Comparison

Outcrop vs Mapboard GIS

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Outcrop

This app aids geologists in field studies by allowing them to capture high-resolution images of outcrops. Users can interpret geological features, add annotations, take measurements, and export data to construct 3D geological models.

Highlights
  • High-resolution outcrop imaging
  • Interpretation of facies, structures, and boundaries
  • Annotation and measurement tools
  • Dip and azimuth measurement
  • GPS location integration
  • 3D geological model export (GOCAD format)
Features
Read full description

This application is designed for the geologist to use during field studies. It lets the user take pictures of the outcrop, interpret the high resolution image and export this information in 3D to construct a 3D geological model. On the image, the user can interpret facies intervals, sedimentary structures and boundaries. The user can add annotations anywhere, measure width/height of sediment bodies (channels, lobes, etc.), and compute bodies statistics. Using an iphone or ipad, the user can measure dip and azimuth and locate this measure on the picture or use its GPS location to export dip markers to the 3D model. Once the user defines the image scale, all interpreted boundaries and intervals can be exported in 3D in GOCAD format (image, interpretations boundaries, dip/azimuth and facies intervals).

About

Mapboard GIS

This iPad app allows users to draw field maps using an Apple Pencil, combining the ease of pen-and-paper with the precision of GIS. It's designed for geologists and others needing interpretive mapping, offering intuitive tools for creating topologically consistent geologic maps.

Highlights
  • Pen-based editing tools
  • Intuitive reshaping and snapping
  • Iterative topology solver
  • Onboard Spatialite GIS engine
  • Native GIS software compatibility
  • User-configurable data types
  • Tether to remote PostGIS
Features
Read full description

Mapboard GIS is an iPad app for drawing maps with an Apple Pencil. Mapboard combines the intuitive workflow of pen-and-paper mapping with the precision, flexibility, and scale-independence of geospatial information systems (GIS). Its forward-looking design helps beginner and expert mappers produce multiscale, topologically consistent geologic maps. MOTIVATION AND DESIGN Mapboard GIS was born out of frustration with both paper– and GIS-based mapping workflows. It is primarily designed for geologists but is potentially useful in many situations demanding interpretive mapping. Mapboard attempts to bring digital mapping closer to the intuitive experience provided by paper. A sophisticated open-source spatial engine drives simple tools for drawing, erasing, and reshaping features. Outputs are natively compatible with common GIS software. Mapboard allows mapping time to be spent refining interpretations instead of fighting with technical tools. KEY FEATURES - Editing tools geared towards pen-based mapping - Powerful and intuitive reshaping, snapping, and erasing - Iterative topology solver to fill map units - Sophisticated onboard Spatialite GIS engine - Project files natively readable by standard GIS software (QGIS, ArcGIS, etc.) - User-configurable data types for line and polygon features - Tether to remote PostGIS for work across large datasets and real-time collaboration - Interoperable with standard formats (mbtiles, Spatialite, PostGIS) and open-source + commercial software OTHER FEATURES - Load MBTiles basemaps - Satellite, streets, and topographic basemaps - Dark mode support - Geologic line types TERMS OF USE: https://mapboard-gis.app/terms-of-service PRIVACY POLICY: https://mapboard-gis.app/privacy CHANGELOG: https://mapboard-gis.app/docs/ios/releases

Screenshots

Outcrop2 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Mapboard GIS at 100% against Outcrop's 0%. Mapboard GIS also leads on rating (4.5 vs 1.7). Outcrop's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and device support (3 vs 1). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Mapboard GIS sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $29.99 per year. Outcrop asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Mapboard GIS holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 1.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 2 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 0% of Outcrop's written reviews are positive against 100% of Mapboard GIS's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Outcrop ships an update every 5 weeks, Mapboard GIS every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Outcrop versus Mapboard GIS: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterOutcropMapboard GIS
PriceFreeFree
Rating1.7 (3 ratings)4.5 (2 ratings) — better
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings3 — better2
Update frequencyEvery 5 weeks — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPad
Requires iOS11.0 — better16.1
Further details — not scored
Size21 MB69 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperNext-ShotDaven Quinn

Customer experience

Outcrop

All ratings3 ratings
Positive0.0%
Neutral33.3%
Negative66.7%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

Mapboard GIS

All ratings2 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

Outcrop

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Mapboard GIS

Subscriptions1
  • Full Version$29.991 Year

Questions

Is Outcrop free?
Outcrop is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Mapboard GIS free?
Mapboard GIS is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Outcrop or Mapboard GIS?
Mapboard GIS is rated higher. Outcrop averages 1.7 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while Mapboard GIS averages 4.5 from 2 ratings.
Do Outcrop or Mapboard GIS have ads?
Neither Outcrop nor Mapboard GIS shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Outcrop or Mapboard GIS?
Outcrop ships an update every 5 weeks, and Mapboard GIS every 2 months. Most recently, Outcrop was updated on October 2, 2026 and Mapboard GIS on October 10, 2026.

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