Using the iPad in geologic field work-Part 2
mpollock July 2nd, 2011
HAFNARFJORDUR, ICELAND- Guest Blogger: Lindsey Bowman
Our Estonia-based colleagues certainly have an advantage when it comes to timely blog posts; lagging three hours behind we are now appearing redundant in our post topic! We too have been using the iPad 2 in the field, particularly today in Vatnsskarth quarry as the rain has turned into intermittent mist. As Dr. Pollock and Travis took notes in their classic Rite in the Rain field books, I trailed along behind and took photos and annotated directly in front of the outcrop they were sketching.
Annotating the East wall of Vatnsskarth
We found it incredibly useful to take the photo and be able to reference the wall directly in front of us, as subtle differences between columnar and pillow basalts are sometimes hard to see in a photo. We also struggled a little with the glare, but found that Iceland’s weather was actually advantageous as we never saw the sun today. Below is an example of a photo annotated in the field:
Base of the pillow ridge showing glacial sediment directly overlain by basaltic pillows.
However, some photos do require more detailed annotation later in the cafe over a latte.
Annotation of a photo taken previously in the field
Below is a photo from Undirhlíðar that I plan to use in some capacity of my I.S.:
Undirhlíðar- SE wall
We also wanted to share one of our equipment finds that leaves us worry-free about tossing the iPad into our day packs with basalt samples and other sharp or heavy objects. Below is the Otterbox case that we have on the iPad, which not only keeps it safe, but also acts as an easel-like stand for when we want to use the iPad on a flat surface.
Otterbox case leaves us worry-free about the iPad's safety!
We have been using the annotation app ArtStudio which we have found to be flexible and intuitive. We are using a Just Mobile AluPen with the app to make drawing easier; like Dr. Wilson, I have found the stylus helpful.
Stylus > Finger
Finally, to keep the iPad safe from the rain and mist, we have found that a gallon-sized ziploc bag works just fine.
Tomorrow we will head back to Undirhlíðar, since we finished in Vatnsskarth today. We are hoping for clear skies, but watching the mist blow through the quarry and across the rocky landscape today was beautiful. Dr. Pollock mentioned how easy it is to visualize Icelandic folklore and legends in weather like this, and honestly, imagining ghostly vikings emerging from the billowing mist didn’t seem all that far-fetched.
