In 2026, the borehole logging market is undergoing a significant shift as cloud-native platforms replace legacy desktop systems. gINT is approaching its final years, while modern solutions like WinLoG are focusing on field-to-office automation.
When it comes to borehole and well logging, tools like WinLoG, WinLoG Field Assistant, gINT, LogPlot, and Quicklog offer unique features that could drastically improve your workflow. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore these software solutions, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use cases. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to make an informed choice for your borehole and well log software needs.
Let’s dive deeper into the key features of these tools and how they stack up against each other.
Key Product Strengths
| Product | Platform | Support Status | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
| WinLoG | Windows Desktop | Active | Large database integration; comprehensive desktop modeling. |
| WinLoG Field Assistant | Android Tablet | Active | Mobile extension of WinLoG; creates logs and prints directly in the field. |
| gINT | Windows Desktop | Expiring | Long-time industry standard; support officially ends December 31, 2028. |
| LogPlot | Windows Desktop | Active | Highly flexible, manual graphic control for detailed visual log reports. |
| Quicklog | Windows Desktop | Legacy | Simplest to use; designed for fast entry without needing complex CAD training. |
Key Product Insights
- WinLoG & Field Assistant (GAEA Technologies):
- WinLoG acts as the central hub for data management and 3D visualization.
- WinLoG Field Assistant is its mobile companion. It allows field crews to log data directly on Android tablets, which can then be automatically synced to the main office database via FTP.
- gINT (Bentley / Seequent):
- Bentley is phasing out gINT in favor of OpenGround.
- While support was extended to the end of 2028, it is no longer being actively developed with new features. Firms are currently encouraged to migrate historical data to cloud platforms.
- LogPlot (RockWare):
- Stays relevant for professionals who need extreme control over log aesthetics that automated templates cannot always provide. It is often used as a drafting tool rather than a massive data management suite.
- Quicklog (M-Tech Software):
- Known for its extremely fast setup. It uses “pick-lists” for soil descriptions, making it a favorite for smaller operations that do not have dedicated CAD operators or complex database needs.
Data Management
In 2026, data management in borehole logging has split between centralized database “ecosystems” like WinLoG and gINT, and flexible, “file-first” drafting tools like LogPlot and Quicklog.
| Software | Data Storage Architecture | Field Integration | Key Data Management Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| WinLoG | Relational Database: Centralized storage within the GaeaSynergy platform. | High: Syncs with Field Assistant via FTP/EDI files. | Built-in GIS for mapping and automatic 3D data visualization. |
| WinLoG Field Assistant | Local Tablet Storage: Stores data locally for offline use. | Native: Acts as a remote data collection arm for WinLoG. | Direct-to-PDF field printing; no office re-entry required. |
| gINT | SQL Server / Access: Powerful, rigid relational databases. | Low: Primarily manual import of field files (e.g., Excel/AGS). | Industry-standard data validation and complex custom reporting. |
| LogPlot | Independent Data Files: Uses standalone .dat files for each log. | Moderate: Can import from RockWorks databases. | “What you see is what you get” (WYSIWYG) visual data editor. |
| Quicklog | Flat Files: Simple, non-database file structure. | None Native: Manual entry or simple Excel imports. | Extreme ease of setup; data is entered via simple “pick-lists.” |
Core Differences in Data Handling
- WinLoG & Field Assistant: This ecosystem is designed for data continuity. Data captured in the Field Assistant can be automatically merged with a main server database, allowing office engineers to immediately generate cross-sections or contour maps without manual importing.
- gINT (Legacy Standard): Known for the most robust database backend (SQL Server), gINT allows for deep data querying and cross-project analysis. However, it is being retired in January 2026 (entering “Support Discontinued” status) because its architecture cannot support modern cloud-native workflows as easily as its successor, OpenGround.
- LogPlot: Takes a drafting-centric approach. Instead of managing a massive project database, it handles individual logs as separate files. This makes it ideal for one-off projects or geoscientists who need to manually “tweak” data points to fit complex geological observations.
- Quicklog: Prioritizes data entry speed over management depth. It is built for small firms that need to produce logs in under an hour without the overhead of maintaining a SQL database or learning CAD.
