Wheel Power
Precision trackway analysis: measure dinosaur footprints, calculate speed from stride patterns, plot prehistoric trails with scientific accuracy
Download Wheel PowerCalibration Quick-Start Profiles
Select your preferred reference object and get instant measurement accuracy in the field
US Quarter Standard
- Pre-calibrated to 2.4 cm diameter
- Instant photo scale reference
- Perfect for pocket carry
Credit Card Edge
- 8.5 cm long edge standard
- Universal availability worldwide
- Larger reference for wide tracks
AA Battery Scale
- 5.0 cm length precision
- High-contrast for photos
- Equipment bag staple
All reference objects provide identical measurement accuracy once calibrated. Custom length option available for specialized field equipment. Calibration values remain editable throughout app usage.
Precision Field Computation
Wheel Power transforms your smartphone into a scientific measurement station for ichnological research. Photograph a fossil trackway with any common reference object—a coin, battery, or credit card—and the app instantly calibrates spatial measurements to real-world dimensions.
The Quick Solver engine calculates hip height and locomotion speed from just two inputs: foot length and stride distance. Algorithms derived from published theropod biomechanics research estimate walking versus running gaits, providing instant field classifications without laboratory equipment.
Interactive trackway plotting lets you map entire fossil trail sequences by tapping screen positions. The app automatically alternates left-right footfalls, tracks pace and stride geometries in real time, and generates exportable visualizations of prehistoric movement patterns.
Verified Specifications
Research Capabilities
Professional-grade tools for paleontology field work and ichnology studies
Photo-Based Calibration
Place any known-size object beside tracks—app scales entire image to accurate measurements. Supports quarters, euros, batteries, cards, pens, or custom dimensions.
Quick Solver Mode
No photo needed: type foot length and stride, instantly receive hip height and speed estimates. Algorithms account for small vs large theropod biomechanics and gait variations.
Interactive Trackway Plotter
Tap to place footprints on digital canvas. App auto-alternates left-right sides, connects prints with measurement lines, calculates pace and stride in real time as you plot.
Live Unit Conversion
Switch between centimeters and inches, km/h and mph instantly—all measurements update in real time. No re-entry needed when collaborating with international researchers.
Maker Identification
Classify trackways by creator type. Database includes generic bipeds, small theropods, and large theropods with distinct locomotion formulas for each classification.
Gait Analysis Output
Beyond raw speed—app determines walking versus running classification based on stride-to-hip-height ratios, following established ichnological research standards.
Workflow Architecture
From field setup to final analysis—every measurement step explained
Setup & Calibration
- Choose preferred measurement units during three-step initialization
- Select reference object you carry in the field from six common items
- Photograph trackway with reference object placed beside clearest print
- App auto-fills known object dimension; tap to confirm scale calibration
- All unit preferences remain editable throughout session
Measurement & Plotting
- Use Quick Solver for rapid field estimates without photography
- Enter visible foot length and stride; receive instant hip height and speed
- Launch trackway plotter to map complete fossil trail sequences
- Tap canvas to drop prints; app alternates sides automatically
- Drag individual prints to reposition; undo/redo controls preserve accuracy
- Live readout displays pace and stride as trackway develops
Field-Tested Development
Wheel Power emerged from direct consultation with paleontology graduate students frustrated by cumbersome field measurement protocols. The calibration system uses objects researchers already carry, eliminating need for dedicated scale bars. Biomechanical algorithms follow peer-reviewed formulas from Alexander (1976) and Thulborn (1990), ensuring measurements align with published ichnological research standards. Regular updates incorporate user feedback from active dig sites worldwide.
Start Field Analysis Today
Android platform • Free download • 12 MB install size • Works offline after setup
Download Wheel PowerRequires Android 5.0 or higher • Camera access for photo calibration • No ads • No in-app purchases • Age rating: Everyone