The new DrillerDB is out of beta.See what's new

Map Tools

Use DepthMap's right-click tools for geology estimation, coordinate display, and distance measurement

Map Tools

DepthMap includes several tools accessible through the right-click context menu. These tools help you analyze locations, measure distances, and gather geological insights.

Quick Start: Estimate Geology at a Location

  1. Navigate to your area of interest
  2. Right-click on the map (or long-press on mobile)
  3. Select Estimate Geology Here. The Geology page opens with that latitude and longitude filled in
  4. Start the estimation and wait for it to finish (it usually takes 30 to 60 seconds)
  5. Read the Estimated Depth, the formation layers, and the Confidence or Wells analyzed figure

The right-click menu shows the point's coordinates at the top. Click Copy Coordinates to copy them for use in other applications.

Tool Quick Reference

ToolPurposeHow to Use
Copy CoordinatesGet lat/long for any pointRight-click, then Copy Coordinates
Township & Range (PLSS)Look up the township, range and sectionRight-click > Township & Range (PLSS), then Copy PLSS
Estimate Geology HerePredict formations at locationRight-click > Estimate Geology Here
Measure DistanceCalculate distance between pointsRight-click > Measure Distance, or the Measure button in the bottom toolbar
Export Wells Near HereDownload the wells around a point as CSVRight-click > Export Wells Near Here

Step-by-Step Workflow

  1. Navigate to your area of interest
  2. Right-click on the map (or long-press on mobile)
  3. Select Estimate Geology Here. The Geology page opens with that latitude and longitude filled in
  4. Start the estimation and wait for it to finish (it usually takes 30 to 60 seconds)
  5. Read the Estimated Depth, the formation layers, and the Confidence or Wells analyzed figure

Accessing Tools

Right-click (or long-press on touch devices) anywhere on the map to open the context menu. The menu shows the coordinates of the clicked location and available tools. It also has Create New Project and, where your account allows it, Add Custom Pin Here.

Copy Coordinates

Every right-click shows the latitude and longitude of the clicked point at the top of the context menu. Click Copy Coordinates to copy them to your clipboard. The button then reads "Copied".

Coordinate Format

Coordinates display in decimal degrees format (e.g., 43.0731, -89.4012). This format is compatible with most mapping applications and GPS devices.

Use Cases

  • Record precise locations for future reference
  • Share coordinates with colleagues
  • Input coordinates into other mapping tools
  • Document well locations for reports

Estimate Geology

The Estimate Geology Here tool uses AI analysis of nearby well logs to predict what formations exist at a specific location.

How It Works

  1. Right-click on the map at your location of interest
  2. Select Estimate Geology Here
  3. The Geology page opens with the location filled in. Check the latitude and longitude, and choose the AI provider if you want to (the default is Auto (Best Available))
  4. Start the estimation. The page shows "Analyzing Geology" while it searches nearby wells
  5. Results show the estimated depth, the formation layers, and the wells used

What You Get

The geology estimate includes:

  • Estimated Depth - The predicted well depth in feet, with a residential-to-high-capacity range when one is available
  • Confidence - A percentage bar, when the estimate returns one. Otherwise the card shows Static water (feet), Method, and Wells analyzed
  • Summary - A short written explanation
  • A formation cross-section - Each layer with its depth range and material
  • Nearby Wells Used - The wells within range that fed the estimate

Accuracy Considerations

Geology estimates are predictions based on nearby data, not site-specific surveys. Accuracy depends on:

  • Proximity to existing well logs
  • Geological consistency in the area
  • Number of wells available for analysis
  • Quality of original well log data

Always conduct proper site investigation before drilling. These estimates provide valuable planning information but should not replace professional geological assessment.

Measure Distance

The Measure Distance tool lets you draw lines on the map to calculate distances between points.

Using the Tool

  1. Right-click and select Measure Distance, or click Measure in the bottom toolbar
  2. Click on the map to set the starting point
  3. Click additional points to extend the measurement
  4. View distance displayed along the line
  5. Click the starting point or press Escape to finish

Distance Display

Distances show in feet and miles. The tool calculates straight-line distance between points and total distance for multi-point paths.

Use Cases

  • Measure setback distances from wells to property lines
  • Calculate distance between existing wells
  • Plan well spacing for new installations
  • Estimate pipe run lengths
  • Document compliance with spacing regulations

Tips for Accurate Measurement

  • Zoom in for precise point placement
  • Use parcel layer to align with property boundaries
  • Click carefully at exact points of interest
  • Remember this measures straight-line distance, not terrain or route distance

Context Menu on Mobile

On mobile devices, long-press the map to access the context menu. Touch and hold for about one second until the menu appears. All tools work the same as on desktop.

Combining Tools

Tools work together effectively:

  1. Use Estimate Geology to understand formation depths at a potential well site
  2. Use Measure Distance to verify setback requirements
  3. Use Copy Coordinates to document the exact location
  4. Switch on Parcels in the bottom toolbar for property context

This workflow helps evaluate potential well locations efficiently.

Geology estimates are predictions based on nearby well data, not site-specific surveys. Always conduct proper site investigation before drilling. These estimates provide valuable planning information but should not replace professional geological assessment.

Troubleshooting

Right-click menu not appearing?

  • On mobile, use long-press (hold for 1 second)
  • Ensure you're clicking on the map, not a marker
  • Try disabling browser extensions that may intercept right-clicks

Geology estimate showing low confidence?

  • Area may have few nearby wells with data
  • Try a location with more well coverage
  • Check if wells visible on map in that area

Distance measurement not working?

  • Click carefully at exact points
  • Press Escape to cancel and restart
  • Zoom in for more precise point placement