Reporting Capabilities
In 2026, reporting in borehole logging software has bifurcated: legacy leaders like gINT are transitioning to “maintenance only,” while modern ecosystems like WinLoG and mobile-first tools like WinLoG Field Assistant emphasize real-time, field-generated reports.
| Software | Reporting Style | Automation & Syncing | Key Reporting Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| WinLoG | Template-driven (50+ built-in) | High: Batch printing & auto-mapping | Seamless transition from 2D logs to 3D models. |
| WinLoG Field Assistant | On-the-fly mobile PDF | Very High: Instant sync via FTP/EDI | On-site reporting: Preview and print final logs directly from a tablet. |
| gINT | Code-based/Conditional | Low: Manual office entry; support ending | Highly complex, logic-driven reports (e.g., “if X, show Y”). |
| LogPlot | Visual WYSIWYG Drafting | Low: Manual desktop adjustments | Best-in-class visual flexibility for high-detail geological logs. |
| Quicklog | Simplified Point-and-Click | Moderate: Fast setup for simple logs | Speed: Generate reports in minutes without needing CAD or SQL expertise. |
Strategic Differences in Reporting
- WinLoG & Field Assistant (The Integrated Workflow):
- Field Assistant allows you to print logs as soon as the borehole is completed.
- WinLoG (Desktop) specializes in “Batch Reporting,” allowing users to generate dozens of consistent logs simultaneously from a central project database. It also integrates reporting with a GIS module for automatic site map generation.
- gINT (Legacy Leader in Decline):
- As of January 2026, gINT has entered “Support Discontinued” status. While it remains the gold standard for high-end, complex reporting that requires mathematical calculations or conditional formatting, most users are migrating to OpenGround for modern reporting.
- LogPlot (The Designer’s Choice):
- Unlike database-driven tools, LogPlot uses a visual editor where “what you see is what you get”. It is ideal for environmental and geotechnical logs where unique visual symbols or non-standard column layouts are required.
- Quicklog (The Efficient Alternative):
- Designed for smaller firms that need to produce professional-looking logs quickly. It bypasses complex database setups, offering hundreds of pre-defined formats that users can populate with simple pick-lists.
Usability
In 2026, usability is the primary factor driving firms away from legacy platforms like gINT and toward modern, tablet-compatible ecosystems. The market is currently split between “high-learning-curve” database tools and “intuitive” field-to-office apps.
| Software | Learning Curve | User Interface (UI) | Best Usability Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| WinLoG | Moderate | Modern Windows style with “ribbon” menus | Integrated GIS mapping and 3D views in one suite. |
| WinLoG Field Assistant | Low (Easy) | Large, touch-friendly buttons for tablet use | GPS Integration: Automatically pins borehole coordinates. |
| gINT | High | Legacy “Windows XP” era; spreadsheet-heavy | Advanced scripting for power users who know SQL. |
| LogPlot | Moderate | Visual “WYSIWYG” (What You See Is What You Get) | Drag-and-drop log design templates. |
| Quicklog | Very Low (Easy) | Minimalist; basic menu-driven interface | Pick-lists: No typing required; select descriptors from a list. |
Detailed Usability Profiles
1. WinLoG & Field Assistant (The “Connected” Experience)
- Desktop: WinLoG is designed for engineers who need comprehensive features without the coding requirements of gINT. Its usability shines in its GaeaSynergy interface, which centralizes project data.
- Mobile: The WinLoG Field Assistant is optimized for “gloves-on” field use. It uses drop-down menus and large touch targets to ensure logging is faster than using paper, which is the biggest hurdle for field adoption.
2. gINT (The “Expert Only” Tool)
- Current Status: As of January 2026, gINT is in a support-discontinued phase. Its usability is considered poor for new users because it requires an understanding of relational databases and proprietary “gINT Rules” code to make template changes.
- The “gINT Wall”: Most firms in 2026 employ a dedicated “gINT Administrator” because the software is too complex for casual users to customize.
3. LogPlot (The “Visual Artist” Tool)
- Graphic Editing: LogPlot is highly usable for geologists because it separates Data from Design. You can change the entire look of a log simply by swapping a template file, without touching the raw data.
