Comparison

StratLogger vs ICS

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

StratLogger

This app helps geologists construct stratigraphic columns digitally, replacing traditional field notebooks. It logs location, links photos to descriptions, and exports data for analysis. Optional tools enhance student learning in the field.

Highlights
  • Construct stratigraphic columns
  • Log sedimentological and stratigraphic information
  • Automatically log geo-location data
  • Link images to lithologic descriptions
  • Export stratigraphic column as JPEG
  • Export layer records to CSV
  • Optional pedagogical tools for student learning
Features
Read full description

StratLogger is an application for use in constructing stratigraphic columns and can serve as a complement to, or replacement for, the traditional paper geology field notebook or stratigraphic column drawing sheets. StratLogger integrates the iPad’s GPS, camera, and data management capabilities to allow geologists to record sedimentological and stratigraphic information for successive layers in a stratigraphic column, automatically log geo-location data, and link images to each layer’s lithologic description.   StratLogger can then export a real-time, app-produced stratigraphic column image as a .jpeg file as well as each of the layer records to formatted .csv files for easy integration into digital drawing and analysis applications.  The lithology photographs are also exported and indexed with the name of the appropriate measured layer. StratLogger integrates an optional set of pedagogical tools, in the form of feedback/hypothesis questions, intended to foster increased student learning while in the field.  The answers to these questions are recorded to track how data acquisition through section relates to how the user interprets the paleoenvironment of the study section.

About

ICS

Access authoritative geological time scale data and information on Global Boundary Stratotype Sections and Points (GSSPs). Explore charts, detailed GSSP information, and relevant statistics.

Highlights
  • Demonstration of ICS chart
  • Detailed GSSP information
  • GSSP statistics
  • Authoritative data service
Features
Read full description

ICS Timescale is the official APP of the International Commission on Stratigraphy (ICS). It is designed to provide authoritative data service of ICS. The main functions include: 1) Demonstration of the ICS chart. 2) Detail information about each GSSP. 3) Statistics of the GSSPs.

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: ICS at 4.3 against StratLogger's 3.5. ICS also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 17 months) and device support (3 vs 1). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

ICS holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 3.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 3 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

StratLogger ships an update every 17 months, ICS every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and October 4, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
StratLogger versus ICS: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterStratLoggerICS
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.5 (2 ratings)4.3 (3 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—50.0% of reviews
Number of ratings23 — better
Update frequencyEvery 17 monthsEvery 2 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS14.59.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size18 MB20 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperLafayette隽轩 樊

Customer experience

StratLogger

All ratings2 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%

ICS

All ratings3 ratings
Positive66.7%
Neutral33.3%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral50.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

StratLogger

No in-app purchases

None

ICS

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is StratLogger free?
StratLogger is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is ICS free?
ICS is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, StratLogger or ICS?
ICS is rated higher. StratLogger averages 3.5 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while ICS averages 4.3 from 3 ratings.
Do StratLogger or ICS have ads?
Neither StratLogger nor ICS shows ads.
Which is updated more often, StratLogger or ICS?
StratLogger ships an update every 17 months, and ICS every 2 months. Most recently, StratLogger was updated on October 5, 2026 and ICS on October 4, 2026.

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