They have been flavored by the collective salon experience of the 2000 TSA salon judges, and represent a fair measure of today's high map standards. Early submissions are encouraged, and should be arranged directly with the Salon Chair. All maps submitted must be of Texas caves, or drafted by Texas cavers. Texas cavers are those whose primary residence has been Texas at some time during the previous year.
Cartographers can enter as many maps as they want.
Caves need not be completely surveyed for a map of the cave to be eligible. Significant modifications or additions made to older maps in that time may also be submitted. Maps that have won past awards at either the TSA or NSS Conventions are not eligible for entry. The first-time cartographer category is to encourage beginning cartographers, and is aimed at those whom have never entered a map salon before. It is not for skilled cartographers who just never took the time to enter before this.