Mapboard GIS vs geodb field
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
geodb field
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geoDB Field — offline data collection for mineral exploration Log drill holes, collect soil and rock samples, and map geology in the field — online or off. Built for geologists and field crews who need their data captured accurately the first time, without cell signal. Three workflows, one app Drill Logging — Record collars, lithology, alteration, structure, mineralization, and samples against a downloaded drill hole, with GPS surveys and 4K core photos. Everything queues locally and syncs when you're back in range. Field Work — Execute planned soil sampling and claim staking programs with GPS navigation. Quality-control bags (standards, blanks, duplicates) download to your device and fill by scanning a barcode — no more writing bag numbers by hand. Stations that still owe a field duplicate are marked right on the map. If a project runs more than one sampling program, pick which one you're working and the station list, map, and QC queue all narrow to match. Geologic Mapping — GPS-tied sketches, structure measurements, field notes, and photo capture, with your drill holes, samples, and claims rendered as reference layers underneath. Built for the field, not the office Full offline support — every workflow works with zero signal, syncs automatically once you're connected. Dark mode throughout, for early starts and late nights in camp. A live compass overlay for structural measurements (strike/dip). Configurable coordinate formats and high-accuracy GPS. View your other projects on the map as read-only reference context. Free to use — no subscription required. Create an account to protect your data and sync across devices; local-only projects work without one. Part of the geoDB platform — the same data your field crews collect syncs straight to your team's geoDB web account for QA/QC, reporting, and 3D visualization.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: geodb field at none against Mapboard GIS's 1. geodb field also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks 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
Both are free to download. Mapboard GIS sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $29.99 per year. geodb field asks for nothing beyond the download.
Mapboard GIS ships an update every 2 months, geodb field every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 19, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Mapboard GIS | geodb field |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.3 (3 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 3 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 3 weeks — better |
| 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 | 15.1 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 69 MB | 48 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Daven Quinn | Aqua Terra Geoscientists LLC |
In-app purchases
Mapboard GIS
- Full Version$29.991 Year
geodb field
No in-app purchases









