10 Sept 2025

Last updated on 10 Sept 2025

Geology MAUI App: Cross-Platform Field Assistant

Project Overview

The Geology MAUI App is a cross-platform mobile application built with .NET MAUI, designed to assist geology enthusiasts in collecting, organizing, and analyzing geological data in the field. This project represents a revival of an old Windows Phone concept, now brought to life with modern cross-platform technology.

Core Objectives

Field Data Collection: Enable GPS-tagged geological sample logging and field observations
Offline Capabilities: Function effectively in remote locations without internet connectivity
Educational Tool: Provide learning resources for anyone with an interest in geology

Technical Stack

Primary Technologies

.NET MAUI: Cross-platform framework for iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS
C#: Primary programming language
XAML: User interface markup language
SQLite: Local database for offline data storage
MVVM Pattern: Architecture pattern for separation of concerns

Supporting Libraries

Microsoft.Extensions.DependencyInjection: Dependency injection container
CommunityToolkit.Mvvm: MVVM helpers and utilities
SQLite-net-pcl: SQLite ORM for .NET
Microsoft.Maui.Essentials: Cross-platform device APIs
Mapping Libraries: (Under evaluation - considering MapBox, Esri, or OpenStreetMap solutions)

Architecture

Application Structure

GeologyApp/
├── ViewModels/          # MVVM ViewModels
├── Views/               # XAML UI Views  
├── Models/              # Data models and entities
├── Services/            # Business logic and data services
├── Data/                # Database context and repositories
├── Platforms/           # Platform-specific implementations
└── Resources/           # Images, fonts, and other assets

Data Architecture

The app uses a layered architecture approach:

Presentation Layer: XAML views with MVVM pattern
Business Logic Layer: Services for geological calculations and data processing
Data Access Layer: SQLite database with Entity Framework Core
Platform Services: GPS, camera, file system access

Key Features

1. Sample Collection System

GPS Integration: Automatic location tagging for all samples
Photo Documentation: Multiple photos per sample with metadata
Field Notes: Rich text notes with geological observations
Classification System: Standardized rock and mineral classification

2. Offline Mapping

Cached Maps: Download geological maps for offline use
Sample Plotting: Visualize collected samples on maps
Route Tracking: Record field survey routes
Geological Overlays: Display geological formations and fault lines

3. Mineral Identification - Future Version

Decision Trees: Interactive identification workflows
Visual Guides: Photo libraries of common minerals and rocks
Property Database: Physical and chemical properties reference
Streak and Hardness Tests: Digital tools for field testing

4. Data Management - Future Version

Export Capabilities: CSV, JSON, and KML export formats
Cloud Sync: Optional cloud backup and synchronization
Collaboration: Share findings with team members
Backup and Restore: Local backup functionality

Development Progress

Phase 1: Foundation (Current)

Phase 2: Core Features

Sample collection workflow
Photo capture and management
Basic mapping integration
Classification system implementation

Phase 3: Advanced Features

Offline map caching
Mineral identification system
Data export functionality
Cloud synchronization

Phase 4: Polish and Distribution

iOS App Store deployment
Google Play Store deployment
User testing and feedback integration
Performance optimization

Technical Challenges

iOS Development Complexity

One of the biggest surprises returning to mobile development has been the complexity of iOS deployment:

Apple Developer Account: Required $99/year subscription
Mac Hardware Requirement: Absolute necessity for iOS development
Certificate Management: Complex provisioning profile and certificate workflow
App Store Review Process: Lengthy approval process with strict guidelines

Cross-Platform Considerations

Platform-Specific UI: Adapting to iOS and Android design guidelines
Performance Optimization: Ensuring smooth operation on various device capabilities
File System Differences: Handling platform-specific storage limitations
GPS Accuracy: Dealing with different GPS implementations and accuracy levels

Geological Domain Complexity

Classification Standards: Implementing standardized geological classification systems
Scientific Accuracy: Ensuring geological information is scientifically sound
International Standards: Supporting different regional classification systems
Complex Relationships: Modeling complex geological relationships in database
Access to Data: Ensuring easy access to geological data for users especially in offline scenarios and non-UK regions

AI-Assisted Development

This project serves as my second major collaboration with AI development tools (following the NHS Trawler project). The AI assistance has been particularly valuable for:

Code Generation

MVVM Boilerplate: Rapid generation of ViewModels and command implementations
XAML Layouts: Assistance with complex UI layouts and styling, although often requiring refinement
Database Models: Entity relationship design and SQLite schema generation
Platform Services: Implementation of platform-specific functionality

Problem Solving

Architecture Decisions: Evaluating different approaches to common mobile development challenges
Performance Optimization: Identifying potential bottlenecks and optimization strategies
Best Practices: Ensuring modern .NET MAUI development patterns
Error Resolution: Debugging complex cross-platform issues

