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Article Navigation >  CARSOLOGICA SINICA  > 2026  > Accepted Manuscript
ZHOU Wenlong, SONG Xiaoqing, LUO Ji, LI Huaibing, YANG Jiafang, ZHAO Shiqi, MO Guifen. Applied research on integrated 'Air-Ground-Cave' surveying of the World's Supercave, the Miao Chamber Cavern：A case study of the Ziyun Miao Chamber[J]. CARSOLOGICA SINICA. doi: 10.11932/karst2026y001
Citation: ZHOU Wenlong, SONG Xiaoqing, LUO Ji, LI Huaibing, YANG Jiafang, ZHAO Shiqi, MO Guifen. Applied research on integrated "Air-Ground-Cave" surveying of the World's Supercave, the Miao Chamber Cavern：A case study of the Ziyun Miao Chamber[J]. CARSOLOGICA SINICA. doi: 10.11932/karst2026y001
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Applied research on integrated "Air-Ground-Cave" surveying of the World's Supercave, the Miao Chamber Cavern：A case study of the Ziyun Miao Chamber

doi: 10.11932/karst2026y001
  • 1.

    Guizhou Institute of Mountain Resource, Guiyang, Guizhou 550001, China

  • 2.

    Speleology Committee of the Geological Society of China, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, China

  • 3.

    Guizhou Geological Engineering Survey and Design Institute Co., Ltd., Guiyang, Guizhou 550008, China

  • 4.

    Guizhou Cloud View Geographic Information Technology Co., Ltd., Guiyang, Guizhou 55007, China

  • Received Date: 2025-04-20
  • Accepted Date: 2025-12-29
  • Rev Recd Date: 2025-12-26
    • Available Online: 2026-06-23
    Abstract
  • As a world-class rare super cavern, the Ziyun Miao Chamber presents extraordinary challenges for traditional surveying techniques due to its vast spatial dimensions, intricate multi-level cave structures, and complex geological formations. To address the limitations of early exploration efforts, this study develops and implements an innovative integrated "air-ground-cave" surveying technology system. By synergizing advanced methodologies, including drone-based aerial photogrammetry, terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), and simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) technology, a comprehensive spatial data acquisition and multi-source data fusion framework was established. This system enabled, for the first time, high-precision, full-coverage 3D surveying and seamless registration of both surface karst landforms and multi-tiered underground cave networks within the Miao Chamber.The research outcomes, derived from technical summarization and extensive data analysis, yield the following key findings: (1) Data Correction and Spatial Referencing: Building upon the foundational 2014 Sino-British joint scientific survey, this study employed SLAM technology to rectify point cloud deviations from prior measurements of the Miao Chamber. By integrating real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning with the Qianxun Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) service, an absolute spatial reference framework was established for the entire cave system. This advancement not only enhances measurement accuracy but also provides reliable geo-spatial data for re-examining the developmental history and evolutionary mechanisms of the Miao Chamber. (2) Spatial Visualization and Geomorphological Analysis: Utilizing the fused and registered 3D spatial datasets, point cloud slicing analysis tools were applied to generate intuitive visualizations of the positional relationships between surface karst features and multi-level subterranean caves. These analyses reveal critical spatial correlations and composite geomorphological patterns, offering new insights into the formation processes of this world-class super cavern. The findings highlight the co-evolutionary dynamics between the Miao Chamber and the overlying karst landscape, driven by long-term hydrological and tectonic interactions. (3) Technological Advancements in Cave Surveying: The integrated "air-ground-cave" surveying approach effectively overcomes the constraints of traditional techniques in exploring giant cave systems. By combining aerial, terrestrial, and underground data acquisition methods, this system achieves highly accurate 3D reconstructions of surface topography and subterranean structures. The methodology not only enhances surveying accuarcy but also sets a benchmark for future explorations of similar large-scale karst environments. (4) Structural Controls and Hydrological Pathways: Geological investigations demonstrate that the development of the Miao Chamber is predominantly governed by four sets of hierarchically organized joints with varying orientations. Current structural assessments indicate that the cave system remains in a relatively stable state. Paleo-hydrological evidence suggests that ancient surface flows were divided into at least two distinct pathways (Zhongdong and Xiaochuandong). Modern surface runoff continues to recharge the underground system through karst conduits and fractures, sustaining the dynamic interplay between surface and subsurface processes. (5) Paradigm for Future Cave Exploration: The successful application of the integrated "air-ground-cave" surveying technology system in the Ziyun Miao Chamber establishes a pioneering framework for 3D spatial measurements of giant subterranean spaces and complex geological structures. This methodology not only enhances scientific understanding of karst systems but also provides a replicable model for global cave exploration, particularly in regions with similar geomorphological and hydrological conditions.In conclusion, this study advances the field of karst geomorphology by delivering a high-precision, multi-dimensional surveying solution for super caves. The findings contribute to a deeper comprehension of cave formation mechanisms, structural stability, and hydrological connectivity, while the developed techniques offer transformative potential for future research and exploration in subterranean environments worldwide.

     

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