The app

Ology field mapping features.

Ology is an iPhone and iPad field mapping app in active development. It combines field data collection, offline map preparation, lidar and terrain visualization, archaeology forms, geology layers, GNSS support, project packaging, and GIS exports.

Ology map screen with lidar terrain, compass bearing, and the Field Tools panel open
Field Tools on the mapCompass, layers, and recording in one view
Ology home screen with cards for offline maps, downloads, and recording
Home dashboardOffline maps, downloads, record + export
Ology transect mode showing on-line status, distance along, and turn guidance
Transect guidanceLive on-line/off-line walking alerts

Field collection

Record the actual survey, not just a dot.

GPS

Points, lines, polygons, and tracks

Collect features from live GPS or the map crosshair, measure distance and area, save GPS tracks, edit geometry, move vertices, and attach notes and attributes.

IMG

Photos and 3D documentation

Attach field photos to features and capture iPhone LiDAR scans with PLY, LAS, and high-quality photo export options.

CHK

Field dashboard and data checks

Review survey status, map readiness, GPS status, new features, missing notes, missing photos, GPS accuracy, and features needing review.

  • Feature templates
  • Attribute editor
  • Photo points
  • GPS averaging
  • Track filtering
  • Coordinate copy/go-to
  • Metric/imperial units
Ology Add menu with GPS track, drop point, measure, and line tools
Record anythingPoints, tracks, measure, lines, bearing
Ology Field menu with LiDAR scan at GPS and crosshair options
3D LiDAR scansPoint clouds at GPS or crosshair
Ology feature info screen with a data check flagging empty notes
Built-in data checksCatch missing notes and photos in the field

Archaeology

Archaeological recording and lidar-aware survey.

Ology includes quick templates for Maya mounds, lithic scatters, ceramic scatters, walls and alignments, trails and roads, looting pits, disturbances, and photo points. Features can include condition, confidence, visibility, notes, photos, and review status.

Archaeology tools already in the app

  • DPR 523A, B, C, D, E, I, J, K, and L form workflows
  • DPR autofill support for county, quad, PLSS, UTM, elevation, geometry, and location context
  • Transect missions with off-line vibration and sound alerts
  • Transect array generation from lines, tracks, bearings, and project areas
  • Buffers around lines and tracks for coverage or survey corridor documentation
  • Archaeological site sensitivity modeling using terrain, distance to water, vegetation, training sites, and weighted factors
New: train models on desktop with the Ology Model Trainer
Ology DPR forms screen listing DPR 523A and 523B with recommendations
DPR 523 formsAttach A–L forms to any feature
Ology DPR 523A form with auto-fill for UTM, geometry, and location fields
Offline autofillUTM, elevation, quad, county, PLSS
Ology bearing tools with transect line, transect array, and coverage buffers
Transect planningArrays, spacing, and coverage buffers
Ology map showing a site sensitivity heatmap with a lower-to-higher legend
Sensitivity heatmapModel output as a field-check layer

Offline maps and imports

Prepare the project before you lose service.

The app is built around field packages and local files, so a crew can work with useful maps and reference data away from cell service.

PDF

GeoPDF and calibration

Import georeferenced PDFs, view map frames, and manually calibrate maps when needed.

KML

KML, KMZ, and GeoJSON

Import and export field layers, tracks, measurements, polygons, and points for use in GIS and other mapping tools.

PKG

Offline field packages

Build project packages with basemaps, elevation, reference layers, terrain visualization, forms, and field layers.

  • USGS topo
  • USGS imagery
  • Historical topo
  • Apple satellite preview
  • Custom ArcGIS raster service
  • GeoTIFF
  • Project DEMs
Ology maps menu with GeoPDF import, KML and GeoJSON layers, and offline map creation
Maps and basemapsGeoPDF, KML/GeoJSON, offline maps
Ology offline field package builder with high-resolution survey area option
Offline field packagesOne project package before you leave service
Ology online downloads menu with USGS geology, NGMDB maps, CDFW sign-in, and elevation
Online downloadsGeology, agency layers, elevation, DEMs

LiDAR and terrain

Terrain visualization in your pocket.

Ology can import local LiDAR-derived DEMs, download elevation for the map area, clip external DEMs to the project, and create field-ready terrain overlays or basemaps.

Terrain outputs

  • VAT Hillshade / RVT blend
  • Multidirectional hillshade
  • Custom hillshade
  • Sky-view factor and SVF × hillshade blend
  • Positive openness
  • Local Relief Model
  • Multi-scale Topographic Position
  • Slope, slope over 30 degrees, and slope over 30 percent
  • Terrain profiles along selected lines
Ology terrain menu with LiDAR terrain visualization and DEM import options
Terrain toolboxDEM import, clipping, stored project DEMs
Ology map layer stack showing a VAT hillshade RVT blend and multi-scale topographic position layers
Layer stack in the fieldVAT hillshade blend + MSTP over imagery
Ology terrain profile with elevation chart, ascent, descent, and distance statistics
Terrain profilesElevation along any line, from the offline DEM

Geology, biology, and public reference data

Bring in the layers field specialists keep needing.

GEO

USGS geology

Download rock units, faults and contacts, and geologic point features for the current map extent. Useful for formation context and toolstone mapping.

MAP

Geologic map catalog

Search the NGMDB catalog for geologic maps covering the project area, then open or import map resources when available.

BIO

Biology and agency layers

Use online layer tools for public ArcGIS services, CDFW BIOS-style secured layers, OpenStreetMap, Forest Service, parcel, PLSS, county, and quad reference data.

  • OpenStreetMap roads/trails
  • Waterways
  • Buildings
  • Public land
  • Historic/public landmarks
  • USFS roads
  • USFS trails
  • Wilderness
  • Fire perimeters
  • APN parcels

GNSS and measurement

Better field positions and better notes.

Ology supports internal device GPS, external GNSS receiver workflows, NMEA-style receiver status, GPS averaging, coordinate display settings, UTM, decimal degrees, degrees/minutes/seconds, and measurement units.

Settings and field controls

  • Recorder name automatically added to saved features
  • Coordinate display: decimal degrees, DMS, or UTM WGS84
  • Metric or imperial distance units
  • Track recording by distance or time interval
  • GPS averaging with target fix count
  • Magnetic or true bearing display with declination setting
  • Layer sorting, transparency, blend modes, comparison, and quick presets
  • App lock and option to exclude sensitive data from backups
Ology GNSS screen showing external receiver preference and a UTM position with accuracy
External GNSSSub-meter receivers with live accuracy
Ology settings for coordinate display, distance units, and track recording
Your coordinates, your unitsDD, DMS, UTM · meters or feet
Ology map measuring a line with segment distance and bearing shown
Measure by bearingDistance, area, and legs by numbers
Ology security settings with Face ID lock and keep-data-on-device options
Sensitive data protectionFace ID lock, on-device-only mode

Status

Ology is in active development.

The app is currently being shaped around real field needs and private/beta testing workflows. The long-term goal is a polished field mapping tool for archaeology, biology, geology, environmental survey, lidar, and remote sensing work.

See future upgrades Privacy approach