📖 Lexique des termes techniques - Geoscope
Alidade
Instrument used in topography to sight an object and measure angles, especially azimuthal ones. Geoscope simulates its function with the line of sight.
Antipodal line
Secondary line of sight in Geoscope, pointing opposite to the main one, useful for reading maps in reverse direction.
Antipode
Point diametrically opposite another point on the Earth’s surface. Geoscope can locate it.
Apple MapKit
Apple’s development framework providing map data and tools for iOS applications. It is Geoscope’s default map provider.
Armorican Shear Zones
Major crustal faults in metropolitan France, terrestrial extensions of the transform faults of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
Azimuth
Horizontal angle measured between geographic north and a given direction, clockwise (0–360°), or 0–180° with an explicit direction in structural geology.
Cache
Temporary memory used by Geoscope to locally store downloaded map data, allowing offline use.
Chaîne des Puys
A chain of volcanoes in France’s Massif Central, used in Geoscope as a practical example for recognizing volcanic landscapes.
Circular search area
Adjustable zone around the observation point where Geoscope performs place searches and sets line-of-sight lengths.
Digital Elevation Model (DEM)
3D digital representation of terrain relief, without vegetation or buildings.
Digital Surface Model (DSM)
3D digital representation of Earth’s surface as observed, including vegetation and buildings.
Drift correction
Geoscope feature that adjusts the magnetometer to compensate for local electromagnetic disturbances that affect orientation.
Electromagnetic disturbances
Interference (from urban infrastructure, metallic objects, etc.) that can affect magnetometer accuracy. Geoscope allows correction.
ESRI (Environmental Systems Research Institute)
Global leader in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), provider of several worldwide basemaps for Geoscope.
Fiducial line
Imaginary line on a measuring instrument (compass, alidade) indicating the sighting direction. In Geoscope, it’s the main axis of device orientation.
Geodesic (great circle)
Shortest path between two points on the surface of a sphere or ellipsoid (Earth), accounting for curvature. Geoscope uses these for long-distance calculations.
Geological fault
Zone of rupture in the Earth’s crust where rock blocks have moved. Geoscope helps identify and analyze their orientation.
Georeferenced and oriented photo
Photograph automatically tagged with geographic position and orientation data (azimuths, cardinal points), making it a scientific document.
GPS (Global Positioning System)
Satellite-based positioning system used by Geoscope to determine the user’s location.
Hotspot
Area within the Earth where magma rises, forming volcanoes (e.g., Iceland, Réunion). Geoscope can show directions toward them.
IGN France (Institut national de l'information géographique et forestière)
French organization providing detailed topographic maps (Scan 25, Ortho, DEM, etc.), available via Geoscope’s Premium Maps subscription.
Interactive line of sight
Core Geoscope feature displaying in real time on the map and in the field the direction the device is pointing, enabling distant object identification and azimuth measurement.
Interferometry (Lidar)
Remote sensing technology (Light Detection and Ranging) using lasers to precisely measure distances and create 3D models of the ground surface, useful for Lidar DEM/DSM maps.
Interoperability
Geoscope’s ability to work with other navigation apps (Apple Maps, Google Maps) for direct guidance to selected places.
iOS
Apple’s mobile operating system, on which Geoscope runs (iPhone and iPad).
Line-of-sight lock
Premium Geoscope feature that fixes the line of sight in place for static map consultation.
Magnetic declination
Angular deviation between magnetic north (shown by a compass) and geographic north (shown on a map). Geoscope automates this correction.
Magnetometer
Sensor in mobile devices measuring the magnetic field, used by Geoscope as a digital compass for orientation.
Map tiles
Pre-rendered image tiles composing a digital map, dynamically loaded depending on zoom and movement.
MapTiler
Provider of alternative map basemaps based on OpenStreetMap, with various graphic styles.
Mid-Atlantic Ridge
Submarine mountain range where new oceanic crust forms. Geoscope allows visualization of associated geodynamic directions.
OpenStreetMap (OSM)
Free, collaborative geographic data source, used by Geoscope for various map styles and search databases.
Ordnance Survey
National mapping agency of the United Kingdom, with historical maps available in Geoscope.
Orthophotograph (Ortho)
Aerial photograph corrected for geometric distortions, providing an accurate, georeferenced view of the ground.
Qibla (direction of Mecca)
Direction toward the Kaaba in Mecca, essential for Muslim prayers. Geoscope can determine it accurately, accounting for Earth’s curvature and magnetic disturbances.
Structural geology
Branch of geology studying the organization, orientation, and evolution of deformations in the Earth’s crust. Geoscope provides a specific azimuth mode for this discipline.
SwissTopo
Swiss Federal Office of Topography, renowned for the precision and quality of its maps (topographic, geological, historical), many of which are free in Geoscope.
Thunderforest
Provider of thematic maps based on OpenStreetMap, with good relief rendering for geomorphological analysis.
USGS (United States Geological Survey)
U.S. government science agency, provider of topographic maps and imagery for North America in Geoscope.