- Direct Feedback: Its visual editor allows you to see exactly how the log will print while you are entering data, reducing the “trial and error” common in gINT.
4. Quicklog (The “30-Minute” Tool)
- Ease of Deployment: Quicklog’s claim to fame is that a new hire can be trained and producing logs in under 30 minutes.
- Simplification: It removes the complex database management found in WinLoG or gINT, making it the most usable for small firms that only do occasional boring logs and don’t want to maintain a complex IT infrastructure.
Cost Considerations
In 2026, the pricing for borehole logging software is split between perpetual licenses (one-time purchase) and subscription models (annual fees). Notably, several major players are offering “competitive upgrade” discounts as the industry shifts away from legacy platforms like gINT.
| Software | License Type | Estimated Cost (USD) | Maintenance / Hidden Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| WinLoG | Perpetual or Subscription | $1,195 (Perpetual) $550 (Subscription) | Network licenses are $1995. Optional annual maintenance after year 1. |
| WinLoG Field Assistant | Perpetual or Subscription | $695 (Perpetual) $300 (Subscription) | Can be used as a standalone or networked extension of WinLoG; pricing often negotiated per seat. |
| LogPlot | Perpetual or Subscription | $1,500 (Perpetual) $645 (Subscription) | Network licenses are approx. $2,625. Academic versions available for ~$495. |
| gINT (Professional) | Annual Subscription | $2,512 (Subscription) | Support ends Dec 31, 2028; users are encouraged to migrate to OpenGround. |
| Quicklog | Perpetual + Annual Fee | $1,100 (Perpetual) | Requires a $300/year fee per license for continued use |
Cost-Effectiveness & Strategy
- Lowest Entry Price (Short-Term): WinLoG’s Annual License ($550) is the most affordable way to get a full-featured professional desktop tool for a single year of work.
- Best Long-Term Value: WinLoG and LogPlot both offer perpetual licenses that do not expire. WinLoG is currently known for aggressive “Competitive Upgrade” discounts (often up to 50% off) for users switching from gINT or Quicklog.
- The “gINT Trap”: While gINT remains powerful, its high annual subscription cost ($2,500+) is increasingly viewed as poor value since the software is entering a sunset phase with no major new features planned before its 2028 end-of-life.
- Pay-As-You-Go Options: For very small projects, Quicklog offers a “Pay-As-You-Go” model at approximately $10–$15 per hour, which can be cheaper for firms that only produce a few logs per year.
Customer Support and Resources
In 2026, customer support for borehole logging software is categorized by a stark divide between “sunset” legacy products and actively developed modern platforms.
| Software | Support Status (2026) | Primary Support Channels | Key Resources |
|---|---|---|---|
| WinLoG and WinLoG Field Assistant | Active | Phone, Email, Ticket System | Online Manuals, Training Videos, Maintenance Plans |
| LogPlot | Active (Restricted) | Phone, Email, Customer Portal | Extensive Support Forum, Help Docs, Weekly Updates |
| gINT | Expiring | Web Tickets (Reasonable Endeavor) | Bentley Communities, Legacy Knowledge Base, Migration Guides |
| Quicklog | Active (Legacy) | Phone, Email | Simple Product Documentation, Technical FAQ |
Detailed Support Profiles
- WinLoG & Field Assistant (GAEA Technologies):
- Annual Maintenance: Users with an active agreement receive priority technical support and free version upgrades. Maintenance typically costs ~20% of the list price after the first year.
- Educational Resources: GAEA provides extensive online manuals for both the desktop software and the Field Assistant tablet app. They are known for responsive email support from engineers and geoscientists.
- LogPlot (RockWare):
- 2026 Policy Update: As of January 1, 2026, RockWare no longer provides technical support or license activation for LogPlot8 versions with maintenance that expired in 2019 or earlier.
- Support Community: The LogPlot Support Forum is the industry’s most active independent user group, often used as the first stop for troubleshooting. Support is provided for the current version and the two previous versions.
- gINT (Bentley Systems / Seequent):
- Status: Support has been extended to December 31, 2028, but it is now on a “Reasonable Endeavor” basis. This means no new updates for Windows 11/12 compatibility or security patches.
