Digital field mapping—making the change from paper to touchscreen technology

Abstract

Current desktop technology is largely mouse‐driven, but many analysts predict that in less than five years we will have a professional workforce that have only experienced learning in a touchscreen environment. Midland Valley have developed a digital mapping tool for smartphones called FieldMove Clino, which has been downloaded more than 20 000 times over the past year. The free version offers an effective way of introducing students to digital field mapping. However, many geoscience departments and teachers of field mapping have yet to make the switch from traditional paper‐based methods to digital technology. This article aims to answer some of the frequently asked questions about digital field mapping and outlines some of the advantages for improving field skills and geological thinking in students.