ArcGIS provides a wide range of apps designed for data collection, reporting, and spatial analysis. Among them, the ArcGIS Instant Apps Reporter template (Reporter Instant App) and ArcGIS Survey123 are two of the apps that enable users to capture and manage information effectively. While both support data submission through a web app, they each have their own strengths and are designed for different workflows—one prioritizing interactive, map-based reporting and the other with a focus on form-driven data collection.
This blog highlights their similarities and key differences, use cases, and capabilities to help you choose the right app for your needs.
Let’s dive in!
ArcGIS Instant Apps Reporter Template
The Reporter Instant App is part of ArcGIS Instant Apps—a suite of configurable templates that allow users to transform maps into focused apps with minimal setup. Instant Apps are designed for fast configuration, easy sharing, mobile readiness, accessibility, multilingual support, and flexible branding.
The Reporter app in particular streamlines data collection, reporting, and interactive community engagement. While commonly used for public issue reporting (e.g., potholes, damaged streetlights), its capabilities extend to private data collection, organizational reporting, and spatial observations.
This app requires a web map with at least one feature layer that supports editing. Once configured, users can submit reports via an interactive map interface, and submitted reports/features are displayed on the map.
Key features include:
- Smart Form Submissions: Users can submit detailed reports using customizable feature forms, capturing essential information about incidents or observations.
- Interactive Mapping: Submitted reports are visualized on a map, providing spatial context and aiding in the identification of features and its details.
- Commenting and Voting: The app supports user interaction through comments and voting (likes/dislikes) on existing reports, fostering collaborative discussions and prioritization.
- Basic Map Exploration Tools: Users have access to tools that allow for easy navigation and exploration of the map and its features.
- Integration: It can be embedded into ArcGIS Experience Builder, ArcGIS Dashboard and other apps.
ArcGIS Survey123
ArcGIS Survey123 is a comprehensive, form-centric solution designed for creating and sharing surveys, capturing data, and analyzing results. It transforms traditional paper-based forms into smart digital forms that can include skip logic, choice lists, and defaults, while also capturing the location of the data. With Survey123, you can collect data using either a web app or a dedicated mobile app that supports offline data collection. Forms can be completed by the public or private accounts (ArcGIS named users), and the data is securely uploaded for analysis or integration with other ArcGIS apps.
Survey123 offers two tools for authoring forms: the Survey123 Connect desktop application and the Survey123 web designer.
Key features include:
- Advanced Smart Forms: Users can create smart forms that incorporate skip logic, defaults, multiple pages, signatures, and support for multiple languages.
- GNSS/GPS Support: When working in the field, Survey123 can connect to external GNSS/GPS receivers to capture highly accurate location data.
- Out-of-the-Box Reporting Service: Survey123 provides robust reporting capabilities, allowing users to generate custom report documents (.doc/.pdf) to view summaries of collected data.
- Integration with Other Systems: Survey123 can be integrated with Microsoft Power Automate and MAKE to create automated workflows, such as sending an email when a form is completed or copying the data to a spreadsheet in the cloud.
Here’s a capability matrix comparing the Reporter Instant App and Survey123 in ArcGIS Online:
| Capability | Reporter Instant App | Survey123 |
| Primary Use Case | Map-focused issue reporting, data collection, and community feedback. | Form-based data collection in a browser in or in the field using a mobile app. |
| Map Inclusion | Requires a web map with at least one editable feature layer. | Maps are optional; users can include a map in the survey form for location selection, but it is not required for data submission. |
| User Interaction | Allows users to submit reports, view others’ submissions, vote (like/dislike), and comment. | Users submit individual survey responses, no direct interaction with other users. |
| Form Complexity | Simple, pre-configured feature forms with basic fields. | Advanced forms with conditional logic, calculations, and repeatable sections. |
| Offline Support | No offline support (requires an internet connection). | The mobile app support full offline capability for data collection in remote areas. |
| Data Submission Method | Web and mobile submission through an interactive map interface. | Web and mobile app submission through a survey form. |
| Location Input | Users select a location on a map when submitting a report. | Users can select a location manually, capture GPS/GNSS coordinates, enter address (geocode) or use predefined locations. |
| Photo & Attachment Support | Users can upload images to provide visual context for reports. | Supports multiple attachments, including images, audio, and files. |
| Multi-Page Forms | Single-page, straightforward form submission. | Supports multi-page forms for detailed surveys. |
| Public Accessibility | Can be public or restricted based on user authentication. | Can be public or restricted based on user authentication. |
| Customization Options | Limited customization (pre-defined layout, themes, configurable report and comment button text). | Highly customizable forms with branding, logic, and complex question types. |
| Data Visualization | Reports appear on a map in the app, where they can be filtered and sorted. The app can also be embedded in apps like ArcGIS Dashboards for enhanced visualization. | Data can be visualized in ArcGIS Dashboards, web maps, or exported for analysis. |
| Common Use Cases | Citizen issue reporting, public feedback on projects, environmental observations. | Field data collection, structured inspections, compliance reports, customer feedback surveys. |
The Reporter Instant App and Survey123 are both excellent solutions for gathering information from either public or private sources. These tools enable the collection of text, images, and location data, which are then stored in a feature layer within ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS Enterprise. This data can subsequently be analyzed and visualized using a diverse array of tools, including ArcGIS web apps and desktop products.
To learn more about these powerful products and discover how these apps can enhance your data collection and reporting workflows we encourage you to try out the apps for yourself, visit the ArcGIS website and explore the extensive resources available.
Sample Apps for Reporter Instant App
Learn Lessons for Survey 123
https://learn.arcgis.com/en/paths/try-survey123/
https://learn.arcgis.com/en/projects/get-started-with-arcgis-survey123/
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