A screenshot showing the custom map of the field trip created in the Touch GIS field data collection app.

Learning About Geological Mapping and Field Data Collection with a Field Trip in the Columbia River Gorge

Building great tools starts with understanding the work being done. For a mobile GIS app developer it’s important to get out into the field and see what using your product is really like, where it brings delight, and how it could improve. In our quest to be the best field data collection app, our general manager Mike Roncone had the opportunity to do just that with the help of excellent hosts Mike Darin of the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries and Scott Bennett of the U.S. Geological Survey. In June they lead us through a one-day field trip in the Columbia River Gorge inspired by GSA’s Field Guide 62, showing off the ways Touch GIS enhances and simplifies their fieldwork as well as the ways it could be even better. Their expert knowledge of Geology and their impeccable teaching ability is a real privilege to receive. Thanks again Mike and Scott, your feedback and guidance are invaluable and improvements are on their way!

Photo from the Portland Women's Forum State Scenic Viewpoint overlooking the Columbia River and the Vista House.
Photo from the Portland Women's Forum State Scenic Viewpoint overlooking the Columbia River and the Vista House.
From left to right: Mike Darin, Mike Roncone, Scott Bennett

Mike Roncone and Mike Darin discuss the Touch GIS app's planar measurement tool as an alternative to a Brunton Compass for measuring strike and dip at an outcrop of the Bingen Anticline.
Mike Roncone and Mike Darin discuss the Touch GIS app's planar measurement tool as an alternative to a Brunton Compass for measuring strike and dip at an outcrop of the Bingen Anticline.

Scott Bennett sharing his Geological Expertise at an outcrop with a small waterfall and stream along the Sandy River trail.
Scott Bennett sharing his Geological Expertise at an outcrop with a small waterfall and stream along the Sandy River trail.
The view of Mount Hood beyond the Columbia River Gorge as seen from the Mount Underwood Vista.
The view of Mount Hood beyond the Columbia River Gorge as seen from the Mount Underwood Vista. Here we discussed ways to improve the experience of drawing a line on a map using the Free Draw mode while mapping out some approximate fault locations in the Hood River Valley region.

We're always looking to connect with and learn from experts to inform the roadmap for our mobile GIS app. Interested in hosting a field trip and showing us how we could make your fieldwork experience better? Reach out to mike@touchgis.app.