Mapboard GIS vs GEO.works Mobile
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
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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
GEO.works Mobile
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GEO.works’ online permitting system is or can be integrated with a secure 3D utility data repository to manage and store these data based on ASCE’s new as-built or as-installed standard. Workflows and required attributes based on the standard can be configured and customized to meet the requirements of your agency. Over 50 agenices in Europe and the US have adopted GEO.works’ utility permitting system. The system was designed primarily for utility permits however it is highly configurable and customizable and offers a module based installations to match your requirements. The system has been used to meet other permitting requiremetns such as outdoor restaurant permits and oversize and overweight permits. GEO.works is a web-based permitting and GIS system built on open standards and allows the managment, storage, updating and modeling of utility data.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: GEO.works Mobile at none against Mapboard GIS's 1. GEO.works Mobile also leads on device support (3 vs 1). On price, update cadence, ads and iOS requirement 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
Both are free to download. Mapboard GIS sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $29.99 per year. GEO.works Mobile asks for nothing beyond the download.
Mapboard GIS ships an update every 2 months, GEO.works Mobile every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 8, 2026 and September 17, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Mapboard GIS | GEO.works Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.5 (2 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 2 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months — better | Every 3 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.1 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 69 MB | 74 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Daven Quinn | Berenice s.r.l. |
In-app purchases
Mapboard GIS
- Full Version$29.991 Year
GEO.works Mobile
No in-app purchases









