The ISS database is in the process of being digitized using FileMaker Pro software. Screen grabs of the database platform can be viewed below. Comments are requested and should be directed to John Lovaas.

Image 1 - Index portal
Image 2 - Index of data
Image 3 - Location information
Image 4 - Status
Image 5 - Attributes
Image 6 - Brief description
Image 7 - Related records
Image 8 - Biology

The ISS collects information on the caves and karst features within the state of Illinois . This information is available to cavers and researchers (both amateur and academic) interested in further an understanding of Illinois' karst resources. This page is intended to provide information for requesting data from the ISS.

The ISS database is also a secure repository for karst related data so that it is available to other researchers via the processes outlined here.

Information on requesting data can be found here .

The data request form is currently available in text format, and a confidentiality agreement is generally required.

Maps and other data can be submitted by mail or email to the Data Custodian.

Data submission forms are available for both a text form and web based form (web based submission not currently available).

You can submit data electronically to the ISS Data Custodian via this form. There are other options for data submission, including (but not limited to):

• Other digital formats
• regular email
• As a document (excel, word, etc.) attached to an email message
• ftp (by special arrangement)
• disk, tape, cd
• Mailing data on paper
• print and use form given here
• obtain a form from ISS and use it
• submit data in your own format, which includes mailing photos, cave maps, survey notes, copies of reports, etc.

Information on topographic and other maps is available from the USGS National Mapping Information home page. Online topographic maps, which can help you pinpoint locations and obtain coordinates, are available free at http://nationalmap.gov/viewer.html. This site is primarily for the GIS user but has maps and aerial imagery that can be converted to a .pdf from your web browser. Standard USGS 7.5 minute maps can be viewed as DRG Scanned Maps under the Orthoimagery tab.

Various web resources are available which can help you understand coordinate systems, increasing your comfort level with things like Latitude and Longitude, Universal Transverse Mercator (UTMs), Township & Range, GPS, etc. Try searching the web for these resources.

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As of October 2005, this page is maintained by Jack Wood. Please email the webmaster with web page comments and corrections. All other correspondence should be addressed to the ISS via the president.
Page last modified 27 January 2015.