# GIS Lite — Explore space

> Mobile GIS application for viewing and collecting spatial data in various formats. (iPhone/iPad app by Ioannis Sofos.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gis-lite/id1548266173 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Ioannis Sofos](https://appshunter.io/developer/1548266175)
- Category: Productivity
- Price: Free
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 13.0 · 30 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2021-02-20
- Data updated: 2026-06-01
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gis-lite/id1548266173/reviews.md

## What is GIS Lite?

GIS Lite.  Use your iPad and iPhone to open DXF, KML,  Shapefiles, GeoTiff, WorldFiles and more.  Collect data on the field, attach photos and share pdf item reports.  Take freehand / pencil notes over maps and export georeferenced tiff. Features that support property view available. New updates will gradually add features that will transform your device to a complete GIS station.

GIS Lite is a professional mobile GIS solution that enables users to load and view heir own data over a background of map service imagery.

Open of various vector data formats is supported. Below a list of current support types.
** For formats that  use support files (eg dbf for shapefiles),  files must be in the dedicated iCloud/GIS_Lite folder, so that access is provided to the application.

Raster Files *

#GeoTiff
GIS Lite can open and render your GeoTiff files directly on the map.

#WoldFiles**
Open  PNG, JPG or TIFF file using the corresponding world file (pgw,jpw,tfw).  Just specify the projection used.

Vector Files

#DXF  files
.dxf
Select your file to open from local or iCloud storage.
You will need to select data projection.
Layers and styles will be loaded.

#KML / KMZ files
.kml / .kmz

#ESRI Shapefiles
.shp
Select .zip file that contains .shp, .dbf, .prj files 
Or
Select your .shp file to open from local or iCloud storage.
If you want a full load (.dbf attributes and .prj file), the files must be copied in iCloud application folder (GIS_Lite). If not, you can still view your data. In that case, only geometry will be loaded and you will have to define projection.

Rendering of geometry primitives is currently available (points / lines / polygons)
Parsing engine is continuously updated so stay updated for more features.

Create datasets by collecting data on the field.  Capture on field photos and attach to polygon / line / point record. 

Version 1.6 introduces Apple Pencil usage for enhanced object selection.

Your spatial data is stored on the iPhone, so there’s no need for an Internet connection to see your data – great for field work. We also support over 3000 projections, so no need for re-projection.

Change Basemap among apple map / satellite / hybrid  and more.

This application is optimised to provide

• High parse and render speed
• Zoom to extend
• Zoom to selection
• Select objects on map
• Display attributes
• Highlight selection items
• Extensive projection list
• GPS position
• Export and share selected objects


Some basic GIS background is assumed to be able to use the application (projections, layers, etc)

*Images loaded are currently restricted to 2 MegaPixel size for performance reasons.

## Key features

- Load and view DXF, KML, Shapefiles, GeoTiff
- Collect field data with photo attachments
- Freehand/pencil notes over maps
- Export georeferenced TIFFs
- Offline data access
- Support for over 3000 projections
- Apple Pencil support for object selection

## Recent user reviews (2 of 2)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gis-lite/id1548266173/reviews.md

### 4/5 — Measureent

*2024-12-09*

thanks please added measurement area will be better

### 1/5 — Crashes

*2021-11-26*

If you open SHP file directly it just crashes.  And when opening zip file. It claims it has no SHP file.

**Developer response:** Thank you for the review. We are working to improve functionality. Could you please send a file sample to further explore the issue?

## Frequently asked questions about GIS Lite

### What file formats does GIS Lite support?

GIS Lite supports a variety of vector and raster data formats including DXF, KML/KMZ, ESRI Shapefiles (.shp, .dbf, .prj), GeoTIFF, and WorldFiles for PNG, JPG, or TIFF images. For shapefiles with support files, ensure they are in the dedicated iCloud/GIS_Lite folder.

### Can I use GIS Lite offline?

Yes, your spatial data is stored on your iPhone, so there is no need for an internet connection to view your data. This makes GIS Lite highly suitable for field work where connectivity may be limited.

### Does GIS Lite support Apple Pencil?

Yes, version 1.6 introduced Apple Pencil usage, enhancing object selection capabilities within the application. This allows for more precise interaction with map features.

### How often is GIS Lite updated?

GIS Lite was last updated on May 10, 2024, with version 1.8.1. The developer continuously updates the parsing engine and gradually adds new features to transform the device into a complete GIS station.

### What devices is GIS Lite compatible with?

GIS Lite is optimized for and compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices. It is designed to leverage the capabilities of these Apple mobile platforms.

### Does GIS Lite have ads?

No, GIS Lite does not contain advertisements. The application is free to use without any ad interruptions.

### What is the age rating for GIS Lite?

GIS Lite has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users. Basic GIS background knowledge is assumed for effective use.

### Can I collect and attach photos in GIS Lite?

Yes, you can create datasets by collecting data in the field and attach photos to polygon, line, or point records. This feature is valuable for documenting field observations.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.8.1 — 2024-05-10

Handle export to .shp bug

### 1.8 — 2022-04-27

Allow user to modify predefined lists for data collection.

### 1.6 — 2021-08-19

- Load shapefile directly from zip files
- Export selected objects to kml file
- Support Apple Pencil for selecting objects

### 1.5 — 2021-03-31

Introducing map sketch. Take freehand / pencil notes over maps and export georeferenced tiff. Capture your ideas on the fly and share instantly.
- Fix crash bug in export from iPad devices
- Bug fixes and UI improvements

### 1.4.1 — 2021-03-25

Introducing map sketch. Take freehand / pencil notes over maps and export georeferenced tiff. Capture your ideas on the fly and share instantly.
- Fix crash bug in export from iPad devices

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## Related topics

[ioannis sofos](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/ioannis-sofos) · [geoportal mobile](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/geoportal-mobile)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-01.*