FAQ

MD Field Mapper Pro is a LiDAR-based sweep mapping app for metal detector users. It records a 2D sweep path in local LiDAR coordinates, relative coil height (as a proxy), detector audio metrics, timestamps, and device attitude (yaw/pitch/roll) for offline QC and analysis.

LiDAR-capable iPhone Pro models only (for example, iPhone 12 Pro or newer). If LiDAR is unavailable, the app shows an Unsupported Device screen.

No. iPad is intentionally not supported.

Yes. Rigid mounting is critical. The app assumes the camera center crosshair represents the coil position. Any wobble, flex, rotation, or slippage will distort the sweep path and break the coil/camera geometry.

Not currently. Detector audio input requires a wired TRRS cable. Bluetooth/wireless audio is not supported.

Yes. You can capture LiDAR-based mapping data without detector audio connected. The app still records local LiDAR coordinates and attitude channels for QC and later alignment.

Sweep sampling is selectable at 10, 20, or 40 Hz. LiDAR collection has a slider allowing approximately 1–30 Hz depending on device performance and conditions.

Align to North sets a rough yaw anchor. You place the phone flat and rotate toward geographic north; the outline turns green when accepted. Final north alignment is performed in post-processing.

Control points (Add CTRL PTS) mark fixed reference features in the field. They start a new segment (L1, L2, …) and trigger a LiDAR PLY snapshot. They are used later for alignment and georeferencing workflows.

Exports are packaged as a single folder bundle containing a SQLite database, CSV files, ASCII PLY LiDAR point clouds, control point files, segment start files, and diagnostics (such as drift).

After stopping a survey, use the gear icon to Export Bundle and choose a destination using the iOS file exporter. You can save to the Files app, AirDrop to a Mac, or copy to external/cloud storage. There is no automatic upload or syncing.

The app download is free. Exporting the data bundle (SQL/CSV/PLY) currently requires an active subscription in production builds. If the subscription is inactive, a paywall is shown and files are not written.

Yes. The app is currently available for testing via TestFlight, with a limited number of testers accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Compass accuracy is limited, coil height is a relative proxy, GPS/UTM export is not available yet, and wireless detector audio is not implemented. Final leveling and north alignment are done in post-processing.