Comparison

Mapboard GIS vs ARCS Mobile App

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

ARCS Mobile App

Features
Read full description

ARCS, or Archaeological Research and Classification System, is an archaeological data recording platform with two primary functions. First, it increases the efficiency of archaeological specialists by supporting the transition from recording entry to recording review. It does so by providing an easy, fast, and non-intrusive way to automatically record and classify sherds. Instead of spending time on data entry for straightforward classification, specialists can focus their expertise on interesting and unique sherds and ask bigger questions.  Additionally, it supports data reuse through the large-scale digitization of non-diagnostic archaeological data in a comparable format.

Screenshots

ARCS Mobile App4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: ARCS Mobile App at none against Mapboard GIS's 1. ARCS Mobile App also leads on update cadence (every 8 days vs every 2 months) and device support (3 vs 1). On price, 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Mapboard GIS ships an update every 2 months, ARCS Mobile App every 8 days. The most recent releases landed on October 10, 2026 and October 5, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Mapboard GIS versus ARCS Mobile App: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMapboard GISARCS Mobile App
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.5 (2 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 8 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.115.1 — better
Further details — not scored
Size69 MB21 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDaven QuinnZhutian Gao

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Mapboard GIS

Subscriptions1
  • Full Version$29.991 Year
None

ARCS Mobile App

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Mapboard GIS free?
Mapboard GIS is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is ARCS Mobile App free?
ARCS Mobile App is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Mapboard GIS or ARCS Mobile App have ads?
Neither Mapboard GIS nor ARCS Mobile App shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Mapboard GIS or ARCS Mobile App?
Mapboard GIS ships an update every 2 months, and ARCS Mobile App every 8 days. Most recently, Mapboard GIS was updated on October 10, 2026 and ARCS Mobile App on October 5, 2026.

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