Back in July, I asked if the new-generation iPhone 3G could make a decent field tool for geologists. A working researcher now tells me that the iPhone compass is as accurate as the Brunton compass (just don't set them too close to each other; one makes the other wobble). The iHandy Carpenter app in the premium version serves well as a level and plumb line, making it work for measuring dip angles. Brunton, refusing to be superseded, carries a USB battery charger that can recharge the iPhone approximately four times. And for evenings in the field, Starmap Pro (among others) points out and names the stars for you.
Of course, I have an iPod Touch. Anything good for that device?
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I like the CA geology app and Terraphone, which is a dictionary/stratigraphic/fossil/mineral location guide. It works better on an iPhone, but you can use it on a touch; I use it on mine!
There are several free or cheap level and inclinometer apps that you could use for measuring dip angles. Also, for earthquakes I use the “epicentral” app, it’s free.
Hi Andrew,
we are releasing a whole suite of iPhone applications covering geology and physical geography. So far we’ve got California (as mentioned by Matt A. — always nice to hear from a user), Texas, New York/New Jersey/Connecticut, and Florida. Washington/Oregon and Arizona will be coming out in the next couple of weeks.
More details at http://www.integrity-logic.com
– Max
There is a free Geologic Time Scale app which provides a detailed reference for students and professionals. Search the app store for ‘geotimescale’ or ‘Tasa Graphic Arts’.
Despite the serviceability of the built-in compass and 3rd-party level app, the time is ripe for an all-in-one pocket transit app. Just imagine how you can make all your geo-friends green with envy.
Search the app store for the Strike and Dip app. It is a pocket transit app. However, I haven’t used it yet. I am curious how it stacks up against a Brunton
Hi Andrew,
Just wanted to let you all know about Arches National Park Geology Tour iPhone app. This app provides an extensive, visually rich description of the geology of Arches National Park using high quality photos, illustrations, and narration.
ok…so i have a blackberry and cannot find any apps for anything geology related. should i break down and buy an iPhone or does anyone know somewhere i could go for info on blackberry apps?
I’m sorry I cannot provide you a digital geological compass for the iPhone…
…but I am proud to tell you that I created eGeoCompass for the Android based phones.
eGeoCompass is a FREE digital geological compass with some functions that superseed the iPhone “Strike and Dip” application.
You can find some screenshots and download the 1.0.2 version from this link:
http://www.mcfoi.it/egeo_compass/
Bye!
Marco Foi
Will there be any geological maps of Canada (British Columbia) in the future?
That would be nice, but I don’t know. I do know that Canada claims that government publications and data are the property of the Crown, not the public. Only this year did the Geological Survey in Great Britain open up their map data. So there are probably obstacles to using Canadian data.
Come on Andrew—would you REALLY trust an iPhone out in the field—for 2 months?? Or even 1 week?? I own a Brunton and I would NEVER put any electronics over it. I’m hard pressed believing iPhone is accurate to 0.5 degree—-
The British Geological Survey have an app called iGeology that allows anyone to explore their local geology, at street-level scale, virtually anywhere in the UK.
What are the free mobile application for android phones, related to geology, for the students.
There are so many geological applications, but only a few for android, can u provide me a link for android phones.
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