Metal detecting app guide

Quick start

You need neither a user account nor a permanent internet connection for your first detecting trip. You have two ways to record finds in the field.

Document a find

Quickly with ThatsLog GPSCam

GPSCam is designed for recording finds during a detecting trip. The photo provides the starting point for your find record. Date, time, GPS location, and the associated detecting trip can be imported automatically.

Create from a search stop

If you did not take a photo during the detecting trip, you can select an automatically detected search stop in Track Lab and create a find from it with one click. The stop time and GPS data are carried over to the new find.

Create manually

You can also record a find entirely by hand without importing a photo. Depending on the find, the following details are available:

Set the find location

Place the find point directly on the map, move the marker, or enter latitude and longitude. Check the location before saving, especially if the GPS signal was weak in the field.

GPSCam and detecting trips

A detecting trip records your route and links it to your finds. You can photograph finds with GPSCam while detecting or keep your phone in your pocket and create them later from automatically detected search stops.

Track Lab and GPX

Track Lab helps you review and process recorded detecting trips. The original raw track is retained as the starting point while you create an optimized version.

Raw track archive

Keeps the original recording as an unchanged reference.

Track cleanup

Reduces implausible or disruptive data points and makes the route clearer.

Search-stop detection

Automatically detects longer stops. Relevant stops can be selected later and turned into new finds with one click; time and GPS data are carried over.

Path straightening

Smooths the route and aligns search paths more clearly.

Distance comparison

Shows how optimization changes the calculated distance.

Custom parameters

Let you adapt optimization to the terrain, detecting method, and recording quality.

Recommended workflow

Select raw track

Open the desired detecting trip in Track Lab.

Optimize automatically

Start with the existing settings and review the route, stops, and distance.

Compare the result

Compare the raw and optimized tracks. Adjust the parameters only if the result does not match your actual route.

Create finds from search stops

If you worked without find photos, select the relevant detected search stops and create the finds from them. ThatsLog carries over the time and GPS data of each stop.

Apply optimized track

Save the reviewed version for further use.

Export as GPX

Export the detecting trip to archive it or use it in another suitable mapping application.

Find and manage finds

In the find overview, you can search, filter, and sort your data. This lets you quickly locate individual finds even in a large collection.

Mark special pieces as favorites or identify precious-metal finds. Custom fields help you maintain your personal documentation style.

Use maps

The map view shows find points and detecting trips in their spatial context. Depending on availability, you can use a standard map or an orthophoto.

• Check find locations and correct them if necessary
• View all finds from a detecting trip together
• Review routes and search areas
• Switch map styles when another view provides more detail

An internet connection may be required for map material. Find data already stored locally remains available independently.

Coins and Numista

For coin finds, you can manage coin master data in addition to general find information. Numista data helps you identify and record coins consistently.

CSV and Conota import

Existing find lists do not need to be re-entered. ThatsLog can import data from CSV files and Conota.

1. Create a complete backup before a large import.
2. Open the import section and select the appropriate source format.
3. Select the file to import.
4. Check the field mapping and preview.
5. Start the import, then check several sample records.

Pay particular attention to date formats, coordinates, categories, and image assignment. For many records, start with a small test import.

Create a PDF export

You can create clear documents and reports from your finds – for example, for your own records or to share with tenants and owners.

• Select the desired finds or narrow them down with filters
• Include images and coin data as needed
• Decide whether location information should be included
• Generate the PDF and review it before sharing

Local storage and device synchronization

ThatsLog stores your data locally on the device. Registration with ThatsLog is not required.

If you use multiple devices, fully transfer the current state via Google Drive or ZIP migration before continuing on another device.

Backup and synchronization

Backup and synchronization serve different purposes:

Complete backup

Saves all your data for recovery. Create one regularly and keep an additional copy outside the device you use.

Synchronization

Synchronizes the current data state between your devices via Google Drive or completely offline using ZIP migration. Synchronization does not replace a complete backup.

Restore

Before restoring a backup, check the file's date and origin. A restore may replace the existing data. If in doubt, back up the current state first.

Practical tips

• Start location detection shortly before beginning the detecting trip.
• Photograph the find as close to its location as possible.
• Remember to stop track recording after the detecting trip.
• Complete and review your finds promptly while your memory is fresh.
• Use clear names for detecting trips and consistent categories.
• Review optimized tracks before applying or exporting them.
• Create complete backups regularly.

Fair funding

ThatsLog is intended to remain free to use permanently. Development, maintenance, and provision still require ongoing work. Funding is therefore primarily based on two fair pillars: