# Rockd

> Geology exploration and documentation app with global maps and user observations. (iPhone/iPad app by University of Wisconsin-Madison Shared Apps.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rockd/id1153056624 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [University of Wisconsin-Madison Shared Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/908478605)
- Category: Education, Travel
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.37/5 from 183 App Store ratings · 90 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 16.6 · 259 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2016-09-17
- Data updated: 2026-08-12
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rockd/id1153056624/reviews.md

## What is Rockd?

Explore, learn about, and document your geologic surroundings! Whether you are a professional geoscientist or curious about the rocks around you and the stories they tell, Rockd allows you to explore and learn about the geologic record, contribute your own observations, and log your journey through the geologic record. 

Features:
  - Instant access to geologic and geographic summaries of your current location via a Dashboard
  - Interactive global access to more than 290 geologic maps, with more being added weekly
  - Explore the landscape with a dynamic, 3D virtual globe
  - Save maps for use in the field with a built-in map caching system
  - See your past location and explore paleogeographic maps from C.R. Scotese and GPlates
  - View Macrostrat stratigraphic columns where available (beta)
  - Explore published literature containing mentions of mapped geologic units (when available) via xDD (formerly, GeoDeepDive)
  - Elevation data for most points on Earth from digital elevation models (DEMs)
  - Add your own field observations even offline; tag features from Macrostrat and the Paleobiology Database 
  - Record strike/dip or trend/plunge for geologic features, using your phone's compass
  - Track your progress through the geologic record privately, or share it with others 
  - See the public activity of other users and share your own and other public checkins using unique URLs

Rockd is produced by the Macrostrat lab in the Department of Geoscience at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Support provided by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Dept. of Geoscience. 

Experiencing issues? Send an email to contact@rockd.org and we will do our best to help you resolve it.

## Key features

- Interactive global geologic maps
- 3D virtual globe exploration
- Field observation logging
- Offline map caching
- Paleogeographic map access
- Stratigraphic column viewing
- Geologic literature integration

## What do users think of Rockd?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 🗺️ Comprehensive geological maps with detailed information
- 💡 Innovative integration of peer-reviewed references and literature
- 🧭 Built-in Brunton compass and clinometer tools
- 📱 User-friendly interface and intuitive navigation
- 🌍 Global coverage with paleomaps and stratigraphic data
- 👥 Social features for sharing outcrops and check-ins
- 💰 Free app with optional donation support
- 📚 Rich educational resource for students and professionals
- 🎯 Accurate geological unit identification by location
- ⛰️ Terrain-based DEM overlay for better context

**Cons**

- 🐛 Black map display issues in offline and online modes
- 📍 GPS tracking and real-time position updates failing
- 🔌 Offline functionality severely limited or broken
- 🔐 Persistent login requirement without password saving
- ⚠️ Error dialogs that won't dismiss
- 📄 Literature articles and references not loading
- 🔄 App refreshes and resets location when switching apps
- 🎨 Similar color coding for adjacent formations
- 📱 UI elements obscured on newer iPhone models
- 🌐 International maps lack detail and accuracy
- ⏱️ Taxa tab slow to load
- 🔍 Fossils button non-functional

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Black map display in airplane mode and online
- Persistent error dialogs that cannot be dismissed
- GPS not tracking in real-time
- Offline check-ins not syncing properly
- Sign-up page jumps between fields and login page
- Fossils button not working
- Map returns to user location after viewing check-ins
- App crashes and becomes unresponsive
- Data loss after app reinstall or logout
- Maps fail to load after recent updates
- Location search functionality broken
- Android version windows not visible
- Straight lines appear when zooming
- Formations stop at state lines
- Check-in screen stuck with no exit option
- App won't load after initial use
- Geological overlay won't upload to base map

**Most requested features**

- Follow/friend mechanic to track other users' check-ins
- Rock identification tool from photo uploads
- Offline map download with customizable zoom levels
- Stereonet tool for structural geology
- Groundwater/aquifer information section
- Map legend/key for geological features
- Spanish language support
- Ability to move dashboard to different locations
- Latitude/longitude search functionality
- Multiple photo attachments per location
- Strike and dip data visualization
- Fault line labeling on maps
- Better Android version compatibility
- Tutorial or short course for advanced features
- Black contact lines between formations toggle
- Personal photo upload focus with mineral variations

## Recent user reviews (10 of 90)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rockd/id1153056624/reviews.md

### 5/5 — COOLEST APP EVER

*2026-07-30, version 4.2.0*

you will love if you are a fellow rock nerd

### 5/5 — Beyond amazing!

*2026-06-28, version 4.2.0*

OK, this app is so underrated because this has to be one of the best apps I’ve ever seen for topography fossils and minerals on top of history and a live recording of elevation and what kind of rocks are around you at all times it’s extremely helpful and fascinating

### 3/5 — Offline check-ins don’t work

*2026-04-13, version 4.1.3*

Overall the app is good. However some recent update has broken check-ins when in airplane mode. The map shows up as black. Also an error dialog pops up and refuses try go away no matter how many times you dismiss it.

