Using a scanning laser, a large network of over 450 sandstone caves are being mapped beneath Nottingham, UK, as part of the Caves of Nottingham Regeneration Project.
In a two-and-a-half year project, the Nottingham Caves Survey will map in 3-D the unique cave system to build an historical record, encourage interest and increase tourism.
The survey is funded by the Greater Nottingham Partnership, East Midlands Development Agency, English Heritage, the University of Nottingham and Nottingham City Council.
The 3D laser scanner measures the cave dimensions to great accuracy, allowing for computer generated 3-D models to be made, for study and ‘fly-thru’, while investigating the archaeological importance of Nottingham’s caves.
Some caves are already recognized monuments, and they have been used as malting caves, kilns, a 19th century underground butcher, while others are simple pub cellars.
One of the most famous caves is Mortimer’s Hole, a 105m (345ft) long tunnel from the Castle Rock (part of a Medieval Castle) to the Brewhouse Yard, which was used by King Edward III’s soldiers to capture Sir Roger de Mortimer, a 13th century nobleman embroiled in disputes with the king and who stole Queen Isabella’s affections from the King of France.
Visit: http://nottinghamcavessurvey.org.uk
Source: Green Muze [November 27, 2010]