LithoLog FAQs

Question 1

What platforms does LithoLog support?

Accepted Answer

LithoLog runs on iOS, Android, and web browsers. The mobile apps use Capacitor for native device access (camera, GPS, filesystem), while the web dashboard provides project management and data review.

Question 2

How accurate is the GPS positioning?

Accepted Answer

LithoLog uses your device's high-accuracy GPS mode, typically achieving 3–10m accuracy on modern smartphones. Real-time accuracy monitoring displays the current precision so you can assess data quality in the field. External Bluetooth GPS receivers can be used for higher accuracy where needed.

Question 3

Can I connect external GPS/GNSS receivers to LithoLog for sub-meter precision?

Accepted Answer

Yes. While LithoLog utilizes the device's internal high-accuracy GPS (typically 3–10m accuracy), you can connect external high-precision Bluetooth GPS/GNSS receivers (such as Trimble, Bad Elf, or EOS Arrow). By configuring the receiver's companion app or enabling mock location providers in your device settings, LithoLog will seamlessly consume the high-precision spatial coordinates for sub-meter or centimeter-level field logging.

Question 4

How accurate are smartphone compass and clinometer sensors for geological measurements?

Accepted Answer

Modern smartphones are equipped with high-precision sensors (magnetometers, accelerometers, and gyroscopes) that measure orientation features accurately. When calibrated correctly and kept away from electromagnetic field sources (like vehicles, magnet-closure field vests, or heavy tool belts), LithoLog's digital compass-clinometer can achieve strike, dip, trend, and plunge accuracy comparable to standard analog geological transits (e.g., Brunton pocket transits). We recommend calibrating the sensor at the start of each mapping session.

Question 5

What coordinate systems are supported?

Accepted Answer

All data is captured and stored in WGS84 (EPSG:4326). Exports use WGS84 coordinates, which can be reprojected to UTM, State Plane, or local datums in your GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS).

Question 6

Does LithoLog work without internet?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Core data collection — stations, measurements, photos, samples — works fully offline using local device storage (IndexedDB). Data syncs to the cloud when you're back online. We're continuously improving the offline sync reliability.

Question 7

What geological data can LithoLog capture?

Accepted Answer

Comprehensive field data including rock type classification (igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic subtypes), structural measurements (strike/dip), grain size, weathering grade, mineralization, color (including Munsell), photos with GPS metadata, voice notes with transcription, and rock samples with full chain-of-custody tracking.

Question 8

How is data quality ensured?

Accepted Answer

Built-in validation checks strike/dip ranges, GPS accuracy thresholds, and measurement confidence scoring. Completeness indicators show how thorough each station record is. Standardized taxonomies prevent inconsistent field descriptions.

Question 9

Can I import custom georeferenced maps or shapefiles for offline use?

Accepted Answer

Yes. LithoLog supports importing custom base map tiles in standard MBTiles formats, allowing you to load satellite imagery, topographic maps, or custom geological layers for offline work. We are also building direct support for shapefiles (.shp) and GeoJSON imports to visualize tenancy boundaries and past mapping campaigns in the field.

Question 10

What export formats are available?

Accepted Answer

Currently supported: CSV, GeoJSON, KML, and KMZ — all ready for import into ArcGIS, QGIS, and Google Earth. GPX, PDF report generation, and Shapefile export are planned for upcoming releases.

Question 11

Can I export structural measurements directly to stereonet analysis software?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. LithoLog's CSV export options are pre-formatted for direct import into popular stereonet applications like Rick Allmendinger's Stereonet and OpenStereo. The structured output groups strike/dip or trend/plunge measurements alongside confidence indices and lithology markers, so you can construct structural stereonet projections and analyze tectonic fabrics immediately after returning from the field.

Question 12

Is my geological data secure?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Data is stored in Supabase with encryption at rest, HTTPS in transit, row-level security (RLS) policies on all tables, role-based access control (admin, project manager, field geologist, viewer), and a full audit trail logging every data change with timestamps and user attribution.

Question 13

What does the beta program include?

Accepted Answer

The Beta Program Special is $19/month and includes full access to all current features: offline data collection, GPS mapping, photo/voice capture, exports (CSV, GeoJSON, KML/KMZ), and direct access to the founding team. Beta members also get priority feature requests and input on the roadmap.

Question 14

Will there be different pricing tiers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Professional and Enterprise tiers are planned for the official commercial launch later in 2026, with features like advanced analytics, expanded team management, API access, and custom integrations. Pricing details for those tiers will be announced closer to launch.

Question 15

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

Apply through our closed beta program — no credit card required. The closed beta is open now, and the official commercial launch is planned for later in 2026.

Question 16

Who built LithoLog?

Accepted Answer

LithoLog is built by a team with experience across mining and exploration companies. We created LithoLog to solve real field mapping challenges we encountered ourselves — paper notebooks, inconsistent data, and clunky legacy software.

Question 17

How many geologists have signed up?

Accepted Answer

Over 80 geologists have signed up for the beta program. We're actively growing our first cohort and value feedback from every user to shape the product before the commercial launch.

Question 18

How long does it take to get started?

Accepted Answer

Individual users can start collecting data immediately after signup. For teams, we offer onboarding support to set up projects, configure roles, and migrate any existing field data.

Question 19

What support is provided?

Accepted Answer

Early access users get direct access to the founders via email for personalized guidance. We also provide in-app documentation, a field guide, and step-by-step export instructions for ArcGIS and QGIS.

Question 20

Can I customize the lithology picklists or data templates to match my project's specific geology?

Accepted Answer

Yes. While LithoLog includes a standard database of over 1,300 rock types and minerals, project administrators can configure custom lithology picklists, stratigraphic columns, and observation forms on the Dashboard. These configurations are pushed to all geologists' devices during the next synchronization, ensuring standardized and clean field data entry across the entire team.

Question 21

How does offline synchronization resolve conflicts when multiple geologists edit the same project?

Accepted Answer

LithoLog uses a local queue where data is saved with a unique identifier and timestamp. When a device reconnects to the network, changes are pushed sequentially. In case of conflicting edits on the same station or traverse, LithoLog defaults to a system that tracks version history, allowing project administrators to review and resolve data conflicts from the Dashboard's project management interface without losing any field observations.

Question 22

Can I use LithoLog data in ArcGIS or QGIS?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Export your data as GeoJSON, KML, or CSV and import directly into ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, or QGIS. Our exports include styling hints for GIS symbology. Direct API integration with GIS platforms is planned for a future release.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Technical Specifications

Data Management

Pricing & Plans

About LithoLog

Implementation & Support