# GeoXplorer — Visualizes 3D terrain with AR > Augmented reality app for exploring and learning about 3D terrain models. (iPhone/iPad app by Martin Pratt.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/geoxplorer/id1480872892 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Martin Pratt](https://appshunter.io/developer/1479223617) - Category: Education, Productivity - Price: Free - Rating: 5.00/5 from 6 App Store ratings · 3 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 11.0 · 103 MB - Languages: English - Released: 2019-09-25 - Data updated: 2026-06-10 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/geoxplorer/id1480872892/reviews.md ## What is GeoXplorer? GeoXplorer allows you to instantly explore far distant lands from Earth and Mars using the power of augmented reality! This app was created by the Fossett Laboratory for Virtual Planetary Exploration to help students understand the complex, three-dimensional nature of geologic structures. Rather than having to physically travel around the world (or across the solar system!) to study specific geologic specimens, students and researchers can easily use GeoXplorer to browse thousands of 3D terrain models, learn about them, and view them in augmented reality just as they would in the real world! Additionally, we've developed natural gesture controls that allow users to rotate, resize, and manipulate 3D models so you can easily "Xplore" every small detail. From Martian terrain samples collected by NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter to Devil's Tower in Wyoming to rare hand samples too delicate to handle, we are constantly expanding the catalog of 3D models available through GeoXplorer. If you have a model you'd like to see added to the app please get in contact with the Fossett Lab at fossett.lab@wustl.edu. ## Key features - Augmented reality terrain visualization - Explore Earth and Mars models - Natural gesture controls for manipulation - Learn about geologic structures - Expanding catalog of 3D models - Suitable for students and researchers ## Recent user reviews (3 of 3) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/geoxplorer/id1480872892/reviews.md ### 5/5 — What a fantastic way to get excited about science! *2020-09-07* I read about this app in an article on ars technica and downloaded it immediately, then started exploring models. The details are stunning, and I had a great fun exploring different geological sites, rocks, quartz and even surfaces on the moon- right from where I was sitting. AR is super exciting! Can’t wait to see where else it leads. ### 5/5 — Very useful and wonderfully done *2020-09-06* Thank you for the incredibly hard work! This is an amazing application to help people who may not otherwise be capable of visiting sites to be “there”. Well done!! Hopefully the modeling is published so others can contribute geologically interesting areas they study. I can not wait to see where this technology takes Geology in the future. ### 5/5 — Loved it *2020-01-13* Made me feel like a real xplorer ## Frequently asked questions about GeoXplorer ### What is GeoXplorer? GeoXplorer is an augmented reality application that allows users to explore and learn about 3D terrain models from Earth and Mars. It was developed to help students understand complex geologic structures. ### What kind of terrain models can I explore with GeoXplorer? You can explore a variety of 3D terrain models, including Martian samples collected by NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, geological formations like Devil's Tower, and delicate hand samples. The catalog is constantly expanding. ### How do I interact with the 3D models in GeoXplorer? GeoXplorer features natural gesture controls that allow you to easily rotate, resize, and manipulate the 3D models. This enables you to examine every detail of the geological structures. ### Is GeoXplorer suitable for educational purposes? Yes, GeoXplorer was specifically created by the Fossett Laboratory for Virtual Planetary Exploration to aid students and researchers in understanding the three-dimensional nature of geologic structures without the need for physical travel. ### What devices does GeoXplorer support? GeoXplorer is supported on iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices. It is designed to leverage augmented reality capabilities on these platforms. ### How often is GeoXplorer updated? The latest version of GeoXplorer is 5.1, and it was last updated on August 26, 2020. Updates typically include new 3D models and feature enhancements. ### Can I request a specific terrain model to be added to GeoXplorer? Yes, you can get in contact with the Fossett Lab at fossett.lab@wustl.edu if you have a specific 3D model you would like to see added to the app's catalog. ### Does GeoXplorer have ads? No, GeoXplorer does not contain advertisements. It is a free application designed for educational exploration without interruptions. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 5.1 — 2020-08-26 New category, Drama, added to show off the broad educational possibilities for the AR format. Bug fixes and code refinement. ### 5 — 2020-07-21 Updates and bug fixes. Support for non-AR devices with intuitive UI gestures. New: Preview categories for a number of different test subjects including Biology, Architecture, Archeology New: WUSTL Collections. This is currently on a case by case basis, but will allow for custom groups of models across different categories. It is designed for the potential use in hybrid teaching. ### 4 — 2020-05-20 We've completely redesigned the user experience for GeoXplorer. In this version, you can: - easily browse and search hundreds of high-quality 3D terrain models - read detailed information about individual models - use gesture controls to move, resize, and rotate your model in augmented reality - submit feedback - and much more~ Our team has worked diligently to bring you a top-notch app experience that we hope will allow you to focus squarely on enjoying an amazing "out of this world" experience. Thank You! The Fossett Lab for Virtual Planetary Exploration @ Washington University in Saint Louis ### 3 — 2020-05-19 We added more design updates to the user interface to make GeoXplorer even easier to use! - Auto-Rotate when using your camera for augmented reality - Added haptic sound feedback when tapping your screen - "Your Model is Ready" banner shows when your 3D model is finished downloading and ready for viewing~ - Fixed minor design and technical bugs ### 2 — 2020-04-25 We've completely redesigned the user experience for GeoXplorer. In this version, you can: - easily browse and search hundreds of high-quality 3D terrain models - read detailed information about individual models - use gesture controls to move, resize, and rotate your model in augmented reality - submit feedback - and much more~ Our team has worked diligently to bring you a top-notch app experience that we hope will allow you to focus squarely on enjoying an amazing "out of this world" experience. Thank You! The Fossett Lab for Virtual Planetary Exploration @ Washington University in Saint Louis ## More apps by Martin Pratt - [SeismicityAR](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/seismicityar/id1479223618) All apps by Martin Pratt: https://appshunter.io/developer/1479223617 --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*