In many circles, urban exploration goes by many names. It can referred to simply as “UE,” “infiltration,” or even “urbex,” which is short for “urban exploration.” There are two main types of urban exploration: sites that are abandoned and sites that are still “active,” or in use by people today.
What is Urban Exploration?
Urban exploring is when a person “explores” an area or site that is off-limits to the public.
There are a variety of reasons for urban exploration including unique photography for engagement sessions, or simply learning about the past of the area.
What is an Urban Explorer?
Urban explorers go by many names, depending on their region or by the type of exploring the person or group participates in:
- Cave clans are explorers who seek out caves, whether they are man-made or natural.
- Cataphiles are explorers who specifically seek out catacombs or other underground tunnels.
- Creepers, hackers or infiltrators are explorers who “infiltrate” sites that are still in operation.
- Diggers are explorers in Russia and parts of Asia.
Popular Urban Exploration Sites
Most often, urban exploration takes place in abandoned buildings such as:
- Factories
- Power plants
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Asylums
- Fallout shelters
Urban exploring can also occur in sites that are still in use, such as:
- Utility tunnels
- Transit tunnels
- Sewers
- Storm drains
This type of urban exploring is usually referred to as “infiltration.” This is because the building or site is still in use, and therefore the urban explorer is infiltrating the site, without the knowledge of others.
Lastly, urban exploration can also take place in places such as:
- Catacombs (like those found in Paris, France.)
- Mine shafts, both abandoned and those still in use.
- Cemeteries, usually abandoned but occasionally still in use.
Is Urban Exploration Safe?
Safety is determined by the explorer. Usually, urban explorers seek out areas that they are not legally permitted to enter, which often raises safety issues.
Older sites that are abandoned can be dangerous for a variety of reasons. Some may contain asbestos or lead-based paints, in addition to other harmful substances. In addition to this, sites may have been abandoned due to carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide, or other unsafe gases that an urban explorer may be unaware of.
Unfortunately, just because the explorer determines the situation as safe, does not mean they are not considered to be trespassing. Urban explorers can be, and have been, arrested for trespassing. Trespassing can violate several local and state laws, as well as national laws in certain sites. In addition to this, the urban explorer runs the risk of being sued or further punished by not only the local legal system, but also the owner of the property.
Overall, safety is determined by the explorer. While others may deem something as unsafe, there will always be those who feel otherwise.
Urban exploration is growing in popularity. For some, urban exploration represents a thrill of not getting caught. For others, it is an exploration of decaying urban beauty. For the rest, it is simply considered trespassing.
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