Scapa Map Project

About the Project

ScapaMap consisted of two projects sponsored by Historic Scotland (now Historic Environment Scotland). These projects formed the basis of the scapamap website that remained active until July 2015. The material has been incorporated into the scapaflowrecks website along with a report on the recovery and conservation of postcards from SMS Karlsruhe, in order to ensure the longevity of the project results. The reports display the early progressive investigations carried out in Scapa Flow through the culmination of the support of many individuals and organisations.

The first ScapaMAP project (2001-2002) aimed to fill gaps in knowledge relating to the submerged archaeological resource of Scapa Flow and its management, with particular attention to the remains of the German High Seas Fleet. Using techniques common to other marine sciences it was expected to significantly enhance the current knowledge of the present state of the remaining wrecks. The project was also seen to be a useful test case for historic shipwreck management in Scotland’s waters.

ScapaMAP II (2006) was funded by Historic Scotland to re-assess the condition of the battleship and light-cruiser wrecks five years on using high-resolution survey tools and to map some other key sites (e.g some of the salvage sites, and the remains of HMS Vanguard). Since the initial survey work, continued deterioration of the Scheduled wrecks had been noted by divers visiting the sites. In addition, ScapaMAP II used other high-resolution remote sensing and diver-based techniques to see if it was possible to determine both fine and gross changes in the wrecks’ structure. The surveys did identify significant changes and reinforced the value of increasing public awareness for the need to conserve underwater heritage sites through diver participation, education and outreach.