Mapboard GIS vs PROspective by REC
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
PROspective by REC
This app is a project management tool designed for construction and field operations. It helps teams track projects, manage site details, log equipment, and document progress from start to finish.
- Project and site tracking
- Asset and inventory logging
- Photo and note capture
- Team synchronization
- Report generation
- Closeout documentation
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PROspective is a project management platform for construction, wireless deployment, and field operations teams. Manage site surveys, equipment tracking, installation progress, documentation, punch lists, approvals, and closeouts in one app. Key features: • Track projects, sites, floorplans, and assets • Capture photos, notes, and site walk observations • Log APs, IDFs, switches, controllers, and inventory • Sync field updates with your team • Generate reports, network diagrams and closeout documentation Whether you’re managing a stadium Wi-Fi upgrade, a fiber ring expansion, or a multi-site rollout, PROspective helps teams stay organized and aligned from kickoff to closeout.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: PROspective by REC at 5.0 against Mapboard GIS's 3.3. PROspective by REC also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and device support (3 vs 1). Mapboard GIS's advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 7 months). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and ads 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. PROspective by REC asks for nothing beyond the download.
PROspective by REC holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 2 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.
Mapboard GIS ships an update every 2 months, PROspective by REC every 7 months. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.
| Parameter | Mapboard GIS | PROspective by REC |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.3 (3 ratings) | 5.0 (2 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 3 — better | 2 |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months — better | Every 7 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Devices | iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.1 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 69 MB | 22 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Daven Quinn | Ridge Equipment Company Inc |
Customer experience
Mapboard GIS
PROspective by REC
In-app purchases
Mapboard GIS
- Full Version$29.991 Year
PROspective by REC
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Mapboard GIS free?
Is PROspective by REC free?
Which has better reviews, Mapboard GIS or PROspective by REC?
Do Mapboard GIS or PROspective by REC have ads?
Which is updated more often, Mapboard GIS or PROspective by REC?
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