CAVEFINDER

Our Conservation Commitment

CaveFinder is built by cavers, for cavers. We take cave conservation seriously.

Your data is private

CaveFinder does not store, distribute, or provide private cave data. Our algorithm analyzes publicly available terrain elevation data — no private cave databases are stored on or accessible through the app.

When you upload your own files, they are processed for your analysis only and are not retained afterward, shared with other users, or used to improve the service. Your search results, saved areas, and exported coordinates are private to your account. We do not share, sell, or expose your findings to anyone.

Questions or concerns? Contact us at [email protected]

What we show on the map

The "Known Caves" layer displays only caves that are already publicly documented in OpenStreetMap and Wikidata. These are community-contributed public records, not private survey data. CaveFinder's detection results are generated from terrain analysis alone.

Responsible discovery

Report finds to your grotto. If you discover something significant, share it with your local NSS grotto or survey group rather than posting coordinates publicly. They can assess the find, contact the landowner, and document it properly.
Get permission first. Always obtain landowner permission before visiting private land. For public land, check whether caves require permits or are closed for resource protection.
Don't post coordinates publicly. Social media exposure leads to unprepared visitors, vandalism, and landowner closures. A cave shared carelessly can be lost to the community permanently.
Protect wildlife. Many caves are critical habitat for bats and other species. White-nose syndrome has devastated bat populations. Follow seasonal closures and decontamination protocols.
Take nothing, leave nothing. Cave formations take thousands of years to grow. Broken stalactites don't grow back. Pack out all trash including spent carbide.

The NSS Conservation Policy

CaveFinder supports the National Speleological Society's conservation policy. The NSS believes that caves have unique scientific, recreational, and scenic values, and that the responsibility for their protection lies with those who study and enjoy them.

We encourage all CaveFinder users to familiarize themselves with the NSS conservation guidelines and to practice responsible caving.

Built for the community

CaveFinder exists to help cavers find new leads efficiently and safely. We believe that putting better tools in the hands of responsible cavers leads to better documentation, better science, and better conservation outcomes. If you have questions or concerns, reach out at [email protected].

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