Comparison

Mapboard GIS vs GIS Lite

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

Head to head
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

About

GIS Lite

This app allows users to view and collect spatial data on their mobile devices. It supports various file formats, enables field data collection with photo attachments, and offers note-taking capabilities directly on maps. Offline access and extensive projection support make it ideal for field work.

Highlights
  • 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
Read full description

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.

Screenshots

GIS Lite4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Mapboard GIS at 100% against GIS Lite's 50%. GIS Lite's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and update cadence (every 6 days vs every 2 months). On price 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. GIS Lite asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Mapboard GIS ships an update every 2 months, GIS Lite every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on September 8, 2026 and September 17, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Mapboard GIS versus GIS Lite: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMapboard GISGIS Lite
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.5 (2 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews — better50.0% of reviews
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 6 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.113.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size69 MB30 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDaven QuinnIoannis Sofos

Customer experience

Mapboard GIS

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

GIS Lite

Written reviews2 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Mapboard GIS

Subscriptions1
  • Full Version$29.991 Year
None

GIS Lite

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Mapboard GIS free?
Mapboard GIS is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is GIS Lite free?
GIS Lite is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Mapboard GIS or GIS Lite have ads?
Neither Mapboard GIS nor GIS Lite shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Mapboard GIS or GIS Lite?
Mapboard GIS ships an update every 2 months, and GIS Lite every 6 days. Most recently, Mapboard GIS was updated on September 8, 2026 and GIS Lite on September 17, 2026.

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