Mapboard GIS vs GEO5 Data Collector
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
GEO5 Data Collector
This application facilitates geological survey data collection in the field. It allows users to input data, utilize maps and GPS, and attach multimedia recordings. Data can be organized using standard or custom templates for any survey type.
- Field data input
- Map and GPS integration
- Photo, video, and audio recording
- Standard and custom data templates
- Borehole logging support
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Application is used for geological survey data collection (borehole logging). The program GEO5 Stratigraphy is necessary for data transfer between PC and mobile. The App allows inputting data in the field, using maps and GPS, and adding photos, videos or audio recordings. The App allows to input data according to standard or user-defined templates, so any type of data can be defined.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: GEO5 Data Collector at 5.0 against Mapboard GIS's 3.3. GEO5 Data Collector also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1). Mapboard GIS's advantage is ratings volume (3 vs 1). On price, update cadence, ads and device support 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. GEO5 Data Collector asks for nothing beyond the download.
GEO5 Data Collector holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 1 respectively.
Mapboard GIS ships an update every 2 months, GEO5 Data Collector every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Mapboard GIS | GEO5 Data Collector |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.3 (3 ratings) | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 3 — better | 1 |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months — better | Every 3 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Devices | iPad | iPhone, iPad — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.1 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 69 MB | 52 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Daven Quinn | FINE spol. s r.o. |
Customer experience
Mapboard GIS
GEO5 Data Collector
In-app purchases
Mapboard GIS
- Full Version$29.991 Year
GEO5 Data Collector
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Mapboard GIS free?
Is GEO5 Data Collector free?
Which has better reviews, Mapboard GIS or GEO5 Data Collector?
Do Mapboard GIS or GEO5 Data Collector have ads?
Which is updated more often, Mapboard GIS or GEO5 Data Collector?
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