An Introduction to Exploration

Wikipedia says: "Urban Exploration is the examination of the normally unseen or off-limits parts of urban areas or industrial facilities."

Throughout history, the human desire to explore the unknown has been strong. It is for this reason that we have crossed seas, ventured deep beneath the oceans and far into space.

But as time passes, it is what has been left behind that intrigues us most. The urban explorers delve into the past, step into a forgotten world, to catch a rare glimpse of things most people will never see.

Military bases, hospitals, factories, sewer systems, anywhere and everywhere has the potential to be explored and, in the process, surrender the secrets of its history.

Urban Exploration has experienced a significant increase in popularity, due in large part to media attention, but not all of this is positive.

"Take nothing but photographs; leave nothing but footprints" is a sound principle - one that has also been applied to SCUBA diving and Alpine-style climbing.

As with most outdoor sports, urban exploration holds a degree of danger. Many old abandoned structures feature hazards such as unstable structures, unsafe floors, asbestos, to name but a few. Underground tunnels and sewer systems were not designed for human access, and can prove potentially fatal in adverse weather.

Not only the physical dangers, but also legal dangers need to be considered. Careless urban exploration can be considered trespassing or breaking and entering. Wherever necessary, and if possible, attempt to gain permission from the landowner or the local authorities.

So, that's all the essential information out of the way - lets have some fun!