When online also, the map is showing up as black, and I cannot fix the location of my offline checkin

### 1/5 — GPS not tracking !

*2026-03-31, version 4.1.3*

GPS not tracking!

### 5/5 — Incredible app!

*2026-03-08, version 4.1.3*

Shows you everything from the types of rock around you, the taxa near you, your stratigraphic unit and everything. Absolutely recommend to everyone even if you aren’t a rock hound.

### 5/5 — Essential

*2026-01-10, version 4.1.2*

An excellent implementation of geological maps on the go and a great first pass tool for any field work

### 5/5 — Dan Williams

*2025-12-11, version 4.0.7*

Love Rockd, please put rock colors on Georgia. Its just dreary old gray and cant see geo patterns

### 5/5 — Please add a follow mechanic

*2025-11-25, version 4.0.7*

My friends are all geologists. It would be nice to be able to view their outcrops and get notifications when they have check ins

### 5/5 — Links to reference

*2025-11-18, version 4.0.7*

Hello, some of the links to the references are not working property.

### 4/5 — Rockd Rocks

*2025-11-06, version 4.0.7*

I really like your app. My question is, how do I get more out of it. I want to map, use it as a database and correlate mapped areas. Have you ever considered offering a short course for the finer points of Rockd? Thank you.

## Frequently asked questions about Rockd

### What does the Rockd app do?

Rockd allows users to explore and learn about the geologic record of their surroundings. It provides access to global geologic maps, 3D virtual globes, and summaries of local geology. Users can also contribute their own field observations and track their exploration.

### What are the key features of Rockd?

Key features include instant access to geologic summaries, interactive global geologic maps with offline caching, a 3D virtual globe, paleogeographic map exploration, stratigraphic column viewing, and the ability to log field observations with strike/dip and trend/plunge data.

### Is Rockd free to use?

Yes, Rockd is a free application. It does not have in-app purchases or advertisements, making it accessible for all users interested in geology.

### What kind of geologic information can I find on Rockd?

You can find summaries of your current location's geology, access over 290 interactive global geologic maps, explore paleogeographic maps, and view stratigraphic columns where available. The app also integrates with published literature mentioning mapped geologic units.

### Can I use Rockd offline?

Yes, you can save maps for use in the field with the app's built-in map caching system. You can also add your own field observations offline, which will be saved and can be tagged with relevant databases.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 4.2.0 — 2026-06-12

- Update login workflows
- Emphasized map style at high zoom levels
- Swipe-to-dismiss for map and column detail panels
- Improvements to map caching system

### 4.1.3 — 2026-02-21

- Fix a bug with syncing photos on checkin updates
- Internal bug fixes and improvements

### 4.1.2 — 2026-01-01

- Improvements for Macrostrat stratigraphic columns
- Checkin feed page now uses infinite scroll
- Fixes to checkin upload workflow
- Internal upgrades, stability improvements, and bug fixes

### 4.0.7 — 2025-08-25

- Removed automatic "go to location"
- Improved map interactions for performance and usability
- New "What's New" modal on app launch after update
- Various bug fixes and performance improvements

### 3.4.0 — 2024-08-19

Improvements:
- Add paper "snippets" via xDD
- Improve display of long outcrop descriptions
- Synchronize privacy policy with website

Bug fixes:
- Fix map caching system
- Fix photo and camera roll access
- Improve login experience
- Fix private checkin toggling
- Fix checkin updates from EXIF data
- Allow more trips to be loaded

## Apps similar to Rockd

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Rock Identifier: Stone ID](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rock-identifier-stone-id/id1546796934) | 4.7 (76,513) | Free | Education |
| [ATPL POF Flashcards](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/atpl-pof-flashcards/id1560490420) | 5.0 (1) | $1.99 | Education |
| [MMDH App](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mmdh-app/id1599154040) | — | Free | Education |
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| [Ulvhälls Hällar](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ulvhalls-hallar/id1565785440) | — | Free | Education |
| [Natural History Explorer Corps](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/natural-history-explorer-corps/id1566010820) | 2.8 (5) | Free | Education |

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All apps by University of Wisconsin-Madison Shared Apps: https://appshunter.io/developer/908478605

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*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 2026-08-12.*