Software, Tools, Utilities

ArcExplorer
A lightweight GIS data explorer developed by ESRI. ArcExplorer allows users to display and query a wide variety of GIS data sources. ArcExplorer is free, and freely distributable.

COMPASS
COMPASS is a cave survey software package designed to edit, process, analyze and view cave survey data. COMPASS allows you to enter and revise survey data, generate statistics on the cave, close loops, view plots from various angles on the screen and create maps, including 3D and passage wall modeling. ArcView users can convert COMPASS Plot Files to ESRI Shapefiles using the CaveTools for ArcView GIS extension, and can directly output 2D and 3D AutoCAD DXF files that can be directly read by ArcView using the CAD Reader extension.

WALLS
Walls is an integrated set of tools designed to help cave surveyors organize their data and prepare maps for publication. Walls is suited for complex projects that require management of many files. Features include a geographical calculator (coordinate conversions and declination calculation) and interactive tools for blunder detection. There are facilities for importing SMAPS (SEF), COMPASS, and CML data files. Export options include SEF, annotated maps as metafiles, and 3D VRML models. Also, several types of shapefiles can be generated directly for use with ArcView GIS and other ESRI software.

WinKarst
WinKarst is software for cave surveying, processing and visualization. Using WinKarst a user can maintain survey data, generate statistics, close loops and import and export data in several formats. WinKarst handles geographic coordinates, projections, and automatically calculates magnetic declination. Users can export 2D and 3D DXF files that can be directly read by ArcView, or comma delimited text for import into Access.