Georeferencing
Tie the scan to real coordinates with three control points, in the coordinate system you choose.
MAP STUDIO IN THE BROWSER
Geological Map Digitizing Software
Turn scanned structure and isopach maps into working digital maps: give the scan real coordinates, trace faults and contours with their values, and export for GIS, CAD or modeling software, directly in your browser.
PDF, TIFF, PNG and JPG maps · faults and contours · GeoJSON, Shapefile, DXF, SVG, PNG and PDF No installation · your maps stay on your computer · the animated map is an illustrative demonstration
Map Studio opens a scanned map, gives it coordinates from three control points, traces its faults and contours, and exports a finished map.
FROM PAPER TO DIGITAL
Old maps on paper? Make them working maps
Structure and isopach maps often survive only as prints. Map Studio gives the scan real coordinates, lets you trace its faults and contours with their values, and turns them into a finished map you can edit, print or take into other software. If you also work with well logs, digitize scanned well logs and correlate wells in the same account.
FIVE STEPS
How map digitizing works
- 1
Open the map
A scan or photo: PDF, TIFF, PNG or JPG.
- 2
Give it coordinates
Click three known points and type their X and Y, or longitude and latitude.
- 3
Trace the faults
Draw each fault and add normal or thrust ticks.
- 4
Trace the contours
Click a contour to follow it, then type its depth.
- 5
Finish and export
Add wells, colours, legend, scale bar and north arrow, then export.
WHAT YOU GET
Georeferencing, tracing and map layout tools
Contour tracing
Click a contour once to follow it, then give it its value. Repeat for each line.
Fault tracing
Draw faults with normal or thrust ticks so contours respect them.
Wells and points
Add well points and boundaries to the map.
Finished layout
Colours, legend, scale bar and north arrow, ready to edit, print or reuse.
Many export formats
GIS, CAD, grid and modeling formats, plus SVG, PNG and PDF for the layout.
EXPORT
Export to GIS, CAD, grid and modeling formats
Download your traced features as CSV, GeoJSON, XYZ depth or elevation, Shapefile (ZIP) or DXF, and in further formats such as KML, GPX, WKT, GMT, Irap, GOCAD TSurf and gridded ZMAP, Surfer, Esri ASCII and GRASS files. The finished map layout downloads as SVG, PNG or PDF.
WHO IT IS FOR
Maps geologists need in digital form
Structure maps
Turn the structure contours of an old printed map into digital lines with depth values.
Isopach maps
Digitize thickness contours and faults from published or archived maps.
Geological surveys and archives
Bring paper map collections into digital form for GIS and mapping.
Universities and research
Prepare consistent digital maps for theses, papers and teaching.
QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
What is geological map digitizing software?
It turns a scanned or photographed paper map into digital data. You give the scan real coordinates, trace its contours, faults, boundaries and well points, and export the result for GIS, mapping or modeling software. In Log Digitize this is done in Map Studio.
What kinds of maps can I digitize?
Any scanned or photographed map you can open as a PDF, TIFF, PNG or JPG. Structure maps and isopach maps are typical examples, where contours and faults carry the information.
How do I give a scanned map real coordinates?
Click three points whose coordinates you know and type their X and Y values, or longitude and latitude. You can search and choose the coordinate reference system by EPSG code or name.
Can I trace faults and contours?
Yes. Trace each fault and add normal or thrust ticks, then click a contour to follow it and type its depth or value. Faults are traced first so contours do not cross them.
Which formats can I export?
The export list includes CSV, GeoJSON, XYZ depth or elevation, Shapefile (ZIP), DXF, KML, GPX, WKT, GMT, SVG, Irap, GOCAD TSurf, and gridded ZMAP, Surfer, Esri ASCII and GRASS files. The finished layout, with wells, colours, legend, scale bar and north arrow, can be downloaded as SVG, PNG or PDF.
Do I need to install anything?
No. Map Studio runs in a modern web browser after you sign in.
Is it free to try?
Each account starts with one free log. Map Studio exports need a purchased map ($10 each, with repeat exports of that map included) or a paid plan: three months ($100) or annual ($300), which include Map Studio. See the pricing section.
Where are my maps stored?
On your computer. Maps are processed in your browser and saved to a folder you choose or as files you download; they are not uploaded to or stored on the Log Digitize website. See the privacy policy.
Digitize your first map in Map Studio
Open a scanned map, give it coordinates, trace its faults and contours, and export a finished map.
Open Map StudioMap Studio exports need a purchased map ($10) or a paid plan. See pricing · Read the guides