- Focus: Support resources are heavily skewed toward migrating users to the cloud-based OpenGround platform. While the Bentley Communities forum remains a deep archive, active engagement from developers has shifted away from gINT.
- Quicklog (M-Tech Software):
- Direct Support: Quicklog offers traditional phone and email support. Because the software is designed for simplicity, their support resources focus less on complex database scripting and more on helping users with template setup and “competitive upgrades.”
- Documentation: Resources are primarily static help files and a basic knowledge base, reflecting its “easy-to-learn” market positioning.
Integration with Other Tools
In 2026, software integration has become a critical differentiator as firms move away from isolated desktop databases toward interconnected cloud ecosystems. While WinLoG and gINT (via its successor OpenGround) offer enterprise-level connectivity, LogPlot and Quicklog provide specialized paths for 3D modeling and CAD drafting.
| Feature | WinLoG / Field Assistant | gINT (Legacy) | LogPlot | Quicklog |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data Formats | AGS , DIGGS, gINT (v8), Excel, EDI | AGS, Excel, CSV, DIGGS | LAS, Excel, RockWorks, DBF, ASCII | AGS 4.0, Excel, ASCII, .BOR (Text) |
| GIS / CAD | Built-in GIS; DXF export for AutoCAD | DXF, KML (Google Earth), MicroStation | DXF for Civil 3D | DXF, KML, ArcView |
| 3D Modeling | Native 3D Fence & Solid Modeling | OpenGround REST API | Direct RockWorks integration | QuickGIS (EVS, ArcView, ArcInfo) |
| Field Sync | Auto-Sync: FTP/EDI between tablet & office | Manual: File-based import | Manual: File-based import | Mobile: QuickLog PDA (field version) |
Integration Highlights for 2026
WinLoG & Field Assistant (GAEA Technologies)
- Centralized Ecosystem: Integration is handled through the GaeaSynergy platform, which allows borehole data to be immediately used in GIS mapping and 3D modeling modules without external export steps.
- Field Connectivity: The WinLoG Field Assistant acts as a remote sensor; it automatically fetches coordinates and elevations via Google/GPS and syncs via FTP to the office server using Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) files.
gINT (Bentley Systems / Seequent)
- Sunset Status: As of January 2026, gINT is in “Support Discontinued” status. Its integration capabilities are frozen at legacy standards (AGS 4, DXF).
- Successor Connectivity: Users are migrating to OpenGround, which features high-level integration with Autodesk Civil 3D, Leapfrog Works, and Bentley Civil Design (OpenRoads), plus a public REST API for custom third-party connections.
LogPlot (RockWare)
- Modeling Partner: While primarily a drafting tool, LogPlot is deeply integrated with RockWorks. It can import/export lithology and stratigraphy types directly from RockWorks’ SQLite databases to generate project-wide 3D fence diagrams.
- Geophysical Tools: It remains a leader in integrating LAS (Log ASCII Standard) data, which is essential for geophysicists needing to overlay curve data (gamma, resistivity) on geological logs.
Quicklog (M-Tech Software)
- Standards Support: Despite its “fast and simple” marketing, Quicklog integrates with the AGS 4.0 format, allowing users to exchange data with larger geotechnical databases.
- Modeling Pathways: Through the QuickGIS module, it organizes lithology into X, Y, Z tables specifically formatted for 3D modeling programs like EVS (Environmental Visualization System) and ArcView.
Choosing the Right Solution for Your Needs
As you analyze WinLoG, gINT, LogPlot, Quicklog, and WinLoG Field Assistant consider what features align with your specific project needs. If reporting and data management are critical, gINT is an excellent candidate. While Quicklog is a fast solution for those always on-the-go. WinLoG, paired with WinLoG Field Assistant, offers a holistic approach to data management from field to reporting.
Final Thoughts: How Can This Software Elevate Your Workflow?
Understanding your options in borehole and well log software is imperative for achieving the best project outcomes. Choose the software that fits your specific needs and streamline your workflow.
The right software will enhance your data management while ensuring the accuracy and presentation that your stakeholders expect. Now is the time for reflection—consider your current tools and think about what adjustments can support better outcomes for you and your future projects.
For a broader overview see the guide: The Complete Guide to Borehole Data Solutions.