Comparison

Mapboard GIS vs GEO5 Data Collector

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

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.

Highlights
  • Field data input
  • Map and GPS integration
  • Photo, video, and audio recording
  • Standard and custom data templates
  • Borehole logging support
Features
Read full description

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

GEO5 Data Collector4 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

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.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Mapboard GIS versus GEO5 Data Collector: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMapboard GISGEO5 Data Collector
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.3 (3 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings3 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 2 months — betterEvery 3 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS16.1 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size69 MB52 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDaven QuinnFINE spol. s r.o.

Customer experience

Mapboard GIS

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

GEO5 Data Collector

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Mapboard GIS

Subscriptions1
  • Full Version$29.991 Year
None

GEO5 Data Collector

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Mapboard GIS free?
Mapboard GIS is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is GEO5 Data Collector free?
GEO5 Data Collector is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Mapboard GIS or GEO5 Data Collector?
GEO5 Data Collector is rated higher. Mapboard GIS averages 3.3 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while GEO5 Data Collector averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.
Do Mapboard GIS or GEO5 Data Collector have ads?
Neither Mapboard GIS nor GEO5 Data Collector shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Mapboard GIS or GEO5 Data Collector?
Mapboard GIS ships an update every 2 months, and GEO5 Data Collector every 3 months. Most recently, Mapboard GIS was updated on November 2, 2026 and GEO5 Data Collector on November 3, 2026.

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