Rockd

Explore, learn about, and document your geologic surroundings!

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"Rockd" is an Android app that lets you explore, learn about, and document your geologic surroundings. With interactive maps, you can access geologic summaries, log field observations, track your progress, and explore paleogeographic maps. Designed for both professionals and enthusiasts, Rockd helps you engage with the geologic record while contributing your observations. Supported by the National Science Foundation and developed by the Macrostrat lab at the University of Wisconsin - Madison.

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By:: University of Wisconsin-Madison Shared Apps
Downloads:: 128,426+ 198
Rating:: 4.08
(441)
Version:: 3.4.1 (Last updated: 2025-03-15)
Version code:: 30401000
Creation date:: 2016-09-18
Permissions:: android.permission.ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION
android.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION
android.permission.ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE
android.permission.ACCESS_WIFI_STATE
android.permission.CHANGE_NETWORK_STATE
android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE
android.permission.INTERNET
android.permission.READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE
android.permission.READ_MEDIA_IMAGES
android.permission.RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED
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Size:: 109.06M
Email:: co*****@rockd.org
URLs:: Website ,Privacy policy
Full description:: See detailed description
Source:: Google Play Store
Updated:: a day ago

Ranking

# 173,300 ▲ 286

User reviews

Rockd is praised for consolidating global geologic maps and helpful tools like a Brunton compass, serving geologists and rockhounds well during fieldwork. Users appreciate quick geological references and sharing trip notes. However, the app suffers from map usability issues such as position resets and navigation difficulty, as well as interface flaws like overlapping elements and poor UX for beginners. Offline functionality is lacking, and bugs including server crashes affect reliability. Some also note missing map details and account management problems. Overall, it is a valuable geology tool still needing improvements.

Pros

Excellent integration of global geologic maps in one app, avoiding need to download multiple files.
Useful tool for geologists and rockhounds to explore geology with features like a Brunton compass and paleo maps.
Provides quick access to local and regional geological data, helping users learn and explore on hikes.
Allows users to see local trips with notes, facilitating discovery of new rockhounding spots.
Recommended by geologists and users find it helpful for rock identification and geological exploration.

Cons

Map usability issues such as map position resetting when returning or switching apps, and difficulty navigating back to previous views.
User interface problems including overlapping dashboard information boxes, hidden elements, and poor user experience especially for amateurs.
Lack of offline mode or presence of bugs and server crashes impacting reliability and access in remote areas with no cell signal.
Missing or unclear map features such as lack of terrain layer (though added later), absence of road and area names, and poor legend/key visibility.
Account creation and login issues preventing smooth user onboarding experience.

Recent reviews

A geologist pointed me in the direction of Rockd, I have found this the most useful app basically for everything I do rockhounding. I feel that I have mentioned the more than 100 times in my posted and comments online, reaching thousands of people. If you had a T-shirt I would wear it daily...LoL Great app!!! Only thing better would be a visual link to rock identification pictures...

Kevin Anderson, 2024-12-16

Perfect integration of geologic maps around the world, instead of downloading hundreds of kml or kmz files on Google Earth, which some I might not even be able to find, they are all in one place!