List of free geology software


This is a list of free and open-source software for geological data handling and interpretation. The list is split into broad categories, depending on the intended use of the software and its scope of functionality.
Notice that 'free and open-source' requires that the source code is available. Simple being 'free of charge' is not sufficient—see gratis versus libre.

Well logging & Borehole visualisation">Well logging">Well logging & Borehole visualisation

NameDescriptionOriginatorLicensePlatformsLanguageNotes
SGS-GeobaseDrilling data logger that can interface with SGS GenesisGPLWindows & Microsoft AccessMicrosoft Access VBAMicrosoft Access is not necessary, the free runtime is sufficient. Simple graphical interface, Integrity reinforcement, Reporting tools, Satellite Database, Database Validation, Assays QA/QC management with graphics.

Geosciences [software platform]s

NameDescriptionOriginatorLicensePlatformsLanguageNotes
GeoTriple for Oil&Gas ExplorationGeo-sciences Software platform LGPLCross-platformJavaInterfaces with WorldWind and JFreeChart

[Geostatistics]

NameDescriptionOriginatorLicensePlatformsLanguageNotes
GstatGeostatistical modeling and simulationUtrecht UniversityGPLCross-platformC/C++Interfaces with GRASS
gslibGeostatistical modeling and simulationStanford UniversityMITFortran 77
PyGSLIBPython module for geostatistical modeling, designed for mineral resource estimationMIT/GPLWindows, Linux and OSXFortran 95, Cython and PythonIt has functions for drillhole calculations, block modeling, wireframing and geostatistics with modified gslib code linked into python

Forward modeling

Geomodeling

Visualization, interpretation & analysis packages

NameDescriptionOriginatorLicensePlatformsLanguageNotes
Geoscience AnalystImport, visualize, annotate, save, and distribute 3D geoscientific data types and modelsMira GeoscienceQLMWindowsC++, PythonVersion 3.1 and above provides a Python API to connect to open source software and view results in a 3D visualization environment designed specifically for the geosciences and mining.
DappleVirtual globe for geoscientistsGeosoft Inc.MITWindowsOriginated in NASA World Wind
Generic Mapping ToolsMap generation and analysisLamont-Doherty and University of HawaiiGPLCross-platformCImplemented in OpendTect
GPlatesInteractive visualization of plate tectonicsUniversity of Sydney, Caltech, NGUGPLCross-platformC++, PythonImplements GPML
OpenStereoGeoscience plotting toolCarlos Grohmann, University of São PauloGPLCross-platformPythonDepends on NumPy and Matplotlib
SvgNetStereographic and Spherical ProjectionsArijit Laikpublic domainWebAppJavaScriptDepends on JavaScript, HTML5 and SVG support in browser
OpendTectGeoscience interpretation and visualizationdGB Earth SciencesGPL or customCross-platformC++Interfaces with GMT
Geoscience extension of ParaView Includes readers and filtersKitware ParaView, Objectivity Originally MIRARCOBSDCross-platformC++, PythonAdds specific readers, stereo toolbar, slideshow capability and mining and geology oriented filters to Paraview
Paleomagnetic data visualization and analysisPontus LurcockGPL v3Cross-platformJavaDesktop GUI and Jython scripting interface.

Geographic information systems (GIS)

This important class of tools is already listed in the article List of GIS software.

Not true free and open-source">Open-source hardware">free and open-source projects

The following projects have unknown licensing, licenses or other conditions which place some restriction on use or redistribution, or which depend on non-open-source software like MATLAB or XVT.
NameDescriptionOriginatorLicensePlatformsLanguageNotes
VGeSTDiscontinuum modelingICL and QMULNot obviousMicrosoft WindowsC#?Previously known as VGW
JavageoMultidisciplinary interpretation toolGoen GhinNot clearCross-platformJava
MicroMODELFull Featured Geologic Modeling and Mine Planning SystemR K Martin FreeMicrosoft WindowsFortran +
Winteracter
Has interfaces for Import/Export to most major
software packages
Noddy3D geological and geophysical modelingTectask, IUGSCustom permissive licenseMicrosoft WindowsC++Uses proprietary XVT libraries; requires registration
RGeostatsGeostatistical R PackageDidier Renard Cross-platformR Free R Package
FlumyForward reservoir models for meandering channelized systemsARMINES - Mines-ParistechCross-platformC++Free demonstration version
Basin visualization of sedimentary fill and subsidenceEun Young Lee, Johannes NovotnyCross-platformMatlab
GeomodelrGeological modelling from cross sectionsGeomodelr, Inc.SaaS - AGPLCross-platformPythonAllows creation of public geological models in its web platform for free and query the model with an Open Source Python Package
BGS Groundhog DesktopGeological modelling from cross sectionsBritish Geological SurveyOGL - Open Government LicenceMS WindowsJavaFree to use software to digitize geological cross-sections, and display and edit borehole logs
LOGitEASYCloud-based field logging software, boring log software, geologic cross section softwarehttps://logiteasy.comFree/
Pay-As-You-Go/
Subscription
Windows, Mac OS, iOS, AndroidPHP, JavaBased on USCS Soil Classification Standard, allows generating instant PDF boring logs and geologic cross sections from the data logged using the LOGitEASY eForm