Rockd is the first app of its kind that seamlessly blends the tools used by field geologists with the interactive and social experience of popular social media apps. While there are many ways to use Rockd, there are a few things in particular that make it unique.

#1 Summarize your local geology

Rockd’s Dashboard

Prior to Rockd, answering the question “What kind of rock am I standing on?” was a complicated process that might have involved searching for USGS or local survey maps, downloading PDFs, and attempting to reconcile your location on them. Using Macrostrat’s geologic map database, Rockd is able to synthesize the underlying data of over 140 (and counting!) geologic maps from all over the world to provide you with a high level summary of your location that includes the age, rock type, and stratigraphic name (if available) of your current location. Additionally, Rockd draws on data from other databases to provide you information about sedimentary basins and physiographic divisions, as well as extremely high resolution elevation data derived from SRTM, GMTED, NED, and ETOPO1 digital elevation models served up by Mapzen. This provides you with a much higher resolution vertical accuracy than that provided by the GPS in your phone alone.

#2 Discover your paleogeographic context

Paleogeographc maps from C.R. Scotese and GPlates

That rock you’re standing on probably wasn’t formed at the same latitude and longitude it current sits. That’s why Rockd allows you to view your location in the proper paleogeographic context using maps and rotation models from C.R. Scotese, and rotation software from GPlates. Simply click on the age on the dashboard or the Rotate tool to see where you were and what the Earth looked like when the rock you are currently standing on was formed.

# 3 Take a strike/dip

Taking a strike and dip

You are constantly carrying around a computer with super-accurate sensors, so why not use it to do some work for you? Simply place your phone on the surface you wish to measure the strike and dip for and Rockd takes care of the rest. Can’t set your phone down or want to get an estimated measurement? The error of your measurement is always reported so you have a clear idea of the accuracy.

#4 Find outcrops

Looking for outcrops to visit near you? Want to figure out where you can go to view the Morrison Formation? Rockd allows you to search for other user checkins using a map or by searching for tagged attributes such as lithologies, stratigraphic names, and time intervals. Never miss that short detour for a five-star outcrop ever again.

#5 Explore over 140 geologic maps

Macrostrat’s Geologic Map — https://macrostrat.org/map

Macrostrat’s geologic map database allows you to use Rockd to view over 140 geologic maps across different scales from all over the world. From small scale maps covering the world, to large scale quadrangle maps, Rockd is the best place to explore bedrock geology. In contrast to other geologic mapping applications, Rockd allows you to touch any map polygon to learn more about it, including direct links to relevant primary literature courtesy of GeoDeepDive, and temporal refinements from Macrostrat.

#6 Record your observations, intelligently

When making an observation with Rockd, your current location is used to make informed guesses about what stratigraphic units, geologic ages, lithologies, and even taxa will be present. This makes tagging attributes simple, allowing you to more easily search for these observations in the future.

#7 Connect with fellow rock lovers

The feed — like and comment on checkins

While there are many Twitter and Facebook accounts and #hashtags from dedicated geologists and amateur rock lovers, there is no way to view those photos in their geologic context or easily search for them. Rockd allows you to share your observations with everyone, “like” your favorites, and even comment on other people’s observations. Not sure what kind of rock you’re looking at? Simply post a picture and a local expert might chime in to let you know! Additionally, you can get direct links to your checkins and photos, making it easy to share your Rockd observations on other social media platforms as well.

#8 Track your progress

Track your progress

Are you a Permian-phile? Perhaps a Holocene-fanatic? Rockd allows you to see a summary of what parts of the geologic rock record you have observed. Additionally, you can level up on the Moh’s hardness scale, starting at a Talc with your first checkin.