline gallery
painted cross
painted inscription
pillar cut off at the base
pillar cut off at the ceiling
point
possible continuation
presumed dimension space
rock cut ceiling ring
rock cut pit
rock cut place of worship
rock cut surface
rock cut wall ring
shaft with raised edges
siner
spaghetti
stalagmite
stalagtite
stone blocks
sump
superimposed cut-marks
too narrow continuation
underlying gallery
well
wooden finds

Cave conservation symbols

Protect cave locations
Do not disturb wildlife
Avoid touching microbial mats
No smoking or fires
No drugs or alcohol
Wear gloves
Clean gear for pristine areas
Remove all waste
Avoid dropping food particles
Stay on established trails
Move carefully
Take nothing from caves
Leave no trace




Symbols@en Symboles@fr Symbol
Identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/
files png (100 ppp) png (600 ppp) svg



Impenetrable Artificial Cave@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#impenetrableArtificialCave
symbol
observations
files svg



Impenetrable Dry Cave@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#impenetrableDryCave
symbol
observations
files svg



Impenetrable Ponor@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#impenetrablePonor
symbol
observations
files svg



Impenetrable Temporary Ponor@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#impenetrableTemporaryPonor
symbol
observations
files svg



Impenetrable Spring@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#impenetrableTemporarySpring
symbol
observations
files svg



Impenetrable captured Spring@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#impenetrableCapturedSpring
symbol
observations
files svg



Impenetrable Temporary Spring@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#impenetrableTemporarySpring
symbol
observations
files svg



Impenetrable Cave Unknow Water Circulation@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#impenetrableCaveUnknowWaterCirculation
symbol
observations
files svg



Penetrable horizontal artificial cave@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#penetrableHorizontalArtificialCave
symbol
observations
files svg



Animal made artificial cave@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#animalMadeArtificialCave
symbol
observations
files svg



Destroyed fortress@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#destroyedFortress
symbol
observations
files svg



Masonery fortress@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#masoneryFortresss
symbol
observations
files svg



Rock cut fortress@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#rockCutFortress
symbol
observations
files svg



Rock cut apiary@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#rockCutApiary
symbol
observations
files svg



Rock cut chamber tomb@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#rockCutChamberTomb
symbol
observations
files svg



Rock cut chamber citern@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#rockCutCitern
symbol
observations
files svg



Rock dove cut@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#rockDoveCut
symbol
observations
files svg



Rock cut trench tomb@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#rockCutTrenchTomb
symbol
observations
files svg



Rock cut refectory@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#rockCutRefectory
symbol
observations
files svg



Rock cut winery@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#rockCutWinery
symbol
observations
files svg



Undergroud water work@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#undergroudWaterWork
symbol
observations
files svg



Rock cut kitchen@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#rockCutKitchen
symbol
observations
files svg



Penetrable horizontal dry cave@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#penetrableHorizontalDryCave
symbol
observations
files svg



Penetrable horizontal ponor@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#penetrableHorizontalPonor
symbol
observations
files svg



Penetrable horizontal cave temporary ponor@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#penetrableHorizontalCaveTemporaryPonor
symbol
observations
files svg



Penetrable horizontal spring@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#penetrableHorizontalSpring
symbol
observations
files svg



Penetrable horizontal cave temporary spring@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#penetrableHorizontalCaveTemporarySpring
symbol
observations
files svg



Penetrable horizontal cave unknow water circulation@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#penetrableHorizontalCaveUnknowWaterCirculation
symbol
observations
files svg



Penetrable horizontal estavelle@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#penetrableHorizontalEstavelle
symbol
observations
files svg




Shelter@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#shelter
symbol
observations
files svg



Penetrable vertical artificial cave@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#penetrableVerticalArtificialCave
symbol
observations
files svg



Penetrable vertical dry cave@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#penetrableVerticalDryCave
symbol
observations
files svg



Penetrable vertical ponor@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#penetrableVerticalPonor
symbol
observations
files svg



Penetrable vertical cave temporary ponor@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/##penetrableVerticalCaveTemporaryPonor
symbol
observations
files svg



Penetrable vertical spring@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#penetrableVerticalSpring
symbol
observations
files svg



Penetrable vertical cave temporary spring@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#penetrableVerticalCaveTemporarySpring
symbol
observations
files svg



Penetrable vertical cave unknown water circulation@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#penetrableVerticalCaveUnknowWaterCirculation
symbol
observations
files svg



Penetrable vertical estavelle@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#penetrableVerticalEstavelle
symbol
observations
files svg



Bogaz@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#bogaz
symbol
observations
files svg marker(svg)



Doline@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#doline
symbol
observations
files svg



Doline rim not well defined@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#dolineRimNotWellDefined
symbol
observations
files svg



Doline with steep slopes@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#dolineWithSteepSlopes
symbol
observations
files svg



Field of dolines@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#fieldOfDolines
symbol
observations
files svg



