StraboField

Functionality & Mechanism

StraboField is a geological field data collection system supported by the National Science Foundation. Its map-centered interface facilitates the digital capture of georeferenced observations as points, lines, or polygons, termed 'Spots'. Sessions involve recording orientation data, imagery, sketches, and notes, with Spots nested to document multi-scale relationships. The system functions fully offline for use in remote environments; collected data can be synchronized to the StraboSpot.org database when connectivity is available, ensuring data integrity from field to archive.

Evidence & Research Context

• The system's design, detailed in associated research articles, is based on established geological field workflows and was initially developed for the structural geology community.
• The StraboSpot data architecture leverages a flexible graph database to organize information through spatial 'Spots' and conceptual 'Tags' to document complex geological relationships.
• Research describes the system's expansion to incorporate sedimentology and stratigraphy, including a dedicated 'Strat Mode' and standardized vocabulary developed through expert workshops.
• The platform is part of a larger initiative to create a shared, open-source digital infrastructure that promotes standardized data collection and sharing in the geological sciences.

Intended Use & Scope

This system is intended for geoscientists, researchers, and students for the structured digital collection of primary field data. Its primary utility is to standardize and archive georeferenced observations. The application is a data capture and organization tool; it does not perform geological analysis, modeling, or interpretation, which must be conducted with discipline-specific software and professional expertise.