Ways to Report a Cave to the ICS
Help us document Indiana’s underground resources. Whether you are reporting from home or collecting information in the field, your observations can help the Indiana Cave Survey better understand the state’s caves.
Choose how to report
There are two ways to share cave information with the ICS. Use the online form for a convenient browser-based report, or use the mobile form to collect information on your phone or tablet while you’re out in the field.
Get started with the mobile app
To use the mobile reporting form, first install the free ArcGIS Survey123 field app on your phone or tablet.
Download for iPhone / iPad Download for Android
Install Survey123
Download ArcGIS Survey123 from your device’s app store. Be sure to install the Survey123 field app, not Survey123 Connect.
Open the ICS survey
Use the ICS mobile form link. Follow the prompts to open the survey in Survey123 and download it to your device.
Complete a cave report
Open the ICS survey, start a new report, and answer the questions. Provide as much useful information as you can, including photos or location details where requested.
Send your report
Submit your report when you have an internet connection. If you completed it offline, reconnect and send the saved report from the app’s Outbox.
A few field tips
- Charge your phone before leaving and consider bringing a power bank.
- Download the survey before entering areas with limited or no connectivity.
- Allow the app to access your location if the survey requests it.
- Add clear photographs and useful observations when appropriate.
- Before closing out, check that offline reports have been sent from the Outbox once you are back online.
Where does the information go?
Reports submitted through the mobile form are sent through ArcGIS Survey123 to the Indiana Cave Survey’s ArcGIS environment. This makes the submitted information available to the ICS for review and further processing.
Cave locations, photographs, and field observations can help the ICS document cave resources, maintain records, and better understand Indiana’s underground environment.
Important: A report submitted through Survey123 is not necessarily an immediate addition to the ICS cave inventory. Submissions may need to be reviewed and processed by ICS personnel.
Have information but aren’t sure what to report?
You don’t need to know everything about a cave to share useful information. If you’ve found a possible cave, have information about a known cave, or have questions about reporting, contact the Indiana Cave Survey for guidance.
For sensitive cave locations, avoid sharing details publicly. Submit information directly to the ICS instead.