Uvala@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#uvala
symbol
observations
files svg



Uvala with diffuse edge@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#uvalaWithDiffuseEdge
symbol
observations
files svg



Whaleback@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#whaleback
symbol
observations
files svg



Perched blocks@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#perchedBlocks
symbol
observations
files svg



Grikes@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#grikes
symbol
observations
files svg



Kamenitsas@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#kamenitsas
symbol
observations
files svg



Nivokarstic niche@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#nivokarsticNiche
symbol
observations
files svg



Karren field@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#karrenField
symbol
observations
files svg



Spitzkarren field@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#spitzkarrenField
symbol
observations
files svg



Covered karren field@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#coveredKarrenField
symbol
observations
files svg



Covered karren field@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#coveredKarrenField
symbol
observations
files svg



Rinnenkarren@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#rinnenkarren
symbol
observations
files svg



Trittkarren@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#trittkarren
symbol
observations
files svg



Chicot@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#chicot
symbol
observations
files svg



Cone hill@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#coneHill
symbol
observations
files svg



Small scarp@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#smallScarp
symbol
observations
files svg



Schichttreppenkarst@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#schichttreppenkarst
symbol
observations
files svg



Rim of active potje@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#rimOfActivePotje
symbol
observations
files svg



Rim of inactive potje@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#rimOfInactivePotje
symbol
observations
files svg



Undefined rim of active potje@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#undefinedRimOfActivePotje
symbol
observations
files svg



Undefined rim of inactive potje@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#undefinedRimOfInactivePotje
symbol
observations
files svg



Fluviokarstic canyon@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#fluviokarsticCanyon
symbol
observations
files svg



V dry valley@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#vDryValley
symbol
observations
files svg



U dry valley@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#uDryValley
symbol
observations
files svg



Limit of underground catchment area@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#limitOfUndergroundCatchmentArea
symbol
observations
files svg



Stream@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#stream
symbol
observations
files svg




Temporary stream@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#temporaryStream
symbol
observations
files svg




Inactive valley floor talweg@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#inactiveValleyFloorTalweg
symbol
observations
files svg




Underground cave@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#undergroundCave
symbol
observations
files svg




Underground river connection@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#undergroundRiverConnection
symbol
observations
files svg




Roofless cave@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#rooflessCave
symbol
observations
files svg




Natural arch@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#naturalArch
symbol
observations
files svg




Karstic infillings@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#karsticInfillings
symbol
observations
files svg




Speleothem (not tufa)@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#speleothemNotTufa
symbol
observations
files svg




Tufa@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#tufa
symbol
observations
files svg



Stone bloks@en Blokovi/Krslje@hr Blokken/rol-steentjes@nl Blocs/débris@fr Blockwerk/Geröll@de Massi/Detriti a spigoli vivi@it@it Bloki skalne/piarg@pl Blocos/Entulho@pt Blocuri/Prabusiri@ro Bloki/grusc@sv Bloques/Detritos@es Blok kayalar/Moloz@tr Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#stoneBlocs
symbol
use
observations The size and shape can be modelled on the reality
files svg




protect cave locations@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#protect_cave_locations
symbol
observations Never post or publish cave coordinates or instructions
files svg




do not disturb wildlife@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#do_not_disturb_wildlife
symbol
observations Never disturb bats or other cave-dwelling creatures
files svg




stay on established trails@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#stay_on_established_trails
symbol
observations Stay on established trails to minimize impact.
files svg




avoid touching microbial mats@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#avoid_touching_microbial_mats
symbol
observations Avoid touching microbial mats and geomicrobial communities
files svg




no smoking or fires@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#no_smoking_or_fires
symbol
observations No smoking or campfires in caves or near cave entrances
files svg




no drugs or alcohol@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#no_drugs_or_alcohol
symbol
observations No recreational drugs or alcohol while caving
files svg




wear gloves@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#wear_gloves
symbol
observations Wear gloves to prevent contaminating surfaces
files svg




clean gear for pristine areas@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#clean_gear_for_pristine_areas
symbol
observations Use clean gear to prevent contamination
files svg




remove all waste@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#remove_all_waste
symbol
observations Remove all solid and liquid wastes from the cave
files svg




avoid dropping food particles@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#avoid_dropping_food_particles
symbol
observations Avoid dropping crumbs and food particles
files svg




stay on established trails@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#stay_on_established_trails
symbol
observations Stay on established trails to minimize impact
files svg




move carefully@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#move_carefully
symbol
observations Move carefully to avoid disturbing the cave environment
files svg




take nothing from caves@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#take_nothing_from_caves
symbol
observations Take nothing from caves unless authorized for research
files svg




leave no trace@en Symbol
identifier https://ontology.uis-speleo.org/symbols/#leave_no_trace
symbol
observations Leave no evidence of your visit
files svg
UIS Symbols are licensed under CC-BY V 4.0 license