Exploration and education only
LithoMap is an exploratory geology map and educational reference. It is not a navigation tool, legal survey, professional geological opinion, specimen identification service, or emergency service. Do not make safety, legal, property, financial, or collecting decisions from LithoMap alone.
Maps and scientific records have limits
Geologic boundaries, unit names, ages, fossil occurrences, mineral and rock records, roads, labels, and public-land boundaries may be generalized, approximate, incomplete, historical, incorrectly located, or outdated. Colors are a LithoMap presentation aid and do not replace the underlying unit name or source record.
An occurrence on the map does not prove that material remains present, is exposed, is accessible, is safe to reach, or may legally be collected. The absence of a record does not prove that a fossil, rock, or mineral is absent from an area.
Location and specimen identification
GPS accuracy varies with device, terrain, buildings, weather, and satellite visibility. A displayed position or mapped point may not represent an exact on-the-ground location.
Fossil and mineral information reflects the specificity supplied by the source. LithoMap does not identify a specimen from color, appearance, nearby geology, or a mapped occurrence. Consult a qualified expert when identification matters.
Ownership, access, and collecting rules
Public-land and other boundaries are informational only. They do not establish ownership, legal access, easements, rights of way, or permission to enter or collect. Never enter private property without the landowner’s permission.
Collecting rules vary by land manager, jurisdiction, material, quantity, and site. Closures and permit requirements can change. Confirm current boundaries, access, restrictions, permits, and collecting rules with the responsible federal, tribal, state, local, or private authority before entering an area or removing anything.
Offline maps and service availability
An offline area may be incomplete because of storage limits, interrupted downloads, unavailable source data, software errors, or later changes to third-party services. Verify every saved area in airplane mode before leaving coverage. Carry dedicated navigation, power, water, weather protection, and an emergency communication plan appropriate for the trip.
LithoMap and its data services may be interrupted, changed, rate-limited, or discontinued. Previously downloaded information can become outdated. Offline access does not provide navigation or safety assurance.
Field conditions and personal responsibility
Roads, trails, water, hazards, weather, fire restrictions, gates, and closures can change without appearing in the app. Obey posted signs and official instructions. You are responsible for your route, equipment, decisions, conduct, lawful access, and safety. Turn around when access or conditions are uncertain and contact emergency services when needed.
Third-party data and links
LithoMap combines maps and scientific information from third parties. Their licenses, terms, attribution requirements, availability, and privacy practices apply to their services and records. Links to source records are provided for research context and do not constitute endorsement or verification by PTW Referrals LLC.
Read the complete terms
These highlights do not replace the LithoMap Terms of Use or Privacy Policy. Review both documents before using the app, and review official sources before entering the field.