Database Schema

Core Entities

-- Sample collection points
CREATE TABLE Samples (
    Id INTEGER PRIMARY KEY,
    Name TEXT NOT NULL,
    Description TEXT,
    Latitude REAL NOT NULL,
    Longitude REAL NOT NULL,
    Elevation REAL,
    CollectionDate DATETIME NOT NULL,
    CollectorName TEXT,
    WeatherConditions TEXT,
    RockType TEXT,
    MineralContent TEXT,
    Notes TEXT
);

-- Photo documentation
CREATE TABLE Photos (
    Id INTEGER PRIMARY KEY,
    SampleId INTEGER,
    FilePath TEXT NOT NULL,
    Caption TEXT,
    TakenDate DATETIME NOT NULL,
    FOREIGN KEY (SampleId) REFERENCES Samples(Id)
);

-- Mineral identification data
CREATE TABLE Minerals (
    Id INTEGER PRIMARY KEY,
    Name TEXT NOT NULL,
    ChemicalFormula TEXT,
    HardnessMohs REAL,
    SpecificGravity REAL,
    CrystalSystem TEXT,
    Color TEXT,
    Streak TEXT,
    Luster TEXT,
    Description TEXT
);

User Interface Design

Design Principles

Field-Ready: Large touch targets for use with gloves
High Contrast: Visibility in various lighting conditions
Minimal Input: Reduce typing requirements in field conditions
Offline-First: All core functionality available without internet

Home Dashboard: Quick access to recent samples and key functions
Sample Collection: Step-by-step data entry workflow
Map View: Geographic visualization of collected data
Identification Guide: Mineral and rock identification tools
Settings: App configuration and data management

Testing Strategy

Unit Testing

Service Layer: Testing business logic and data services
Model Validation: Ensuring data integrity and validation rules
Utility Functions: Testing geological calculations and conversions

Integration Testing

Database Operations: Testing SQLite data access patterns
Platform Services: Testing GPS, camera, and file system integration
Navigation: Testing MVVM navigation patterns

Field Testing

Real-World Usage: Testing in actual geological field conditions
Device Variety: Testing across different phone and tablet configurations
Network Conditions: Testing offline capabilities and sync functionality

Future Enhancements

Machine Learning Integration

Image Recognition: Automatic mineral identification from photos
Pattern Recognition: Identify geological formations in photographs
Predictive Analysis: Suggest likely mineral occurrences based on location

Collaboration Features

Team Projects: Shared field projects with multiple contributors
Real-Time Sync: Live collaboration on field surveys
Data Sharing: Export and import capabilities for research collaboration

Educational Modules

Interactive Lessons: Guided learning modules for geology students
Virtual Field Trips: Augmented reality geological tours
Quiz System: Knowledge testing and certification tracking

Advanced Mapping

3D Visualization: Three-dimensional geological modeling
Stratigraphic Columns: Interactive stratigraphic section builder
Fault Analysis: Tools for analyzing geological structures

Installation and Setup

Development Environment

Visual Studio 2022: Latest version with MAUI workload installed
Android SDK: For Android development and testing
Xcode: Required for iOS development (Mac only)
.NET 8.0: Latest .NET framework

Dependencies

<PackageReference Include="Microsoft.Extensions.Logging.Debug" Version="8.0.0" />
<PackageReference Include="CommunityToolkit.Mvvm" Version="8.2.2" />
<PackageReference Include="sqlite-net-pcl" Version="1.8.116" />
<PackageReference Include="SQLitePCLRaw.bundle_green" Version="2.1.6" />

Running the Project

# Clone the repository
git clone [repository-url]

# Restore NuGet packages
dotnet restore

# Build the solution
dotnet build

# Run on Android emulator
dotnet run --framework net8.0-android

# Run on iOS simulator (Mac only)
dotnet run --framework net8.0-ios

Contributing

This project welcomes contributions from the geological and development communities. Areas where contributions would be particularly valuable:

Geological Expertise: Validation of classification systems and scientific accuracy
UI/UX Design: Improving the user experience for field conditions
Performance Optimization: Mobile performance and battery life improvements
Testing: Field testing and bug reports from actual geological fieldwork

Project Status

Current Phase: Foundation Development Last Updated: September 10, 2025 Development Blog: Follow the development journey

Recent Updates

Initial project architecture completed
Database schema designed and implemented
Basic MVVM structure in place
GPS integration testing in progress

Upcoming Milestones

Complete sample collection workflow implementation
iOS development environment setup
First beta release for internal testing
Integration with mapping services

This project represents a fusion of modern mobile development practices with practical geological fieldwork needs. Follow along with the development process through the associated blog series for detailed insights into the challenges and solutions encountered during development.

License

This project is developed as open-source software to benefit the geological community and serve as a learning resource for .NET MAUI development.

Related Content:

Development Journey Blog Post
NHS Trawler Project - Another AI-assisted development project